Ouachita Baptist University Scholarly Commons @ Ouachita
Arkansas Baptist Newsmagazine, 1980-1984 Arkansas Baptist Newsmagazine
8-26-1982
August 26, 1982
Arkansas Baptist State Convention
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On the cover First statewide pastors' retreat on calendar for .October Arkansas pastors will be offered a f~h mer Arkansas Pastors. The two, now serving view on their " inner" life and "outer" minis· in Texas churches, are Damon Shook, of try at the state retreat for them in October. Champion Forest Church in Houston, and The first-of·its--kind event will be held at George Harris of Castl e Hill s Church in San Camp Paron. near little Rock. Antonio. Two sessions of two days each will be Both are graduates of O uachita Baptist provided. The first begins Mon'day after- University at Arkadelphia and Southwest noon, Oct 4. and ,loses Wednesday noon, ern Baptist Theological Seminary at Fort and the second ruhs Wednesday afternoon Worth. Bot h men have served churches in to Friday noon. other states, also. H. D. McCarty, Fayetteville pastor who is The schedule for the retreat provides for chairman of the Statewide Pastors' Retreat discussion, questions, sharing. recreation Committee, has written to all pastors, en- and fellowship. couraging them to use the opportunity pro- Pastors who have recei)\ed in the mai l a vided by the state convention. registration form should 1g;_t urn it before Messengers at last November's annual Sept. 22 to the office of ti)i:.E,ecutive Sec meeting approved the retreats, providing retary, Arkansas Baptist S~3 t e tonvention, 1 funds fOf promotion and speakers' expenses. P.O. Box 552, little Rock; /\rQ.: 72203. The Individual pastors will pay their own ex- cost of S26 will be payable at registration at penses, Dr. McCarty pointed out in his letter. Camp Paron. Additional information is Youth of Control Churcl!. Hot Sprif18S. Speakers for the retreats are the state available fro m the Executive Secretary's of and their youth minister, Mike Buller; · convention's di rector for the Ministry of fice by writing or by calling 376-4791, ex share the excitement of Magic Springs' Crisis Support. Glen McGriff, and two for- tension 101 . ,.,.ratioqs for ~ncansas Baptist Youth Doy. The Sept 11 event at the Hot Springs theme park is f!JipeCted to draw 7,000 10 8,000 Baptist youth. the largest youth gathering of the year.
In this issue 8-9 McGriff Shook Harris Life lw not been easy for missionaries in Baptist system hospital receives accreditation ~'ll""'t ina the past four mooths. but they are not baci
S4.686.580.50 Budget year-to-date S5.319,221 .23 4,765,1 45.88 Gifts year·to-date 5.189,106.73 78,565.38 Over (under) (130,114.50)
A total of 1,167, or 92.62 percent of Arkansas Baptist churches, have given 97.55 percent of the budget goal through July. This faithful givi ng represents an 8.90 percent (S423,960.85) inc rease of gifts over last year.
ARKANSAS BAPTIST NEWSMAGAZINE The editor's page Pastor's salary prime budget item J. Everett Sneed
Soon, every congregation will be formulating its1983 eternal sou l. In many instances, it might b ~~ven difficult budget. Perhaps the area your pastor will be most reluc to pay a servant of God for the actual ho~rs of his work. tant to discuss is his own salary. Many pastors even leave He is present to preach and to teach ~ 't~ give comfort in the budget committee meeting when the subject comes times of sorrow, to assist in times. o.f ~ · to counse l, to up. It is vital, however, that every church do its utmost to visit. and. most of all. to witnes~ . to th,if~st. adequately su pport its pastor and his family. This requires .In determining the 1983 pastor'~j ~lary, the church a prayerful examination of the pastor's financial needs. shou ld begin at a minimum witt~-th 3vef-age salary of the Unfortunately, a few sti ll seem to hold to the attitude congregation. Information on the effective buying power of of the church 1Tlember who is said to have prayed. "Oh. the average famil y can be obtained through the state Cham Lord. please llllep our pastor poor and humble." "On sec ber of Commerce, Wallace Building, Little Rock 72201 . ond tho ug~t/ ~; off ere d . " Lord you just keep him humble; The congregation should recognize ·tt)at the pastor we will keeli' h1ln poor." has e)C penses that members of the average Arkansas con- Most of' our chu"rches are far more considerate for gregation do not have. The pastor will have much greater the proper support of the pastor than they were in the past. mileage than most members. The pastors are expected to But there is still some carryover from the past and too wear suits more often than the rest of the congrega tion. often church members are unaware of the expens es that These items should be ca red for in the pastor's sa lary or in confront the pastor which most others do not have. some o ther portion of the church budget. There are many factors that contribute to a lack of Churches need to rem ember that inflation is continu proper support for the pastor and 1-lis family. First, most · ing. An economist recently said that America has experi· men, in responding to God's ca ll" to the ministry, relinquish enced a rise in the cost of goods in 41 of the past 50 years. any desire that they might have had for great wealth. Cer The cost has climbed by 'over nine percent in the past 12 tainly, this is as it should be. However, the pa stor and his months. which means the pastor ha s nine percent less family should have an adequate salary to live comfortably. buying power than he had a year ago. His salary should be In former times, many of our pioneer preachers es· increased over nine percent merely to give him the in tablished and served churches for on ly token sa lari es . come that he had las t year. This is not a true raise but a Times were hard. little money was exchanged by anyone. cost of living adjustment. The church members often compensated for this inability to pay by providing produce, meat, hay, etc. Si nce almost If a church is paying an adequate sa lary, an increase all of ou r churches were small and part-time, the preacher will say, " We appreciate all you do for us. We love you." was able to work at a second job, usua lly farming, which All that has been said about the pastor's salary holds provided much of his living. tru e for staff workers and associational directors of mis· Today, however, the situation has changed dramatical· sions. Perhaps, associational DOM's, as a group, are the ly. We live in a money economy. No longer is it possible to most underpaid full time religious workers in ou r state. support the pastor and his family with gifts of food. He must This is particularly true when we consider the load they have the same medium of exchange to purchase the same ca rry and the importance of their ta sk. necessities enjoyed by everyone else in the community. When budget making time arrives, let us remember The question arises, " How much should a church pay the advice of Paul as he said. " Even so hath the Lord or its pastor?" Obviously, it is imposs ible to compensate a dained that they which preach the gospel should live of man for his spi ritual services. For no one can value an the gospel" (I Cor. 9:14).
lett~ to the lldi!Of eJ.QfHSing OOiniOnS ''' kW!teo. le1tertlhoukl be typed dcluDIHpK• and rrust oe ~ lett ell must 1'101 Cortl.lll'l mora thin 350 woros and II'A.Ilt not c»lame the crvracter o1 persons. Photos submlllecllor puclicatronwilt be returned only when ICCOI'I'Oinl«< by a ~~ 11tJ. addressea enveloPI. Only bllck and white photos can be ulecl Copies tl'f mall 50 centt eacn. Arkansas· third largest publication. O..ttt. of men-oers of Arllansas crt.~rches will be reoortocl in bfiel torm wntn lnlormetlon 11 meeting the information needs of Arkansas Baptists. received not Later thin 14 d.lys alter l"'t date ol death, Ad'rerllllng rlles on request VOLUME81 NUMBER32 0911'11ons e•PIHSed In signed artldes 111 !!'10M of the writer. J. Everett Sneed, Ph.D ...... Editor ,..mbef ol Swtnem Baptlsr Preu Association. Betty Kennedy ... •...... Managing Editor TheArbnaashptlaiN~ernagru:lne (USPS03t·280)1t~~ • .._~trlltNrd Erwin L McDonald, lltt. 0...... Editor Emeritus =:~.~\~~~:'::O:::.~o~,~·~~:':!.S:~~~~~~~ per yhr (E\'try Aetldenl Famty J>Yn~ S6.00per year (Oloup PllnJ and St5.00per }"MM(to Jor. NUnu1 1~1111 Newsmtgazlne loatd ol DirK tort: Jon M. StUCblehekl, Magnolia, cNur· eiQn ec:tc~reu) . Second class pas11g1 Pilei II Uttle Rock. AA. POSTMAaT£R: a.nd lddreea man,; cr.rles Cheuer. Clrksle: lyndOn Flmey. Unte Rock.: leroy Frencn. Fort Smttn. Mil. eM~• lo ArUn111 hpllsl Nawsm.garlne, P.O. lloa 562, U!Ue Rock, AR ~ J~ GarMr. Trumam; Uerle Urnigan, HarriSon, lOtl'll'l'ly Robertson. El DotaOO: Hon. EW. ;.ne Roy. Uttle Rock; and Lane suomer, Mcun1.11n Home.
August 26, 1982 Page 3 The Southern accent D. Jack Nicholas /President, SBC
Freedom oi chotct: The last article in this column observed adept.than conservatives and have won the If "fr eedom of choice" can be appropri that after several decades during which day already in terms of vocabulary by ately applied to moral and legal issues such America has be-en susceptible to the power· couching their position in terms whi ch as abortion and homosexuality what then fut influence of various liberal groups, a elicit a strong. positive emotional response. of murder, rape, robberyl Would any court coalitton of conservative groups is d evelo~ i.e., '1freedom of choice". "re ligious liberty", exonerate an individual for rape who ad ing which is determ ined to turn back many "plura lism". •separation of church and mitted, " I did it but was merely exercising of the aains made by the liberal forces. state". my 'fr eedom of choice.' (a dangerous ques However much the reader may object to " Freedom of choice", for example, has tion in the present judicial quagmire). The the use of the labels (conservative and been invoked frequently, and effectively matter is complicated further when it is liberall it cannot be denied that numerous disarms opponents, if only temporarily. For pointed up that the fetus ,or the victim is groups of national scope fall clearly into Americans. both "freedom" and "choice" also entitled to "freedom of c~oice . " distinct and opQOS ing categories with refe r· are good words and when combined they The fact is that one mayl]not exercise ence to a number of crucial moral issues, become dynamite. So powerful in fact that "fr eedom of choice" in even such issues as that they are apparently set on a collision the issue under consideration becomes sec whether he pays taxes, drives over 55 mph, course. and that the issues are of such sig. ondary and the matter of someone denying or uses a product banned by the govern nificance that all Americans will be in someone else's "fr eedom of choice" be ment because it may be dangerous to his volved in some measure. comes the issue. health. One of the interesting features of this d ~ But careful analysis reveals that the term Thus the impropriety and absurdity of veloping conflict is the terminology that is "freedom of choice". when applied to is the expression "freedom of choice" is a~ being employed - the often euphemistic sues of moral ity and the law, is nothing parent when applied to matters of morality catch-phrases and slogans. more than an irreleva nt and confusing and the law. liberals are naturally more politically semantic device. D. Jack Nicholas is presi de'\t of Southern B.tptist College at Walnut Ridge. Letters o the editor A letter to the world and even persecuted in th is age. Still they fight on. Christ's church is not dead as missionary notes It is said that most of today's Christia n's many would suppose, she is simply waiting are gui lty of the sin Christ seemed to con- fo r her Mas ter to come and claim her. demn the most that is. of being set in a "re Mr . .tnd Mrs. Milton A. Lites, mission- There are many soul s still tru e to Christ ligion.. dose-minded and unyielding. Those aries to Ta iwan, have arrived in the States who await his return with all its conse addressed refuse to be flexi ble or even sen for furlough (address: 4829 Merida, Fort quences. Our hope is that there will yet be sitive to new revelations from he with Worth, Texas 761 15). He was born on a many more. - Ulonn 0. Klein, Arka fa rm near Carland, Ark., and grew up in whom they are supposed to be in constant detph;o touch. To cover up this failure and stagna Many, l a. The former Nannette Webb of tion in spiritual matte rs, one will attempt to Ark ansas. she was born on a farm near explain away the miraculous or simply Dyess and grew up in Wi lson. They were state "those things" don't happen anymore. Promotion not alwa-ys good appointed by the Foreign Mission Board in they were for a past generation. A very pat We ll, it's that tim e again when all the 1%9. answer for escaping the responsibility of 'good' Baptists line up in dread anticipation Carl.t C.trswell, missionary journeyman our spiritual inability. fo r promotion day in Sunday School, or Bj. to Japan, has completed her twe>yea r term Cod does heal today. He also continues bl e study. The children first - and then of service and returned to the States (ad to work wonders in the lives of those who adults from age 21 to 100 or over. dress: 6108 Mandan Rd ., Uttle Rock, Ark . let him. However, few let him. Instead we When one is young it makes no diffe r 72210). Daughter of Southern Baptist mis would relegate Christ to the past as a ence - when one becomes or approaches sionaries, she was born in Concord, Calif., "once-fCM'-all" cure of our sinful lives and middle age it becomes a whole neW ba ll· and also lived in Amazonas, Brazil. and go on our unhappy way. In an attempt to game. Too bad that an adult cannot choose Heber Springs and little Rock, Ark. She was fill that spiritual vacancy men search for to stay in his department or class where he employed by the Foreign Mission Board in new gods to take his place. The demagogue is happy without the stigma of lack of co Jul y 1980. of psychology or the various philosophies operation. so available arise to try and idolize man Every class roll carries on,e (or many} Mr. 01 nd Mrs. Allen N. Stickney, mission himself. Sure-l y some see the vanity in these names of people. inactive - one time ac aries to Kenya, have arrived in the States actions? Surely some have not left the tive - and with visitation, phone calls and for furlough (address: c/o University Baptist straight and narrowl cards urging their presence in Bible study, it Church, 315 West Maple, FayettevHie, Ark. Indeed. there is yet that righteous rem is to no avail. Could we assume (safely or 72701). They are natives of Texas. He is nant. The remnant that can't be assigned to not) that at sometime they were forced to from Houston. The former Alice Miles she a certain denomination or schcx>l of thought. promote and became dropoutsl, If so. who was born in Jasper and also lived in Za~alla, For they are simply the church triumphant. fa iledl Other denominations have recog Woodville, Port Arthur and Orange before Bru ised, battered, and weary, but also alive nized danger in the field of forced promot· settling in lufkin. They were appointed by and vital. Fighting on for the final victory in ing. Maybe we Baptists should take a sec· the Foreign Mission Board in 1970, resigned Jesus. They nave been condemned. shunned, ond look! - Patsy Horton, Little Rock in 1975 and reappointed in 1978. Page 4 ARKANSAS BAPTIST NEWSMAGAZINE Oplnlon------1\re we still Southern 'Baptists? by Lawson Hatfield A somewhat puz- m which all ages use the same weekly scrip- things together that they cannot do so well zled church member ture lesson. There a re other ties that bind, alone. asked a fellow church but the three major ties include Coopera- " Are we still a Southern Baptist churchl" member, "Are we still tive Program mission support. doctrinal A better question would be, " Are we a a Southern Baptist alikeness, and the use of Southern Baptist stronger Southern Baptist church today church?" He an- literature. It is also true that the purposes of than ever beforel" swered, "Why do you a church and the purposes of the conven- lawson Hatfield is director of the Sunc:by ask?" The inquirer re- tion are the same. The difference is that the School Department of the Arkansas Baptist plied, ''It seems things convention helps the churches do some State Convention. are changing. I can't put my finger on ex actly why I ask." Change in a church Hatfield is not all bad. Change can be either good or COMPARisON STUDY OF LITERATURE COSTS bad, according to the purpose of a church. BASED ON SIMILAR ITEMS ORDERED What makes a church a Southern Baptist churchl What a re the purposes, the "ties that bindl" Primarily a Southern Baptist Union Sund•y . church is one that supports world missions ADULT Baptist Lit. Accent Gospel School Scripture Cook Gospel through the Cooperative Program: But Press Bo•rd Light there were Southern Baptists before 1925, Teacher (10) 19.50 19.50 10.00 11.40 19.50 19.50 21 .00 the birthday of the Cooperative Program. In Pupil (90) 99.00 148.50 85.50 45.90 90.00 90.00 90.00 addition. a Southern Baptist church holds Shipping Less 3'/• Le .. SlY. +2.50 to doctrines that are set forth in general -- -- terms in the Baptist Faith and Message, Total Cost 118.50 168.00 92.64 54.44 112.00 109.50 111 .00 adopted by the Southern Baptist Conven tion in 1963. Another major c haracteri stic YOUTH of a Southern Baptist church is its use of Teacher (•) 7.80 7.00 4.00 3.84 5.80 7.40 6.40 Southern Baptist literature in Sunday Pupil (25) 27.50 41.25 21 .25 12.50 25.00 27.50 25.00 School and other organizations. Shipping Le ss 3'/• L••• s•..t. +2.50 A Southern Baptist church uses Southern - - - - Baptist literature because it is doctrinally Total Coat 35.30 48.25 24.49 15.52 33.30 34.90 33.40 sound and clearly supports on the printed page, Southern Baptist missions and pro CHILDREN grams. Also, Southern Baptist literature Teacher (6) 11 .70 10.50 5.40 3.44 8.70 11.10 8.40 costs less. Pupil (24) 26.40 21!.40 21.60 12.00 24 .00 22.80 24.00 A church could purchase a Southern Shipping -- Leas 3'/• Leta 5% +2.50 Baptist order of literature for S98.30 or pay -- up to twice as much from any one of six To1al Cost 38.10 36.90 26.19 15.05 35.20 33.90 32.40 other publishers. (see the chart below.) The cost difference is most significant The Sun PRESCHOOL day School Board produces the best litera Teacher 121 4.50 4.50 - 2.10 2.90 3.70 5.30 ture possible at the lowest cost possible. Pupil (13) 14.95 14.30 - 5.58 13.00 12.35 13.00 Not only does the Sunday School Board Ae~ource (1) 3.50 5.25 - ·' 8.05 4,45 5.95 5.25 have a lower margi n of profit. but the pro Shipping - Le .. s% +2.50 - fits of the SSB go back into the services of - - - the church through conference centers sup Total Cost 22.95 24.05 - 13.05 22.85 22.00 23.55 port and training services and functions in the states. GRAND TOTAL 214.85 2n.20 143.32 aa.oe 203.35 200.30 200.35 In addition a church can choose from three lin es of lessons, including one series Cook shipping Is + 5'1• to a maximum ol $7.50.
Foundation awards Ouachita grant ARKADELPHIA - Ouachita Baptist Uni subject to Ouachit~ securing the entire S4 and office space, four handball/racquet· versity has been awarded a chall enge grant million construction cost in cash or pledges ball courts, a gymnastics area, reception of 5250,000 by The Kresge Foundation of by December 15, 1982. The Un iversity has room, and an intramural facility for basket· Troy, Mich. toward the construction of a now raised approximately S3 million in the ball, volleyball and tennis. The swimming new S4 million health, physical education HPER campaign drive, including the Kresge pool will have a unique bulkhead that per· · and recreation complex now under con a"'Ya rd. mlts easy conversion from 25 yards to 25 meters, and permits division of the pool struction on the Arkadelphia campus. In addition to the renovation of the pres into sections for multiple use. Announcement of the award was made ent varsity basketball facility - Rocke Renovation of the present field house in July 19 by !jlfred H. Taylor Jr .. president of fe lle r Field House - there will be 65,000 cludes improvement in the seating area, ad the Foundatlqn.~ in a letter to University square feet of new space added. dition of new weight rooms, dressing room President Danie+ R. Crant The new multi-purpose structure features improvements and enlargement of conces Fulfillment of the grant is provisional, a 25--yard swimming pool, new classroom sion spaces.
August 26, 1982 Pagelj Arkansas all over people by Millie GIIIIABN staff writer
Tom Isbell the Black Oak Church at Gary. Ind. of Mountain View ----=--·~ C. K. Coffman has been awatded has resigned as pastor of the Whitten Fellowship in the Church. Academy of General Oe.ntistry for ' com Stephen Miller pleting more than has resigned as pastor of the Gosne ll 500 continuing edu Church to join the faculty of Mid-America cation credits since Se minary where he will teach Hebrew and his graduation from O ld Testament courses. the University of Te~ Roland Ch.ppell nessee College of ... : is serving as pastor of the Armorel Church. Dentistry. He is a A native of West Helena, he is a graduate membef of Mountain Isbell Parks Passmore of Southern Baptist College. He and his View Fi"t Church. wife. Janie, have two children. Doug and AlonP•riJune. Church at Blytheville to become pastor of of Lonoke. ;; PageS ARKANSAS BAPTIST NEWSMAGAZINE Indiana update Season of Prayer for
------next year's miss ion trip itinerary. State Missions nearing Prairie Grove First Arkansas Baptisb ' annual Season of completes mission trip Hughes First youth Prayer for State Missions, a week set aside A youth group from First Church of Prat take part in linkup for lifting up the work of the Missions De ri e Grove has completed a mission trip to Eleven young people and four adults partment of the Arkansas Baptist State Cricket Hill Church in northeast India napo from First Chu rch of Hughes, Ark . worked Convention, is scheduled Sept 1~26 . Again lis, Ind. A daily schedule for the group in with Southern Baptists in Shipshewana, Ind. as in the past. the ~rlcans.u Baptist News cluded Vacation Bible School, door-t It's not too late to plan by Horace L. Kerr Had you thooght need to look for another goal in which two directions for planning to cope with it too late to plan to invest your energies. You may have a that problem. One, plan to have more. for your retire real desire to become an amateur radio Consider investments for the money you ment years? To be operator and find that is a realistic op hs-ve. You may earn additional money sure, this vital part tion. These may .be far·fetched exam through hobbies or part time employ of one's life de ples, but you will discover your own de ment Second, plan your expenditures so serves earl y and sires and be able to real istically evaluate your money will go further. Cooperative long term plan them. Just don't sell yourself short on buying with others, shopping discounts ning. but it really the evaluation. You probably can do far for senior adults, purchasing generic is never too late. more than you might think at first! drugs or foods (lesser known brands with In fact. planning What you want to do and be will have same ingredients as popular brands). for our lives is a a bearing on plans for health, money, cutting non-essentia l and non-utilitarian continuous process Kerr housing and use of time. Your attitude expenses are some suuestions. If your and is completed only when our lives toward aging will largely determine the plans for the future call for money, plan come to an end. Changing circumstances level of your dreams. now how you can have the amount you call for changing plans. need. As long as you have any control over Where you will live may still be a con your life you can plan for the rest of it cern for you. Alternative type or location In planning for retirement the following may be considered as your needs change areas are considered most important: and your wants dictate. look at your op health. money, housing. use of time and tions and plan for your needs. attitudes toward aging and retirement Use of time will largely be det'ermined These same areas continue to be Our by the things you find necessary to do to concern after we are retired. Conditions maintain yourself and your lifestyle, and may arise which cause us to rethink ear· by your plans for the rest of your life. lier decisions in any one of these areas. You should now have more control over If you have never consciously planned the use of your time than before retiring. these areas of your retirement, now is It is still important to plan how you will the time to start. spend your time. Time may well be your Planning begins with conscious dect most important commodity. Budget it sions about what you want out of your You can plan for health to a greater between what you must do and what life. Are there things you have always extent than many think possible. We all yoo'd like to do. Make it work for you as wanted to do, but haven't done yet? know more about health maintenance you make the rest of life the best of your What goals or aspirations do you have and illness prevention than we practice. life I for your life? This is an individual mat Proper diet. exercise, rest and necessary It is not too late to plan. medical attention will improve the ter. If you are married your spouse is a Horace L Kerr Is supervbor of the se- vital part of your decision making. Be health of all but the perfectly healthy. nior adult ministry section of the family realistic at 'this point This is a matter of Health is defined here as a state of phys- ministry depilrtment ·of tho Sundoy your desires and goals. If you are mar ical being'which a llows us to pursue our School Boord of tho Sou!Mm Boptilf normal activities. Few persons, if any, ried these should be joint decisions and Convention. He WO August 28, 1982 Page7 Don't cry for Argentina, send help, missionaries say by Erich Bridges BUE OS AIRES, Argentona (BP) - sionaries watched and prayed from the Plata. "Yes, we're North Americans, but Southern Baptist missionaries won't be sidelines until the U.S. government came you don't spend 25 years in Argenti na wi th le-aving Argentina anytime soon. although down firmly on the British side. Then every out becoming a part of the people." memories are still fresh of the South Atlan thing changed, according to missionary Jackie Simpkins remembers the May eve tic war that tore them betvveen their home Bruce Romoser. "The response here was, ning her husband Ji mmy call ed from the land and the land they call home. 'The British are the enemy but the U.S. mission office in Buenos Aires laughingly In the last four months Southern Baptist stabbed us in the back,' " Romoser says. advising her that she "better pack a bag." missionaries in Argentina have lost one of Hostility toward North Americans in "He wasn't serious but he didn't rea li ze their own, endured insults and silence from Argentina quickly followed. The tension. fonner friends. received anonymous and never approached the terror of the earl y open threats, faced the real possibility of MoniCa Graciefa Cas tro (center, with 1 970s when military units and urban guerril mother-ifl-law, Felisa Gende, and son. evacuation and !itruggled to help their chil· las fought pi tched battles on the streets of dren understand why }onatan] attended missionary Glen /ohfl. Buenos Aires and missionaries dodged son's church to pray for her brother. a Despite their experiences. missionaries crossfire. But it was real enough for South soldier sent to the island war zone. When ern Baptist missionaries to adopt a contin believe now is the time for a new mission he returned alive, she requested baptism. push as Argentina struggles to overcome gency plan for evacuating the country. Sev saying tha t answered prayer made her the devastating loss and a threatened eco eral began packing. "realize there i$ a living God. ·· nomic collapse. Some feel the great weight of responsi Many Argentine Baptists agree. " Be bilit)' and concern felt by mi ssion president cause of tht> crisis we are 10, the people will Robert Burtis for more than 50 missionaries come to the church. all the churches," ac· and their families contributed to his fatal tiVe layman Alfredo Cons tela said. .. People heart attack May 15. A friend called Burtis always look for God in times of triaL We " a victim of the war." must we this t1me ... One missionary received an anonymous The Argentine Baptist Mission (mission letter accusing him of being "a trai tor, like ary organization) has asked for 25 new mis a ll North Americans. " and warning him to stonaries and requested reallocation of leave Argentina immediately. Several mis fu nds for new projects. Partnership evange sionary children were harassed or thi-ea t lism efforts with Mississippi Baptists are be ened by schoolm ates. A missionary fond of ing rescheduled. gardening found her plants ripped out and " If we could get an influx of missionaries replaced by poison mushrooms. at this time, get them settled and get them Nearly every missionary can recount started in their work, when the economy minor incidents - merchants refusing ser changes again we' ll have them in place·and vice, insults, sarcastic remarks, the stony ready to move." Mell Plunk. mission vice silence of once-friendly acquaintances. Bu t president. pointed out they felt greater conflict within. "We stood For miss1onaries it was touch and go for before our· church and told them we fe lt awhile. After Argentine forces occupied the torn apart." recalled Cecile Alexander. who Malvinas (Falkland) Islands in April, mis- works with her husband Mark in Mar del /lfllOCio Loredo, Ar!l"ntine Baptist leader, Missionary pas tor David Ford (right] shares coffee and conversation with church believes Argentine evangelicals must members Miguel and Elizabeth Dmiytri in their home. as }anene Ford bounces the seize rhe new opportunities for witness ,.4.rgentine couple's new child. Southern Baptis t miss ionaries in Argentina faced some offered by increased public recognition hostility a her the United States declared support for England, but Argentine Bap tists gained during the South Atlantic war. overwhelmingly opened homes and hearts to missionary fami lies. Page 8 ARKANSAS BAPTIST NEWSMAGAZINE We made it! - But it wasn 't easy. Missionary Ronnie Reynolds and son David, like leave and affirmed their work and presence other missionaries and MKs in Argentina, wondered for a time if the South Atlantic through letters and statements. war would drive them from the land they call home. Americans in Argentina suffered In individual churches family after fami insults, threats and cold shoulders from acquaintances after the U.S. government ly offered homes to missionaries as sanctu sided with Great Britain. But Argentine Baptists showered missionaries with support, aries should protection become necessary. concern i nd love. Others wrote letters, brought food or visit ed missionaries they felt needed encour agement One overanxious congregation begged a missionary pastor to hide in the bapti stry rather than consider leaving. promising to supply food and clothing. While missionaries temporarily cut back on some public activities (such as evange listic campaigns and visitation) during the height of the crisis, Argentine Baptists took advantage of new opportunities for minis try, especially in the military. With support from Baptists nationwide, the Baptist church in Comodoro Rivadavia launched ministry to military men at that city's major naval base, one of the primary points of embarkation to the island war zone. "Many of the boys had never held a Bi ble before and when they heard God's word and promises their eyes filled with tears," Pastor Omar Szust wrote a missionary. Baptists distributed thousands of New Testaments to servicemen around the how it would affect me," she said. " I walked " I didn't know what to think," David country, according to convention executive through our home. looked at everything. said. " I mean, I'm an American citizen but secretary Ignacio Loredo. Many of the test· and sat down and cried." I'm Argentine. I was born here. I think the ainents reached the is lands packed in sup Missionary children. many bdrn in Argen Malvinas (Islands) belong to Argentina ply boxes otherwise reserved for absolu te tina, felt the inner struggle even more too!" essentials, Loredo said, and were shipped acutely. Those in Bu enos Aires watched as Throughout the crisis missionaries said aboard military supply planes that ran the many of the other American and British they felt the prayers of Southern Baptists. British blockade. Authorities also distribut youngsters at their English-speaking school "We really sensed the prayer support" mis ed the testaments to wounded soldiers in left for Uru guay, the United States or En- sion president Leon White reported. " Part mili tary hospitals. gland. of it was felt in the sense of peace and Loredo believes those ministries and the David Mines, 14. the son of missionaries security we had. We felt the lord was going Argentine Baptists' vocal support of the na Don and Margie Mines, found himself wish to take care of It all." tional cause have increased public recOg ing he could · see relatives and his older Another scru rce of strength came in the nition of Baptists and other evangelicals. a brother Steve in the United States but won- overwhelming outpouring of love and sup minority in heavily Ca tholic Argentina. dering if he could ever return to Argentina por't shown by Argentine Baptists. The Na Attendance at church prayer meetings if he left. tional Convention urged missionaries not to soared during the war and at least some of those who came to pray stayed to give their lives to Christ Monica Graciela Castro, a young woman living in South Buenos Aires, came several times to missionary Glen Johnson's church to pray for her brother fighting in the islands. When he returned she asked to be baptized. "What I went through made me realize there' is, a living God," she said. Churches have also banded together to help members in financial straits and fami lies knocking at the door for help. As the war moves into the background of national consciousness, Southern Baptist mi ssionaries are getting back to work. They admit Argentina won't be an easy place to work for the next few years but talk of leav· ing is out People ask. 'Why did you stayl'," mis sionary Barney Hutson expla ined. "That leaves the door wide open for you to relate. You come here to laugh and cry. You are Shoppers in Buenos Aires search for items they can afford. A map of the M alvinas part of a people." (Falkland) Islands pasted to a store window at left declares; "Sovereign~y is not nego Erich Bridges is ,a staff writer at the For tiable." Economic consequences of the war could ren der the Argent me peso non eign Mission Bo,ard. He wrote this article negotiable, too. Devaluation in July decreased its value nearly 500 percent against the following a 10-day visit with mission,aries dollar. and Baptists in Argentina. August26, 1982 Page 9 Child care program educates children by Jim Lowry RIDGECREST. N.C. - Weekday Early teaching leaders feel they can do." gram. Churches generally must subsidize a Education, a child care program of educa Approximately 3.000 churches in the WEE program either with budget or by pro tion for preschoolers, can be a minis try op Southern Baptist Convention have some viding facilities, Evette said. portunity fO< Southern Baptist churches of form of weekday education program. Church involvement in support of a WEE almost any size. Evette said. The three basic kinds are program helps insure the value of the pro This program is more than a baby-sitting mother's day out. day care and kinder· gram as a ministry to the community, service but a ministry to parents and chil· garten. Evette continued. The program likely will dren. according to Ray Evette, consultant "WEE programs are opportunities for not be a money-making proposition for a in the church administration department of ministry to a larger group than the church church, but with such a large number of the Sou them Baptist Sunday School Board. members." Evette continued. " In some in non-church fami lies bringing chikf~n . the Evette, leading a se.ssion during Bible stances. as many as SO percent of the chil· potential for a successful outreach ministry Preaching Conference ~ at Ridgecrest Baptist dren participating in a WEE program are is excellent Conference Center here, said Weekday Ear· from oUts ide the church membership. This is the first time in several years a ly Education (WEE) programs should be " If we take care of the children in day Weekday Early Education Conference has structured but flexible to provide for needs care centers, opportunities for witnessing been offered at the conference center. of growing preschoolen. to parents and other family members very Evette said the church administration de E....,ry WEE program should seek to pro often naturally follow." Evette said. partment is seeking to provide administra vide for the emotional. social, spiritual and Eve tte said churches of almost any size tive helps and teaching materials for intellectual development of preschoolers can start a day care program. Volunteers churches involved in weekday education through planned activities, Evette said. can operate a small program one morning a programs. In addition to Evette, Gail Mer· " All programs should be teaching pro week for Instance, providing a ministry to ritt has been employed in the church ad grams," Evette said. " It is a common fee~ ihe people in the community. Most c hurd~ ministration department as editor of WEE ing that the younger the child, the less es can use exis ting facili ties for the pro- materials. Arkansans receive WEE training One hundred thirty-five Arkansas WEE ABSC. to both student and parent your Christian instructors were trained in a recent WOl'k· Or. McGriff listed a sense of belonging. a witness." l"fe told instructors. shop at Markham Street Church in little sense of worthiness and a sense of compe Ed Hinkson, pastor of the host church; Rock.. ~he Sunday School and Mis~ions De tence as three needs of children. He em l. l. Collins. interim Executive Secretary of partments of the Arkansas Baptist State phasized that crisis is prevented only as the ABSC; and Jerri Carey of Waco. Texas. Convention were sponsors. basic human needs are understood and were other speakers for the meeting that The group, representing 25 of the state's met was coordinated by Pat Ratton and Pete 55 churches who have WEE centers, ·got "As you meet these needs you will not Petty. They were assisted in planning by some tips on dealing with classroom crisis only solve a classroom crisis. but you will lynne McCauley, Janet Vire, Maxine Vaughn, and its prevention from ~le n McGriff, dt guide students in becoming both creative Ma ry Root. linda Halbrook and Cliff Jame- rector of Ministry of Crisis Support for the and productive. Your guidante also reveals son. - Millie Gill · ~inda MretS and Sharon Hicks of Fay ;, Jerri Carey of Waco, Texas, speaker and workshop leader, continued discussion of ettevilfe First Church took advantage of WEE resources with workshop participants during her lunch hour. Carey was one of the noon break ro browse in conference four conference leaders to share ideas with 135 Arkansas WEE inStructors at a work room. gaining creative classroom ideas shop held recently ar Markham Srreet Church in Lirrle Rock. The Sunday School and from displays of conference leaders. Missions Departments of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention co-sponsored the event Page 10 ARKANSAS BAPTIST NEWSMAGAZINE Foreign mission briefs Thai Christian students The students planned the work, their tion of the Southern Baptist Foreign Mis build homes for widows yearl y development project, after survev·. sion Board's Ministries and Deputation De- ing the area to decide on needs and the partment In this post. Jones will a~ais t col BANGKOK, Tha iland - A group of 25 most helpful activity. They raised money lege and pre-college students committed to Christian st udents from Ramkhamhaeng for their own transportation and food and foreign missions and will coordinate fur University in Bangkok, Thailand, recently built the homes using bamboo and logs the loughing missionaries in ministering to and built homes for widows in a rural village. vill agers had cut by hartd. counseling with these students. He assumed The vill age people, about 5,000 Hm ong Each night they led worship services in his new duties Aug. 4. For the past year he hill tri besmen. had been moved by the gov· various tribesmen's homes and on Sunday has been college student coordinator in the ernm ent from a Communist mountain area they led the regular worship service. Student Section. to a more secure lowland. There are more than 300 Christ ians in the village, incl uding the Christian leader, a former "Moh Ou," or Jones· named student manager Mindanao Baptists witch doctor, who is very influential among RICHMOND, Va. - Jerry D. Jones has ahead of schedule the non-Chri stians. been named manager of the Student Sec- MINDANAO, Philippines - Baptists in Mindanao, the large southern Island in the Philippines, are making faster progress th.an expected in reaching their soal of 1,085 churches by the end of 1985. Since the goal was set in 1981 , 151 new churches have be Sept. t3 a.m .. p.m . . .. Beech Street First, Texarkana sun, repreSenting 22 percent of the total Sept. t4 p.m .. Sept. t5 a.m...... First, Monticello projection. With 545 churches to date, the Sept. t6 a.m., p.m. .... Firs!, Forrest Cily convention already has more than the 494 Sept. 23 a.m .. p.m. . .. First, Blylheville churches expected by the end of 1982. Sept. 27 a.m., p.m. .. Immanuel, Fort Smith Sept. 26 p.m .. Sept. 29 a.m...... Immanuel, Rogers . Sept. 30 a.m .. p.m. . First. Mountain Home Husband and wife Oct. 4 p.m. . Central, No. Lillie Rock join Southern faculty Day sessions Night sessions The Board of Trustees of Southern Bap- 10 a.m.·2:30 p.m. 7·9 p.m. tist College named Mr. and Mrs. Scent Ba ll Conferences for WMU olflcers. WMU conferences repeated weg to the Music Faculty at thei r meeting BWIBYW ollicers, Acleens, GA. & Brotherhood conferences: July 30. Mission Friends leaders, BWIBYW Baplist Men and RAs Ballweg will be in charge of choral mu- members Bring leader materials. sic, and Mrs. Ballweg will be the instructor Bring a sack lunch and leader materials. of keyboard. The couple ha. degrees from Nursery lor preschoolers at each session. Oklahoma Baptist University. He also holds a degree in choral conducting from South western Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He graduated from the seminary in 1981, magna cum laude. Area Evang~lism Conferences Ballweg has had experience as a teach ing assistant at the seminary and church min ister of music in Texas and Oklahoma. 7:00 each evening Mrs. Ballweg has served as music a55ista nt and organist for churches in Texas and September 13 Oklahoma. She graduated from Oklahoma Central, Jonesboro Baptist University in 19n, cum laude. September 14 Among Mr. Ballweg's many duties at the Eagle Heights, Harrison college he will be the director of the South September 16 ern Si ngers. Oak Grove, Van Buren September 17 Passenger First Cullendale, Camden Van Special Seminars headquarters Leaders: Nice late modele Clarence Shell 5 passenger to 15 peuenger Gerald Taylor Special prices to churches Was Kent Ervin Keathley QUALITY Leonard Sanderson KUTO SALES preacher (501) 288-4490 1500 E. Rllce, Searcy, Ar1t. 721~3 August 26, 1982 · Page 11 You r state convention at work Senior Adult Mid-South Senior Adult Convention planned at Memphis On Sept 6 approximatelY 2,000 Baptist --===-- a large group of Arkansas senior adults for the fellowship. senior adults are expected to converge on Adrian Rogers, pastor of the host church, will speak on Mon Memphis, Tenn. for the first Mid-South Se day night Bob Norman. pastor of the Northway Church of Dallas, niOf" Adult Convention. The Convention is Texas, will bring inspirational messages at three of the sessions. Bi sponsoret! by six states. Arkansas, Kentucky, ble study groups and interest conferences will be offered on Tues- louisiana. Mlllissippl Missouri and Te nnes day and Wednesday mornings. The senior adult musical, "Saints s~ . The Convention begins at 6:45 p.m. Mon Alive," will be presented by the senior adult choir of the host day and will adjourn at noon on Wednesday, church on Wednesday morning. Sept 8. All sessions will meet at Bellevue There is still time to register for the convention. Send or phone Church. The Tuesday sessions will be. 8:45 your reservation to the Church Training Department. P.O. Box 552, a.m.-noon and 6:45-9:15 p.m. The Wednesday little Rock, Ark ., 72203. If motel reservations are needed, they morning session will be 9 a.m.·noon. should be made directly with the motels in Memphis. You may alSo A fellowsh1p by state groups is planned Holley register at the convent ion if you do not send you r reservation in ad for Monday night foi!O\ving the session. We are looking forward to vance. - Robert Holley, director Sunday School State Sunday School convention Sept. 20-21 The 1982 state Sunday School convention will be conducted Sunday School. at the Geyer Springs First Church, little Rock. Sept 2().21 . An out· First Church Geyer Springs is located at Geyer Springs Road stand1ng list of program leaders will be led by Harry Piland, direc just off University in southwest l ittle Rock . The host church has a tor of the Sunday School department of Nashville, and l eon Kil· growth record over the years that has brought it to becoming one breth. Sunday School revival leader of Illinois. These men will of the outstanding churches In the state. speak to the convention and will be conference leaders for general Attendance will include not only those from the central Ar· officers. ka nsas area, but many from over the state will travel by car, van, and bus to the event The convention will start at 1:30 Monday and will continue The basic theme will be growth and will relate to the 8.5 by with a second session Monday night and three sessions on Tues '85 growth emphasis of Southern Baptists. A souvenir key ring will day. Major time will be given to five confe rence periods for all age be given those in attendance. It will help remind everyone of what divisions of the Sunday School. Ken Dean of Nashville will lead a is required for Arka nsas to do its share in reaching the national conference for small churches, those with less than 250 enroll ed in goal. The "key" is 43. - U.wson H11tfield, director Family and Child Care Back to school School days are here again. Our children at the Home in Mon- tacting Mrs. Eul a Armstrong. P.O. Box 180, Monticello, Ark. 71655, ticello began another year this week. . phone 367-5358. You may prefer to contribute to the "education Along with school comes increased expenses. It has been est t sponsorship" wi thout having the name of a specific child. If so, mated that school supplies for a child cost approximately S1 2 a make your check to Arka nsas Baptist Family and Child Care Ser· month. vices and mail to P.O. Box 552, little Rock, Ark. 72203. Mark your One way you may become involved in this ministry and have check "education sponsorship". a significant influence on a child is through an education sponsor· ship. You may become a sponsor by send ing S12 per month for ··A-mind is a tremenCious ield to cultivate. Thank you for help school supplies. · ing us do#it in a Chri stian atmosphere. - Homer W. Shirley Jr., dt If you desire to sponsor a specific child you may do so by con-- rector of development Christian Life Council Death is my shepherd "This is the way of those who are foolis h ... death shall be and abundant This life is fou nd in Jesus Christ Death, tragedy and their shepherd." (Psalm 49:13. 14 NASB) Foolish are those who re the fact many are hurt are not matters of lasting and serious con ject the will of Cod for their lives. Though some may parrot "The cern so long as the pocket or purse Is adequately provided dealers lord is my shepherd." their values and lifestyle testify otherwise. of de~th. Really, death is their shepherd! Some need to re-examine whose they are. Those manufactur · Jesus,teaches that none can serve or be the sheep of both he ing. growing and distributing for a profi t ethyl alcohol, " pot" or and mammon (money). Such truth is often referred to by sophistt other brain addling drugs deal in death and destruction. Such often cates as being too si mplistic. The sad truth is that simplistic is a • foolishly reason and state that so do the makers and sellers of favorite word of propaganda and ridicule. used often by those in the great flock of shepherd death. means of transportation. There is, however, a tremendous differ· ence. Those who only walk, not ride, are endangered and often The ability to sincerely say, "The LOrd is my Shepherd" as he killed when the brain is chemically addled. intended is a good way to check out your salvation! - Bob P11rker, The lord and his sheep are interested that all find life eternal director Page 12 ARKANSAS BAPTIST NEWSMAGAZINE Your state convention at work Evangelism leading to decision The Continued Witness Training witness The lost person is asked, " Is there any reason you would 'not has preserited the Model Presentation. He be willing to receive Cod's free gift now?" As they respond with the has di ~ cussed in detail repentance, faith, and green lighi. the next question is asked, "Are you willing to turn the Lordship of Christ This is a very crucial from your sins and place your faith in Jesus Christ right nO\vl " time in the witness procedure. The devil wi ll try to impress the witness to leave the lost The witness shares a final clarification. To receive Jesus Christ person here to think aboUt the presentation. you must repent of your sins, place your faith in Christ, make Jesus The witness is at the point to wi n or lose the the l ord of yoU r life. battle - to succeed or fail. God's spirit says The witness and the lost person share in a prayer of commit· " Move on to a decision". ment The Christian witness prays di rectly for the lost person. The The lost person is asked the question, lost person then is led in a prayer of commitment to Christ The lost " Does th is make sense to you?" If they re- person is welcomed to the family of Cod. This is foiiO\ved by a spond with a ~· yes", move on to the next Shell prayer of thanksgiving for his or her salvation. Tliis is a glo rious ex· question. If they respond with a " no", review the main points of perience for the mature Christian and the new Christian. - the gospel. Clarence Shell Jr., director For Salo: A 44 ton Westinghouse Chill Water Air Conditlonlnq unit, 220 volt, 3 phase. No wt~.t cr tower. Motor needs re-. windlng. Contoct First Boptlst Church, P.O. Box 339. Noshvtlle, Ark. 71852 or call 845·1404 or Mr. Jan Musgrave at ~ c®@@o~~~c~@ 845·4055. Unit os is: $1 ,000. (except In Tennessee) Champion medium duty buses Rugged steel cage construction Saturday, September 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Deluxe hiback seating t • Air conditioned Arkansas Baptist Youth Day • 22·30 passengers Travel in comfort and style - join the Champion team sales·rental Arkansas Bus Exchange G->~ ~ 1401 Main, Pine Blutf, Ark. (501) 536-7795 Citv Church Is looking for part·time Also Music & Youth Director which can euen· Youth Choirs tuallv become a full time position. Persons Interested are asked to call shows 501· 753-5108 or write Personnel Com· afternoon rally mlttee. 5301 Summertree Driue, North Disciple Youth Unle Rock, Ark. 72116. interpretation Captain Wortd•s Fair Rental . Di>cip}el.i/o New l·bedroom apt. dose to shuttle be~n Knoxvllle and Smokles. Sleeps four , cooking fiKillties, S50 per coupkl , $8 each 'additional For more Information, contact Church Training Department. A:kaDICIS guest. (6 151 573-4910 or wrl!e Joe On, R1. 16. Baptist State Con.,.nuon. P.O. Box S52. Uttle Rock. Ark. 72203 Knoxville. TN 379:!0. August 26, 1982 Page 13 Lessons for living Aug. 29, 1982 Inter •ational Life and Work Bible Book Silas and Titus: Sa rah: Faith that trusts Persona l tha nksgivi ng Workers with Paul by Homer W. Shirley Jr., hmily il nd Child by John C. Matlhews, First Church of Ourk C ~ r e of little Rode Basic pasYges: Ps.1 lm 16; Psa lm 66 b L l. Collins Jr .. Interim h:KUtiw- Secre- B ~sic puAges: Genesis 1 7: 1~18:15 ; 21 :1·7; Foul pusage: PYim 18:1-6; 1 ~20; Ps.1 lm t•ry. ABSC IYi.th 51 :1-2; Hebrews 11:11 66:13·20 Buic ....,.,..,Ad> 15:22. 30-41; 17:1·15; 2 Font p.ts.s.tges: Genesis 17:15-1 7, 19; 21:1·2, Ce ntrallruth: When we see who God i!i and Corinthi~ns 7~·16; 8:1-6, 16-24; Titus 6-7; IYi.th 51:1 -2; .Hebrews 11 :11 whil t he does fo r us, we will desire to praise foal ~55q6: Acts 15:22, 30-34; 2 Corin C e ntr~ llruth : F.tilh trusts God under a ll cir him. thi•ns 8:16-24 cumstances for all time to come. Have you ever overheard a parent asking Ce-nh~l truth: A ~rt of the mi nistry of Piiul 1. Faith belie~es God in spite of unbeliev his child this question: " Now, wha t do you wu ucomplished by Sil.u .Jnd Titus, his fel able circumstances. This means trust It is sayl" Usuall y, the pare nt is teaching the k>wworbrs. the capacity to take Cod at his word. A per· child to say ei ther " please" or " tha nk you". little is known of the way Titus became son of faith not only accepts the intell ectu Every c hild should be taught suc h courtesy a member of Paul's band, but Silas first ap al fact of Cod's promise but also trusts Cod a nd gratitude. pears during a time of controversy. The to fulfill his promise. To trust means to to As childre n of God. we frequently say leadership of the early church met at Jeru tally relax and .rely upon Cod. Complete " please" as we fist our petitions. But, like salem to discuss the controversy, and Silas confidence is in him. like stepping on the the child, we often have to be reminded to was among those who returned with Paul to scales, the whole weight rests upon Cod. say "thank you" to Cod. Petitions a re im· Antioch with the solution. When we look at circumstances that portant but praise is important too. When When Barnabas and Paul went separate defy hu man reason we would lose hope ex· we thi nk about Cod's goodness before we ways Silas joined Paul and remained with cept for Cod. But when Cod is injected into pray, it's di ffi cult not to begin our prayers him for the remainder of his ministry. The the picture the e ntire si tua tion changes. with praise and fi ll them through and life of faith is lived one day at a time sensi- This was the case of Abraham and Sarah. through with praise. (Praise + Pe titions + tive to the leadership of Cod in every situa· Being past the normal child bearing age the Praise = Prayer) tton. promise of a son seemed futile. And so it Why give tha nks? .would have been but for Cod who made (1) God comma nded tha t we give tha nks The qualities that are seen in Titus that the promise. To the person who believes in all things. make him worthy of note including his con. God, nothing is impossible. Therefore he (2) Giving thanks brings a n attitude of cern for others. his aggressive involvement rests the case wi th Cod as if a ll of life de gratitude rather tha n an expression of de in God's work, the recognition by his fellow pended upon it And that it does. pression. Christians of his leadership ability and final 2. The faith that trusts Cod realizes the (3) Giving thanks blesses both the giver ly his active role as the leader. fulfi ll ment of Cod's promise. Isaac was and the receiver. Titus shared more than Paul's work, he born as a result of faith. "Sarah herself re David learned tha t the secret of a happy shared his "eilmest care" (I Cor. 8:16). An ceived power to conceive seed when she life is in always givi ng thanks. He cons id indivklual or a church can never replace was past age, since she counted him faith e red who God was, what Cod did for him, caring by giving. Giving may be an expres-. ful who had promised (Heb. 11 :11 ). God a nd how he should respond to Cod. Psa lms sion of caring. but it is not caring. stands ready to shower his blessings upon 18 and 66 ill ustrate David's three steps to Titus recognized the needs of the Corin those rho trust him. praise: thians and went to them "of his own ac 3. Faith trusts Cod to fulfi ll his promises (1) Who is God1 according to his own ti me table. O ften we cord'' (I Cor. 8:17). like him we must be My rock, fortress. deliverer. Cod, strength, pray and ask Cod for some thi ng and affix a quick to respond to the physical, emotional shield. (18:2t worthy to be praised (18:3); or spiritual needs of our brothers and sisters. ti me to it We may then become fretful if my stay (18:1ai. Hesitancy to become involved is unfaith- we do not""realize the answer accordi ng to (2) Wha t does God do for m er the table we set fulnes.s. ' He hears ( 1 8 : 6~ saves (18:16); delivers Faith continues to trust God through all (18:1 n de lights (18:19); rewards (18:20); The early Christians recognized Titus' seeming delays, recognizi ng that Cod's pur· hears and a nswers {66:19). PTLI abilities. Perhaps their choice was basically poses which a re not always known to us, (3) What sha ll I do1 their re Page 14 ARKANSAS BAPTIST NEWSMAGAZINE The Criswell ·Study Bible is one of the finest commentaries in the English language The Criswell Study Bible features over 24 special study aids and articles and is an outstanding too l for personal, spiritual growth and understand, ing. Distilled within its pages are explanations of difficult ve rses, harmonization of conflicting texts, identifications of people and places, discussions of customs and cultures, and biblical answers to modern·day problems. King James Version, black letter edition. Available in hardcover, imita· tion leather, permaleather, genuine leather, and top grain cowhide. Priced from $21.95 ~ · Thomas Nelson Available at Baptist Bookstores '"f' WOfkt's LudlllQ Bible Put>llsht:r August 26, 1962 Page15 Robertson to lead Biblical authority question by Mi ke Creswell seminary extension centers blurs purpose, Parks claims A HVILLE, Tenn. (BP) - Paul E. Rob " There is confusion among us because ertson. a louisiana pa tor, has assumed re GLORIETA. 1\1\ (BP) - Overemphasis some would have us believe that our identi· sponsibil ity for promoting and coordinating on biblical authority is a heresy among ty, our cha ra cterizing principles, our unify. eminary e~t e n sio n centers across the Southern Baptists which is creating confu· i'l,g force iS nOI. in fact, missions, but Some country. sian and causing the denomination to stray As dire : Street------CP giving 9.17 percent ahead of july 1981 : Cey ___~------NASHVILLE. Tenn. (BP) - C~pe r ative conventions as we ll as older. es tablished Program receipts from the 34 state Baptist conventions." : Stat Zip ___ I Conventions to the national Southern Sap- Benn ett pointed out that Cooperative L------~ tist Convention were more than S8 million Program contributions from the states con· dollars last month, representing an increase tinue to outrun inflation. Jul y rece ipts were of 9.17 percent over receipts from July 1981 . 58,066,921. held pastorates in Fayette and Columbia. "Although designated giving was down Designated giving, primarily to the Foreign Miss. slightly (less than 510,000 out of a total of and Home Mission Boards. was off one "Pastors and other ministers without semi 52.8 million) for the month it ' is good to third of one percent (.33 percent) from a nary training are the persons we most want note the Annie Arm st rong Easte r offering year ago at almos t $2.8 million. to reach through seminary extension," said for home missions was approximately S1 Raymond M Rigdon. executive director of " Even in the face of difficult economic million more than for the sa me period in the Seminary External Education Division. times Southern Baptists have con t in u e~ to 1981 ," he said. For the yea r, designated which includes the seminary extension de express their concern for world missions," gifts are 12.3 percent ahead of 1981 . panment The division and its work is jointly Harold Bennett, executive sec retary of the for the fiscal yea r Southern Baptists have sponsored by the six Southern Baptist semi Southern Baptist Convention Executive contribu ted 577,807.808 to the Cooperative naries. Committee, said. " For the yea r·to-date (10 Program to underwrite missionary and edu· Robertson is a native of Mississippi. He months into the SBC fi sca l year), Coopera· cational programs at the national level and and his wife. Judy, have two preschool chiJ.. tive Program receipts are up 13.9 percent given another 577,940,779 in designated dren. Chad and Charise. with support coming from the newer state gifts. the vast majority to mi s~io n ca uses. Page 16 ARKANSAS BAPTIST NEWSMAGAZINE