Former Maryland Terrapin Serves at Saddleback Church

LIFETM BaptistBaptist Newsjournal of the Baptist ConventionLIFE of Maryland and Delaware November 2003 Former Maryland Terrapin serves at Saddleback Church

By Shannon Baker BaptistLIFE Correspondent

LAKE FOREST, Calif.—It was 1982. Ronald Reagan was president, the communications giant AT&T was forced into de- centralization and the poison- ing of a batch of Tylenol pain- killers killed seven people and altered the way many products are packaged in the United States. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial debuted in the box offi ce. Glen Kreun was also inter- viewing at the almost three- see pages 6–7 for our year old Saddleback Church in Lottie Moon Offering Lake Forest, Calif. special feature! The then 42-year-old retired Navy man had earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Maryland and had been baptized at First Church, Laurel, Md., under Frank Perry’s pastorate, and had recently earned a master of religious education degree from Golden Gate Seminary. He was already settling Glen Kreun, Saddleback Church, (left) and Stan Beall, pastor (right), launched the campaign, “40 into a comfortable position Baptist CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Columbia, Maryland 21046-1716 10255 Old Columbia Road Days of Purpose,” at First Church, Laurel, on Oct. 11. The campaign is revolutionizing churches of all as minister of education and denominations across the nation. administration at the well- Purpose-Driven Growth LIFE established Vallejo Church in nothing, but they were excited dance each weekend and over northern California when he about their faith. They had a 190 full-time and 50 part-time Now in the second season received a call to visit the Or- real love for Jesus.” staff members. Recognized of its “40 Days of Purpose” ange County church. There, at There were less than 300 as the fastest growing Bap- campaign, Saddleback Church a backyard barbeque at Rick people attending the church tist church in American his- baptized 671 new believers, Warren’s house, he was smitten when Kreun came on board to tory, Saddleback is the church added 1,200 new members and by the church’s young believ- start a Sunday school program behind the Purpose-Driven increased its average atten- ers. and to handle the church’s ad- movement inspired by War- dance by 2,000 in just 40 days “It was like an orphanage,” ministration. ren’s best-selling books, The last fall. the now-Saddleback executive Now, 20 years later, there Purpose-Driven Church and The continued on page eleven pastor remembers. “They knew are over 18,000 people in atten- Purpose-Driven Life. New churches change the landscape of Maryland/Delaware eternally

By Joyce Jackson Jackson explains current small groups, launching again “Church planters are our scouts BaptistLIFE Correspondent approaches to church planting. and again in multiple settings. to an emerging world. They “Not all churches get started In these situations it is often can see and perceive things COLUMBIA, Md.—Grow- the same way. Some congrega- hard to determine when ‘the that many of us would never ing at a rate never before seen tions hold services the fi rst launch’ actually takes place,” notice or understand. They are in the Baptist Convention of Sunday the planter is on the Jackson said. our delta force, our navy seals. Maryland/Delaware, church fi eld, even if the new church Jackson noted that by They go where many of us dare starts take place in new and di- has only a handful of commit- tailoring these different ap- not tread and do things that verse locations to reach people ted people at that time. These proaches, from the beach, to they are especially trained to untouched by the gospel. tend to grow slowly, but steadi- the cities and mountains a do. There is no question that Currently, 72 new works ly, in the coming months. wide range of people are being church planters are penetrating meet in various stages of “Other congregations culti- reached. New church starts the vast pool of lost and un- growth, from home Bible vate relationships among their currently minister to students, churched people in Maryland/ studies to dynamic worship core families in small groups or Koreans, Korean Deaf, Libe- Delaware in a way unseen in services. The challenge to fi nd home Bible studies for up to a rians, Filipinos, Vietnamese, recent years.” meeting locations results in un- year before they hold a ‘Grand Latinos, Urdu, Pakistani, “Here again is the key,” Lee usual solutions such as a tour Opening’ or ‘Launch Day.’ The Congolese and multi-cultural said. “Existing congregations, ship, mall, theater, school and entire community is invited to populations. investing both human and baseball stadium. this day–a fi rst public worship A few of these young fi nancial resources, success- Church planting consul- service, if you will–in which churches are already reproduc- fully reach out through their tant, David Jackson, stresses typically a large crowd gath- ing new congregations. Some ministries to the lost. At the the importance of church ers. In subsequent weeks, the of the church plant offspring same time, they give birth to starts. “New churches are our crowd will drop back in size as are within our region with one congregations who witness and

Columbia, MD past and our future. Behind their identity takes shape. Once in New York City. Others are minister, who then give birth U.S. Postage Permit #350 Non-profit each existing church stands a defi ned the ministry grows international, Jackson said. to new congregations who wit- PAID pioneer, a witness to the work steadily,” he said. David Lee, executive di- ness and minister, all the while that is our inheritance. These “A third approach, more rector of BCM/D, discusses expanding our circle of witness pioneers forge a legacy and a common these days, focuses the crucial role of churches and infl uence in this area and challenge to reach our region on small groups. These congre- partnering with planters to throughout the world!” for Christ.” gations grow by reproducing reach this region for Christ. continued on page ten Enough already!

s of this writing, more Every long-standing so- that state. Delaware has pro- (202) 224-4654 than half a million ciety has defi ned marriage tected marriage by prohibiting Rep. Roscoe Bartlett Americans have signed as between one man and one same-sex “marriage.” Mary- (R-6th District) (202) 225-2721 Aa petition to Congress that woman. Studies of previous land, on the other hand, has Rep. Benjamin Cardin they believe marriage should civilizations show that when not fully protected marriage (D-3rd District) (202) 225-4016 be only between a man and a a society deviates from this through DOMA laws. Specifi - Rep. Elijah Cummings woman. I realize that this defi - norm, it begins to deteriorate cally, Maryland needs to clarify (D-7th District) (202) 225-4741 nition of marriage is not news and decline as a civilization. the issue of recognizing same- Rep. Wayne Gilchrest to most of you. It’s just that Even the fi ve major world re- sex “marriages” performed out (R-1st District) (202) 225-5311 Bob Simpson the world is on the verge of ligions all recognize and pro- of state. I would encourage you Rep. Steny Hoyer BaptistLIFE Editor, going stark raving mad. Why mote the natural, heterosexual to contact your state represen- (D-5th District) (202) 225-4131 BCM/D Director of is it necessary to undermine orientation of marriage. They tatives and urge them to sup- Rep. C. A. Ruppersberger Communications the most fundamental build- include Buddhism, Islam, Juda- port and pass DOMA legisla- (D-2nd District) (202) 225-3061 ing block of every society: the ism, Hinduism and, of course, tion at every opportunity. Rep. C. Van Hollen family unit? The fact that we Christianity. I am not usually prone (D-8th District) (202) 225-5341 even have to have this dis- The possibility that a liber- to call you to specifi c action. Rep. Albert Wynn cussion just blows my mind. al court somewhere will legal- Normally, I like to make you (D-4th District) (202) 225-8699 I don’t know about you, but ize gay “marriage” has led pro- think, encourage your spirit I am at the point of saying family lawmakers to introduce and provide a perspective that Delaware: “Enough, already!” the Federal Marriage Amend- you might fi nd helpful. In this Senator Joseph Biden (D) Marriage was not our idea. ment (FMA) which would de- case, however, I am asking you (202) 224-5042 It is not even an American fi ne marriage as solely between to call your Congressional Senator Thomas Carper (D) invention. It was the fi rst in- one man and one woman. The delegation and let them know (202) 224-2441 stitution ordained by God. He Federal Marriage Amendment that “Enough is enough!” Tell Representative Michael Castle (R) created man and woman and needs the approval of two- them to support and pass the (202) 225-4165 blessed their union. Jesus fur- thirds of the House and Senate Federal Marriage Amendment ther underscored the ultimate before each state gets a chance and any and all future legisla- Another way to help is to importance of marriage being to vote on it. tion that would defend the visit the CitizenLink website, between one man and one At the state level, a “de- traditional defi nition of mar- www.citizenlink.org, and click woman. In Matthew 19:6, Jesus fense of marriage act” (DOMA) riage. You may contact your on the “Help Save Marriage!” said, “Haven’t you read the scrip- law is one that defi nes mar- Congressional delegation from link at the right side of the tures? They record that from the riage as a legally sanctioned the list below: page. There you can sign the beginning ‘God made male and union between one man and petition online and join the al- female.’ This explains why a man one woman. If a state has Maryland: ready half a million Americans leaves his father and mother and passed some sort of DOMA Sen. Paul Sarbanes (D) who have had enough. How is joined to his wife, and the two law, no other defi nition of mar- (202) 224-4524 about you…have you had are united into one.” (NLT) riage would be recognized by Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D) enough?

It makes all the difference in the world

hy do we take impor- among Maryland/Delaware We need the reminder that word to describe us. tant time from our Baptists. we need one another. We are I, for one, do not believe own fi elds of minis- We need the encourage- so outnumbered. The task is that our system of associations, Wtry, spend quite a few dollars ment and the inspiration we so huge that no church in this state conventions and a na- and travel to Ocean City to get. I enjoy hearing the preach- convention regardless of size tional convention is out of date. hold a convention? Or to ask ing. The music is always won- can impact this region alone. United we represent a signifi - the same question another derful. Yet, to me the greatest We need each other. There are cant ministry force capable of way, what difference does it inspiration comes from hearing no two Maryland/Delaware touching lives in the name of make? My answer—it makes the fi rst hand reports of what churches exactly alike. No two Jesus. And hearing the gospel all the difference in the world! God is doing in our multi-state ministry settings are exactly of Jesus Christ makes all the We need the fellowship. convention. Hearing the good alike. We all bring unique difference in the world to those Dr. David Lee If for no other reason I would news about our missionary ef- cultures, backgrounds, and who need help and hope! BCM/D Executive be in Ocean City on Nov. 9-11 fort encourages and inspires perspectives to the work of the Join us as we celebrate our Director to see my friends and fellow me to go back home and tell Kingdom. Take away any one Maryland/Delaware Home- ministers. There is a won- the good news of the gospel of of us and we lose something. coming and our life in the fam- derful fellowship that exists Jesus Christ. “Interdependent” is a good ily of God. A Maryland/Delaware family reunion

n mid September my fa- coming! Like a large biological of believers.” He uses a similar and munch on Skycroft cook- ther’s extended family gath- family, scattered across the term in Ephesians 2:19, calling ies, our hearts will be com- ered in western Maryland miles, we are coming home us “God’s people and members ing home. Home… that place Ifor a Simpson reunion. I knew to celebrate our spiritual con- of God’s household.” In other where we gather at the end of my aunts and uncles. Nam- nections. For two days we will words, we share a family tree! the day to see the people with- ing the cousins was more of a rediscover some of our Baptist Our two-day convention in our family. struggle. The blessing, how- “cousins.” provides us the opportunity to It will take some effort for ever, was in gaining a larger The love of our heavenly gain a larger view of what the us to be in our seats on the af- view of what the love of my Father, is the source of our love of our Lord is producing ternoon of Nov. 10th. But like grandparents has produced. family’s heartbeat within in our churches and associa- a warm dinner on a cold eve- From Oakland to Ocean the Baptist Convention of tions. He has been working ning, the embrace of another Tim Simpson BCM/D President City, Dover to Waldorf, Bal- Maryland/Delaware. His gen- throughout the branches of our believer who has been giving timore to Brunswick, mes- erous, open-handed grace and Baptist tree. I can’t wait to talk their life for the cause of Christ sengers from our churches are mercy have included us within to pastors, convention staff, will satisfy our soul! Join us headed to our annual meet- HIS family. In Galatians 6:10 church planters, staff members, in Ocean City as we enjoy an ing, Nov. 9-11. It’s time for a Paul describes Christian broth- friends and, some cousins I’ve outstanding reunion of our Maryland/Delaware home- ers and sisters as the “family never met! As we share a meal convention family.

LIFE BaptistLIFE Staff Baptist Letters to the Editor (LTTE) Serving Baptists since 1849 Bob Simpson Editor and Delaware Baptists related to or assisting in do not reflect the views or Iris White Associate Editor BaptistLIFE Volume 87 Number 10 starting new churches and strengthening existing opinions of . We prefer letters from Maryland Sean Copley Design Editor ones. Acceptance of advertising does not constitute an and Delaware. Only letters marked clearly for publication Sharon Mager Staff Writer endorsement of any advertiser’s products or services. as a LTTE, signed and with addresses will be considered. BaptistLIFE (ISSN 331-640) is Todd Hampson Graphic Designer Please include a daytime telephone number for verification published monthly except January as a Cindy Harper Ministry Asst. Deadlines for news and advertising is the end of day on purposes. Letters may not exceed 300 words and are subject Cooperative Program ministry of the Keith Stephenson Production Asst. the 2nd Friday of the month preceding the next issue. to editing. Letters attacking churches or individuals will not Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware Sherry Lee Editorial Associate be published. Letters will be edited for clarity, BaptistLIFE Ed Nettleship Photographer Subscription: Free of charge by request to members of the style, and space considerations, but not for content. We Postmaster: Send address changes to: BCM/D churches; outside BCM/D churches and members, regret that we cannot respond to all letters not accepted for 10255 Old Columbia Road Address Change: Send the new address with the old $10 per year; BackPage Program: $20 per issue. publication. Columbia, MD 21046-1716 mailing label at least three weeks prior to move. We Welcome letters from readers, press releases and photo BaptistLIFE is a member of the Association of State Baptist (Phone) 800.466.5290 ext. 245 Advertising Rates are available. topics of interest to Maryland/Delaware Baptists. Digital Papers and is printed by The Daily Record, Bel Air, Md. (Fax) 410.290.6627 We do not automatically accept all advertising. We typically photos sent electronically are preferred. If you send glossy (E-mail) [email protected] accept ads for services provided to Maryland prints, please include a SASE for return. Arundel AssociationArundel As a Halloween alterna- Association’s annual meeting gomery Association’s annual AssociationLIFE tive, the church will go camp- at Friendship Church, Sykes- meeting last month. comes primarily from Faith Church, Glen Bur- ing at a state park. ville. church and association nie, added a third Sunday They started a new youth The association voted Tri- Potomac PotomacAssociation newsletters, bulletins morning worship. The 8:30 service on Sunday nights and county Church, Monrovia, and written reports on a.m. “celebration service” is have gone from fi ve to 25 teens, and Linthicum Church into Grace Church, Bryans events that are sent to contemporary with a praise half of which are not saved. the association. Road, has kids nights out Baptist LIFE. band led by assistant worship The church meets at RC16 Two new churches launch- each month. The children en- You may feel free to leader Jeff Higgins. Theater at Westview Prom- ing in Mid-Maryland next joy activities like a fair and a fax news to us at (410) Heritage Church, An- enade. This is the seventh year are House on the Rock sleepover. Parents and grand- 290-6627 or e-mail napolis, had a fall festival with meeting place in two years and Church in Westminster. Scott parents are always invited to to Sharon Mager at a magician, moon bounce, church planter Bill Craig said Sroufe is the planter and join the fun. [email protected]. Obituaries are games, a funhouse and hay- more visitors are coming than Westminster Church is the edited due to space ride. Church and community ever before – an average of 20 parent. Journey Church is Prince George’s Association Prince George’s restrictions. members donated blood last a week. being planted by Cornerstone month when the Red Cross Paramount Church, Hag- Church, Columbia. Steve Christ Creative Church, bloodmobile visited. erstown, celebrated grand- Lowe is the planter. Bladensburg, had fall revival New Beginnings Church parents at a recent worship Justin Hanneken is the services lat month featuring & Ministries, Pasadena, service. The day started with a new youth director Taney- Bishop Thelma Jones, pastor of partners with another local breakfast. During the service town Church. Christ Temple of Deliverance evangelical group regularly for grandparents were recognized. David Yang is the new Church. The theme was “Seek- “share fest.” Members give out The choir, made up of only pastor of Beautiful Commu- ing the face of God.” Obituaries cold water, hold free car wash- grandparents, sang and special nity Church, Laurel, formerly Faith Church, Laurel, had es and perform other random music by grandparents was Laurel Korean church. an ordination service on Sept. Dr. James (Jimmy) acts of love. presented. Bob Jordan is the new pas- 28 for Anthony Mastromarino. A. Hubbard passed Youth from Severna Park Virginia Avenue Church tor of Columbia Fellowship Mastromarino is serving with away Saturday, Church participated in a 10K hosted their annual Fall Fes- Church. the foreign mission board as a Sept. 20, after a long walk to raise money for world tival on Oct. 5. Pastor Shane Gunpowder Church, missionary to Algeria. illness. He had a hunger and for a local food Stauffer and his wife Allison Freeland, welcomed Jason The Prince George’s As- stroke nine years ago bank. The church’s children’s had a baby boy on Oct. 6. Weisenbarn as new minister of sociation Family Ministry is and deteriorating choir will present the musical music and Jeff Tracey as youth hosting a Family Film Night on health since then. He “Noelle the First” on Dec. 7 at DelawareDelaware Association pastor. Nov. 14 at Forestville Church pastored Bel Forest 7 p.m. Brian Jernigan is the new with dinner and a movie, “The Baptist Church from Brenda Gay Shumaker, minister of music and ad- Climb.” There is no cost. Call Sept. 20, 1959 to Jan. BaltimoreBaltimore Association interior designer and author, ministration for Hampstead (301) 731-4199 for reservations 1, 1967 and from Mar. was the guest speaker at a Church. David Frzeur is the by Nov. 10. 10, 1975 to June 1985. Members of First Church, “Fantastic Woman Banquet” new youth pastor. His funeral was Sept. Dundalk, host worship servic- sponsored by the Delaware Liberty Church, Lisbon, SusquehannaSusquehanna Association 24, 2003 in Galax, VA. es each month at the Heritage Association Women’s Missions called Lance Metcalf as its new Nursing Center. & Ministry last month. pastor. Metcalf is from Winter Hugh and Ethan Folds, Reisterstown Church par- The association distributed Park, Florida. members of North Harford ticipated in the Reisterstown 2,200 cups of ice water, 66 cop- Young Junuyoo is the new Church, Jarrettsville, recently festival in September. Mem- ies of the “Jesus” video, 1,000 pastor of Tyrannus Korean accompanied Brian Birner, bers of the Together for Christ pieces of scripture and 2,000 Church, Clarksville. port ministry director on one group, which meets on Sunday handmade crafts at Delaware’s of Birner’s regular visits to the nights, entered a fl oat in the state fair this year. MontgomeryMontgomery Association Port. The Folds boarded the festival parade and manned Harvest Hope Church, ship “Star Hidra” and distrib- a booth where they gave out Milford, had its Celebration Ashton Church had a har- uted hygiene kits. During the information about the church. service on August 3. The new vest festival on Oct. 31 featur- visit a Filipino seaman asked The group took second place church has services in church ing food, storytelling, games many questions about Jesus for the fl oat and won a plaque. planter Patrick Lengel’s garage. and prizes. and Birner was eventually Some people at the festival said Patrick and his wife Jill are The church had a special able to lead him in the sinner’s they didn’t know about the busy building relationships lecture about “The Abrahamic prayer. church and were going to visit. with people in their communi- Covenant, God’s Plan for Isra- Towne Church, Joppa, Members of Valley ty. Jill is reaching out to moth- el” explaining Biblical history celebrated its 40th anniversary Church, Lutherville, are ers in the community through and prophesy about Israel and last month with a special din- preparing to celebrate their a children’s play group. the Middle East. ner and revival services. The 50th anniversary on Saturday, Ashton has a coffeehouse guest speaker was Earl Ow- Nov. 15 and Sunday, Nov. Eastern AssociationEastern on the second Friday of each ings. The Oak Grove Quartet 16. Festivities will begin on month. Wednesdays they have provided the special music. Saturday evening at 6 p.m. Aurel and Tabitha Musca “Solutions for Living” with Youth at Towne Church with a banquet. A special were the guest speakers at sessions for all ages. had fun playing miniature golf Sunday morning service will First Church, Easton. The cou- Colesville Church, Sil- and laser tag. be held at 10:30 a.m. Childcare ple spoke at last month’s prime ver Spring, will be hosting First Church, North will be available. If you plan timers meeting. The Muscas, “Christmas in Colesville” on East, is participating in Food to attend the banquet, please with their infant son fl ed Ro- Dec. 5 and 6 from 7-9 p.m. Lion Shop & Share program. contact the church offi ce mania during communist rule Members will share the true Members shop at the store, at (410) 321-6257 or email and came to Virginia, where meaning of Christmas through using Food Lion’s MVP card [email protected]. they now live. song, drama, guided tours and and the store donates a por- Members of Woodbrook The 24th annual free a live nativity. The adult choirs tion of the purchase to the Church, Baltimore, will have Thanksgiving dinner will be of Colesville, South Colum- church. For more informa- a wreath-making workshop. held at Ocean City Church on bia and Covenant, Columbia, tion about Food Lion’s pro- Each Sunday night during Ad- Thursday, Nov. 27 from noon will combine to present the gram visit their website: http: vent the church will have Noel - 4 p.m. Call (410) 289-6573 for Christmas musical, The Thrill //www.foodlion.com/shp_ Nights. They’ll go caroling on more information. of Hope. Performances will be lssconsumers.asp. Dec. 17. Spence Church will have held on Dec. 12 and 13 at South revival services Nov. 9 to 12. Columbia and Dec. 14 at Coles- Western AssociationWestern Blue RidgeBlue Ridge The speakers are John Hobbs ville at 7 p.m. and Kenny Davis. Members Redland Church, Rock- Welsh Memorial Church, About 300 people attended have been hosting cottage ville, collected $3663.39 to buy Frostburg, will have a harvest a community block party at prayer meetings in preparation money to help Imani children party on Nov. 7. The theme is First Church, Hagerstown. for the revival services. suffering from rickets. The Noah’s ark. Members and friends enjoyed a Seventeen senior adults church has a soccer program. Western Association had cookout, games, prizes and fi re traveled to Annapolis for the Members of Georgia is annual meeting on Oct. 13 department displays. Members church’s JOY group trip recent- Avenue Church, Wheaton, and 14. Tim Simpson, BCM/D handed out Bibles and fl yers ly. Local artist Nancy Carver celebrated their 50th anniver- president was guest speaker at about the church. was the JOY group speaker last sary with special services on the meeting on Oct. 13 at Little Mark Snyder recently month. Oct. 11. Michael Cox preached Meadows Church, Grants- moved from part to full–time The church’s “Foursome” the morning service. BCM/D ville. John McIntyre, pastor of ministry at the church. Snyder praise team provided music executive director David Lee Ebenezer Full Gospel Church, is the youth pastor and will at the annual mayor’s prayer preached the afternoon ser- Cumberland, spoke at the Oct. have additional duties with the breakfast on Oct. 11 at Snow vice. MBA director of missions 14 meeting. children’s and college and ca- Hill Middle School. Ron Blankenship also shared Grace Church, Cum- reer departments. during the festivities. berland, offered a weekend Summit Trace Church, Mid-MarylandMid-Maryland Association Ellis Moore, from Evans, workshop to help those going Frederick, recently had a bap- Ga., is the church’s senior pas- through a divorce or separa- tism party at Ballenger Creek Ken Hemphill, National tor. Moore began ministering tion. Barbara Booth taught the Park. Ten believers were bap- Strategist, Empowering King- at Georgia Avenue in August. workshop. Participants talked BL • November 2003 • 3 tized as park visitors curiously dom Growth, was the guest Wildwood Church, about dealing with grief, anger looking on. speaker at Mid-Maryland Bethesda, hosted the Mont- and starting over. BEGIN A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD Super seniors stay on mission

GOD’S INITIATIVE: By Sharon Mager God sent his son, Jesus, to die own and seasons the mixture niors group was having a baby about such matters as safe on the cross, paying the pen- Staff Writer just right. They use what they shower and people jokingly driving and how to avoid alty for your sins, and prom- have. If someone donates a lot asked who was pregnant. Ed scams, as well as speakers ised “everyone who believes in ARBUTUS, Md.—Mary of tuna fi sh, then they make quipped, “I’m not Abraham that encourage missions work Him will not perish but have Nettleship was overwhelmed tuna casseroles or sandwiches. and this is not Sarah.” Fifty including Brian Birner, port eternal life.” John 3:16 with some of the ministry Bethel seniors also help collect people came to the shower ministry director, and Bill work she and her husband Ed bags and containers the Nettle- bringing some pretty signifi - Viel, director of Inner Harbor OUR RESPONSE: had undertaken. At last year’s ships need for the ministry. cant baby gifts, including car Ministries. ADMIT…that you need to be annual meeting, Mary told “I’m known as the bag seats. “The seniors group has rightly related to God. Under- her husband Ed not to accept lady at church,” Mary said. Visitors who register at been a blessing to us, allowing stand that you are sinner. Pride keeps us from doing some of anything new. “My plate is “I’m always carrying around Bethel Church get goodie bags us to enjoy fellowship with the most important things in full,” Mary said. The couple, in big plastic bags.” with baked goods and little people our own age, doing life. Without God’s interven- their 70’s, sat in the front row The couple has a 1991 sta- gifts along with information things we like to do,” Ed said. tion, your sin will ultimately during the convention sessions tion wagon with 125,000 miles about the church. The seniors To get the word out about lead to death and eternal because Ed is a BaptistLIFE on it that they use for trans- group gets the baked goods events and missions programs separation from God. photographer. As they listened porting the food from Arbutus and puts the “goodies” in. to all the seniors Ed and Mary “No one is good –- not even to James Dixon, then outgo- to Curtis Bay. Bethel’s group is intention- started a newsletter called the one. No one has real ing BCM/D president, speak, When they began attend- al about getting to know and “Prime Timer’s Gazette.” understanding; no one is Mary was surprised when ing Bethel Church in Ellicott minister to the youth, so each Ed and Mary met on a seeking God.” Romans 3:10 Dixon, looking right at her, City in the fall of 1998, Ed year the senior’s group hosts a blind date and they’ve been “For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious Mary said, married 53 years. standard.” Romans 3:23 told the Mary grew up in a audience, Christian home and REPENT…from your sin and “If you say was a member of turn to God accepting by faith you’re plate Pimlico Church and His gift of salvation. is full then insisted on going to “Now turn from your sins and you better Sunday school. Ed turn to God, so you can be ask for an- didn’t mind going to cleansed of your sins.” Acts other plate.” church, but Sunday 3:19 Mary laughs school wasn’t part “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eter- as she tells of the plan. So each nal life through Jesus Christ that story. week Mary rode to our Lord.” Romans 6:23 She took Sunday school by Dixon’s ad- herself on a street BELIEVE…that God’s son, vice. She and car and Ed would Jesus Christ, makes it Ed defi nitely meet her there at possible for you to have a have more the worship service relationship with God. than one later. After awhile, “For God was in Christ, plate. she got a little mad reconciling the world to “The about Ed not going himself…” 2 Corinthians 5:19 “This is real love. It is not that important and decided to “en- we loved God, but that He thing to real- courage” him. She loved us and sent His son as ize is that started leaving the a sacrifi ce to take away our God holds windows open on sins.” the plates,” cold mornings be- 1 John 4:10 Ed said. “We fore she left on Sun- can have as days. Soon Ed got CONFESS…your sin to God. many serv- the idea and went If you want to make this choice ings as He Ed and Mary Nettleship oversee a feeding program once a month in Curtis Bay. They organize, with her. now, you can express that de- gives us.” “I got to know sire to God in a prayer similar cook, prepare, clean and minister to individuals and families who are hungry, poor, or who just to this one: The need a little extra food. people and we “Dear God, I know I am a Nettleships struck up a lot of sinner. I believe Jesus shed don’t let age even attempt to and Mary saw the need for a big summer pool party for the friendships. We had an excel- his blood, died and rose again slow them down. Ed is 75 and seniors group. Within a year youth – at Ed and Mary’s com- lent Sunday school teacher to take the punishment for Mary is 73. They’re like two they started one. munity pool. The seniors cook and I came to realize I needed my sin. I accept your offer of Energizer™ bunnies - they Ed said he wanted the the food for the teenagers. In a Savior – someone I could re- forgiveness and eternal life. I keep on going and going and group to have a three-fold pur- return, the teenagers host a ally depend on.” And they’ve thank you for what you have going. When Ed took pictures pose – to be missions minded, dinner for the seniors. depended on Him ever since. done for me, and I give you for a BaptistLIFE port min- to provide social opportunity Ed and Mary are always Ed retired from Koppers my life from this day forward.” istry story, both he and Mary and to be educational, provid- busy scouting out new places Company, then Environmental

EXPRESS…your faith easily climbed the gangplank ing information seniors need. for senior’s trips. They’ve gone Elements, after working there publically. Share it with a to get on-board a 30-foot ship. After approval from the to dinner theaters, ridden the for 42 years in the pollution Christian friend or a pastor. After about four hours they pastor they made an an- train in Western Maryland, controls division. It was dur- You will want to become in- left the Port and drove straight nouncement of their plans. visited Sight and Sound The- ing that time he was sent to volved in a local church where to Columbia to meet up with “I told Mary I’d be happy ater, gone outlet shopping, school to learn photography you can grow in your knowl- their senior’s group at Toby’s if three other couples show up. had crab feasts on the Eastern so the company could pres- edge of Christ. If you choose dinner theater. That would be enough to work Shore and visited Luray Cav- ent their products better. He a Baptist church, you will be When they took pictures with,” Ed said. He was pleas- erns in Virginia. began using his photography encouraged to be baptized as of a homeless ministry in Bal- antly surprised when twenty- They also have special skills for BaptistLIFE part- a public timore they didn’t just take the two people showed up. speakers that inform seniors time 11 years ago. expression of your faith. “If you confess with your pictures and run, they stayed “It has really been good mouth that Jesus is Lord and and served food. for our senior population,” believe in your heart that God Serving food is something Dolly Crowe, church secretary raised Him from the dead, you they’re used to. Another one of said. “They’ve built a fellow- will be saved. Anyone who the couple’s many ministries ship; they’ve brought a joy believes in Him will not be dis- includes working the Curtis back to that group they didn’t appointed.” Romans 10:9; 11 Bay feeding program in con- have before.” junction with Inner Harbor The Nettleships organized DEDICATE…yourself as a Ministries. Two Thursdays a a missions program that in- fully devoted follower of Jesus month they drive from their volves the seniors, including Christ. Receiving God’s gift of forgiveness through Christ home in Arbutus to Curtis Bay, those that are homebound. will set your life in an opposite set up and serve about 125 They sponsor the church an- direction of the one you’ve meals each week. Afterwards, gel tree program each year, been going. Now you are fol- they put the food in contain- helping inmates by providing lowing God. ers and give leftovers away. Christmas presents for their “Jesus said to all of them, ‘If Ed takes prayer requests and families. Ed and Mary were people want to follow me, they gives a short devotional dur- also involved in delivering must give up the things they ing the evening. Before they the presents. They’re doing a want. They must be willing to go to Curtis Bay, Mary cooks Samaritan’s Purse ministry for give up their lives daily to all the food. She and Ed get underprivileged third world follow me.’” Luke 9:23 help from the seniors group children this Christmas in ad- Scripture from the they direct at Bethel Church in dition to Angel Tree. New Living Translation Ellicott City. On soup nights The seniors also help a lo- ten Bethel ladies make a gal- cal pregnancy center. In fact, College Parkway Baptist Church BL • November 2003 • 4 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. lon of soup each. Mary puts Mary said it was funny when Call (410) 647-5594 for more information the soups all together with her she announced that the se- Pre-registration only $12, $20 at the door The Gospel according to Bil Keane

By Kathi Wolfe questions that I had as a child or that other children have,” (RNS) It’s so retro that you he said. may not want your hip friends Jeffy, saying the Lord’s to know you read it. But it’s an Prayer, prays, “Our Father oasis of comfort as war with who art in heaven, how did Iraq looms and anxiety over you know my name?” Billy terrorism increases. It is “The wants to know, “When we say Family Circus,” a comic strip grace, do we look up at heaven The characters in that appears daily in more or down at the food?” Dolly “The Family Circus” than 1,500 newspapers in the wonders, “When people get are “absolutely like members of your United States and throughout to heaven, are they allowed to family,” said Mike the world. hug God?” Peters, creator of the The panel revolves around Religion in the strip is comic strip “Mother a “typical” American family: expressed subtly. “It’s not done Goose & Grimm.” He Daddy, Mommy, their four to convert you in airports,” added: “Everyone children (Billy, 7, Dolly, 5, Thompson said. “There’s a knows the kids, the Jeffy, 3 and PJ, 18 months), subtlety to the message. It’s mom and dad. You’re their dogs Barfy and Sam, not Jehovah’s Witnesses. It charmed by looking at and their cat Kittycat. This says we should be nice to each the world through the family is no more “typical” other.” kids’ eyes. than the Cleavers in “Leave When “The Family Circus” – Bil Keane It to Beaver.” Yet, despite the does bring in a Christian dysfunction found in many theme, such as Christmas, he families and the irony that added, “it’s to give it (the strip) permeates the culture in the density – window dressing. age of “The Simpsons,” readers Like what the ‘Goldbergs’ (the love the “Family Circus” gang radio, TV and comic strip) today as much as they did did with the characters being when the strip began more Jewish.” and Christ on earth seem With the Japanese” feature for than 40 years ago. Yet faith in “The Family solemn. Very seldom do Pacifi c Stars and Stripes. The “Family Circus” strip Circus” isn’t vacuous. Without you see a picture of Christ After World War II, he inhabits a small corner of being preachy, it delivers a laughing or smiling.” But returned to the Bulletin. American culture that hasn’t message. When Dolly asks, that’s not the way Jesus was, He drew cartoons for the been infi ltrated by cynicism, “Is God white, black, brown, Keane said. “I like to think of paper and created a Quaker said Robert Thompson, yellow or red?” Mommy him as a guy who got people character based on William professor of media and simply answers, “Yes.” to listen to him by leaving Penn for “Silly Philly,” a popular culture at Syracuse “It helps to bring in them laughing and chuckling Sunday comic strip for the University. He added: “Jerry a religious message only with one another,” he added. Bulletin. In 1948 Keane Springer shows you the dark occasionally. Or my editor Keane never formally married Thelma Carne, an side of the American family. would say he’s not buying a studied art. In sixth grade, he Australian whom he met ‘The Family Circus’ shows religious strip,” Keane said. drew caricatures of the other during the war. The couple you the optimistic side. Most “It makes it more special that students and of the teacher, lived in Roslyn, Pa., for families live between the two.” way.” Sister Anne. “She was a great 10 years before moving to The characters in “The Keane was born in 1922 teacher,” he said. “Instead of Arizona in 1959. Family Circus” are “absolutely in Philadelphia and grew up chastising me for drawing her From 1954 to 1972, Keane like members of your family,” there. Religion and drawing in a not too fl attering way, she drew “Channel Chuckles,” a said Mike Peters, creator of have been integral to his life encouraged me.” When he left TV humor cartoon that was the comic strip “Mother Goose since his childhood. “Religion her class, Keane added, “Sister distributed nationally. He also & Grimm.” Anne said, ‘I hope drew cartoons on a freelance He added: THE FAMILY CIRCUS® by Bil Keane someday to see you basis for magazines. The The religious “Everyone drawing cartoons.’” income enabled Keane to leave themes expressed in knows the He taught the Bulletin and work from “FC” grow out of his kids, the himself to draw home. family’s experiences, mom and while he was a He launched “The Family Keane said. The dad. You’re student at Northeast Circus” in February 1960. children in the strip charmed by Catholic High Since the Sept. 11 attacks, express “the religious looking at the School – drawing Keane said, he has received questions that I had world through cartoons for the mail from readers “who as a child or that other the kids’ school newspaper. are gratifi ed that there is children have. eyes.” Only In the late 1930s, something in the comic pages – Bil Keane a handful of Keane and his that devotes some space to the strips are so friends produced a infl uence of religion and God.” integral a part satirical magazine, It gives people hope that things of the fabric “The Saturday can be the way they used to of America, Evening Toast.” be, he added. “No one has an Peters said. He stayed up explanation for the attacks. Bil Keane*, nights copying But most people believe that 80, has been the cartoons of his guidance from above will help the creator of idols – New Yorker to beat terrorism,” Keane said. the strip since cartoonists Peter Keane jokes that he has “FC” fi rst Arno, George Price, no plans to retire other than appeared in Reprinted in BaptistLIFE with special permission of Bil Keane. Robert Day and to go to bed at night. But he just 19 papers Whitney Darrow. knows he won’t be able to do 43 years ago. The inspiration was a part of our home life “I learned by doing cartoons “The Family Circus” forever. for “The Family Circus” came when I was growing up. I what was right and what was When Keane steps down from from his own life, Keane said attended Catholic school. It wrong,” he said. At this time “FC,” his son Jeff will take in a telephone interview from was a good education – for the Keane dropped the second “l” over the strip. To prepare for his home in Paradise Valley, spiritual end, as well as for its in his fi rst name, Bill. “I did this passing of the torch, Jeff Ariz. Keane and his wife, discipline,” Keane said. this to be distinctive,” Keane does the drawings in ink after Thelma, have fi ve children. Humor has always been an said. Keane provides the ideas and Daddy in the strip, like Keane, element of his faith. “Laughter His fi rst job after high draws the panels in pencil. is a cartoonist. was a part of the church school was as a messenger for “He’s warming up in the The religious themes services I attended as a child,” the (now defunct) Philadelphia bullpen. He’s doing a beautiful expressed in “FC” grow out recalled Keane, a Catholic. Bulletin. Keane served in job,” Keane said. of his family’s experiences, Jesus must have had a the Navy from 1942 to 1945, Keane said. The children in sense of humor, Keane said. drawing for Yank magazine * Editor’s Note: Mr. Keane spells BL • November 2003 • 5 the strip express “the religious “Churches have made God and creating the “At Ease his name with one “l.” The Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware 10255 Old Columbia Rd., Columbia, MD 21046-1716 Local: (410) 290-5290 • Toll Free: (800) 466-5290 • Fax: (410) 290-7040 www.yourbcmd.org / THE EXECUTIVEMeet TEAM Your BCM D Staff David Lee (Ext. 201) The Baptist Convention

Executive Director of Maryland/Delaware will Ourintentionally Mission assist in starting and strengthening [email protected]. congregations so that they can fulfill Jesus’ command in John Faris (Ext. 203) Mel Pride (Ext. 215) Bob Simpson (Ext. 243) Director of Finance/ Treasurer Director of Strategic Planning Director of Comunications Matthew 28:19-20: Cooperative Program Church/ Minister Relations Editor of BaptistLIFE Go therefore and make disciples Director of the Baptist Foundation of MD/DE Music/Worship of all nations, baptizing them in Legacy of Faith [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you: and lo, I am ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATORS with you always, even to the end of the age. Carol Moore (Ext. 202) Roy Thomas (Ext. 205) Iris White (Ext. 245) Executive Office Coordinator Baptist Center Coordinator Associate Editor of MemberTrax Manager Accounting Manager BaptistLIFE Communications Center Manager [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Cell: (410) 977-1339 By 2010, the Baptist Convention of Maryland and Delaware will haveOur 600 congregations Vision with 150,000 persons actively CONSULTANT/SPECIALISTS (FULL-TIME) fulfilling Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19-20. Rick Hancock (Ext. 223) June Holland (Ext. 233) David Jackson (Ext. 225) Evangelism Bible Teaching/Sunday School Church Planting Prayer Preschool and Children Language Missions Partnership Missions VBS/Weekday Education (CWE) Church Restarts [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Cell: (443) 250-2554 Cell: (443) 463-3495 Cell: (410) 977-9867 To accomplish our mission and vision, the Baptist Convention Ken Jordan (Ext. 213) Kevin Marsico (Ext. 219) Aquilla Smith (Ext. 231) Family Ministry Church Planting WMU/Women’s Enrichment of MarylandOur Strategiesand Delaware will Church Administration New Church Development Church Secretaries organize, staff, plan and budget Deacon Ministry HeartCall/Special Educ. around the following five basic [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Cell: (443) 250-2564 Cell: (410) 977-3816 strategies:

Thom Thornton (Ext. 220) Ellen Udovich (Ext. 216) • Church Planting – creating Collegiate and Student Evangelism Lay Mobilization/Volunteers new disciple-making Direct Ministries/Senior Adults congregations.

[email protected] [email protected] Cell: (443) 463-6355 Cell: (443) 250-2555 • Congregational Development – helping congregations become more effective in disciple-making. PART-TIME/CONTRACT and VOLUNTEER CONSULTANT/SPECIALISTS • Leadership Development Ron Brown (Ext. 263) Conrad Burch (Ext. 260) James Dixon, Jr. (Ext. 227) Church Conflict Resolution Planned Giving African American Church Development and Support – equipping and Wills and Bequests Program-Based Discipleship supporting leaders to lead

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] disciple-making congregations. Cell: (443) 829-4467 • Missions Involvement Wayne Harris (Ext. 217) Jimmy Jackson (Ext. 208) Melody Knox (Ext. 261) – helping Maryland and Church Revitalization Stewardship Ministry Assistant (Sherry Lee) Delaware Baptists become Refocus NAMB Funding Women’s Ministry Historian/Curator personally involved in a [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] worldwide disciple-making Cell: (443) 250-2305 Cell: (240) 888-5786 enterprise.

Sherry Lee (Ext. 211) Tim Levert (Ext. 264) Jim McBride Jr. (Ext. 253) • Resource Development Ministers Wives and Families Small Group Ministry Men’s Ministries (Volunteer) – developing multiple streams to resource our worldwide [email protected] [email protected] disciple-making enterprise. Cell: (410) 977-9852

Tom Rodgerson (Ext. 210) Jacob Shin (Ext. 252) Deni Sunderly (Ext. 259) Ministers Counseling and Language Missions Church Planters’ Spouses Support and Family Coordinator BAPTIST CONVENTION OF MARYLAND DELAWARE

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Don Sweeney (Ext. 261) LeaderCorps (Volunteer)

[email protected] FULL-TIME/CONTRACT, TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS and MINISTRY ASSISTANTS

Carol Batson (Ext. 224) Sean Copley (Ext. 242) Jennifer Copley Ministry Assistant Graphic Design MemberTrax January 2004 (Rick Hancock, Thom Thornton Design Editor for BaptistLIFE ACP/SBDS 16-19Upcoming Baptist Student Events* and Ken Jordan) Web Manager Ministry Ski Retreat 17 Children’s Leaders [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Seminar 19 Baptist Singing Women Cindy Dunigan (Ext. 240) Todd Hampson (Ext. 249) Cindy Harper (Ext. 0) and Baptist Singing Men Information Technology Manager Web Content Coordinator Receptionist Quarterly Rehersal/ Network Administrator Graphic Designer/Illustrator Ministry Assistant Informal Concert Web Master (Bob Simpson) 25 Men’s Ministry Awareness [email protected] Cell: (443) 250-2553 [email protected] [email protected] Week 27 Ministers Tax Seminar

Sharon Mager (Ext. 251) Carol McGiffin (Ext. 232) Gail Noda (Ext. 218) February 2004 (Part-time) Staff Writer and Ministry Assistant Ministry Assistant 9-15 Focus on WMU Proofreader for BaptistLIFE (Aquilla Smith, Ellen Udovich, Don (June Holland, James Dixon, Jr., Sweeney and Jim McBride, Jr.) and Wayne Harris) 19 Prayer Workshop 20-21 Baptist Student Ministry [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Summer Mission Interviews 21 State Vacation Bible School Theresa Sassard (Ext. 204) Donna Shiflett (Ext. 226) Keith Stephenson (Ext. 247) Training Benefits/Payroll Ministry Assistant Ministry Assistant (Production) Help Desk (David Jackson, Kevin Marsico, Tae Mail Center and Copy Center 27-28 Women on Mission Retreat Ministry Assistant (John Faris) Park and Jacob Shin) Assistant to BaptistLIFE March 2004 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 4 African-American Church Awareness Conference 5-6 RA Congress Linda Waggoner (Ext. 222) Ministry Assistant 7-14 Annie Armstrong Easter (Mel Pride, Ron Brown Offering and Tim Levert) 9 Mid-Atlantic Fellowship of Christian Educators [email protected] 11-12 Music/Worship Network Retreat 17 Interim Pastors Workshop 19-21 Operation Jumpstart FIELD STAFF Weekend 22-23 State Evangelism Jeffrey Buffkin Chad Cravens Rob Curto Conference Collegiate Minister: Hispanic Catalytic Missionary Associate Collegiate Minister: 26-27 Ministers Wives Retreat University of MD (College Park) (Delaware and Eastern Associations) U.S. Naval Academy April 2004 (301) 405-8443 (302) 622-8950 (410) 298-0275 3 Cross-Cultural Training 16-18 Baptist Student Ministry Spring Conference Tanya Ehlers Lynn Davis Blake Hardcastle 18 Cooperative Program Associate Collegiate Minister: Collegiate Minister: Collegiate Minister: Sunday Delaware Technical College Salisbury State University, University University of Delaware 19 Baptist Singing Women of Maryland (Eastern Shore), Wor-Wic Community College, Washington College and Baptist Singing Men (302) 541-5770 (410) 749-7069 (302) 369-8450 Quarterly Rehersal/ Informal Concert 23 CPMS Training Conference Melissa Heringer Tae Park (Ext. 250) Kirk Ritchey Collegiate Minister: Church Planting Missionary Collegiate Minister: 24 Missions Turning Points Internationals U.S. Naval Academy, St. John’s College, 26-29 FAITH Training University of MD (College Park) Anne Arundel Community College 30-5/1 Men’s Retreat [email protected] (301) 405-8443 (301) 589-6470, (301) 977-7119 (410) 263-0963 May 2004 13 African-American Church Matt Robertson Amanda Singleton Bobby Waddail Lay Leadership Conference Collegiate Minister: Collegiate Minister: Collegiate Minister: 15 Super Saturday Frostburg State University Hood College and Frederick Community Towson University, University 18 Evangelism Strategy College of Maryland (Baltimore County) Conference 22 WMU Executive Board (301) 689-2588 Cell: (240) 446-6804 Cell: (410) 262-6117 June 2004 1-2 Summer Missions Orientation SKYCROFT BAPTIST CONFERENCE CENTER (800) 536-6759 5 State Bible Drill Meeting 11-14 Christian Family Larry Nelson Doug DuBois Dawn David Andy Weekends Director Guest Services Reynolds Moore Anderson 13-14 WMU SBC Annual Manager Facilities Food Services Booking Meeting Centrifuge Secretary Manager Manager Crosspointe 15-16 Southern Baptist CentriKid Convention 28 Centrikid (June 28–July 2)

July 2004 2-5 Christian Family Weekends 8-11 Boys Camp 1 11-16 Girls Camp 11-16 Centrifuge Week II 16-17 Mother/Daughter Overnight 16-19 Christian Family Weekends 18-23 Centrifuge Week III 19 Baptist Singing Women Check here for Check here to a calendar and Baptist Singing Men view the current of events Quarterly Rehearsal/Informal issue in html or pdf format Check here Concert for a list of 23-24 Skycroft Horizons ‘04 ministries Check here to or a specific 24-29 Youth Performing Arts Camp search our ministry page 31 WMU Training resources for Check here past articles for the latest and other issue of resources BaptistLIFE *This list is not & past articles Log in and Check here exhaustive. For complete recieve BL to search our FREE database for listing and details, (available to members of BCM/D churches) a BCM/D resource visit us online at

Check back Check here for sneak Check here for our Register and log in www.yourbcmd.org! to join a featured items here to use special features peaks of EEK discussion in 2004 group ��

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�� New churches change the landscape of Maryland/Delaware eternally

continued from page one lead out in reaching them. 12) Breakwater, Baltimore – answer to their prayers. Lee continued, “I am con- Church planter Li Zhou, Unable to fi nd adequate, af- Through sports camps and vinced that we will not make a former resident of Bei- fordable meeting facilities block parties with help a serious impact in this stra- jing, China, is doing just in the Inner Harbor area, from partnership churches, tegic region without a church that. Establishing a simple planter Jay Martin and the Journey Fellowship had planting movement. A church church model in its begin- core believers of Break- over 135 at their fi rst ser- planting movement will not ning stages, Zhou started water Church approached vices in September. take place unless our existing services with a handful of the owner of the Duchess 17) Junction 111, Annapolis congregations make it a prior- people committed to this of Pintail, a touring ship, – Planters Jesse Kellner ity to start churches that start new church. about holding weekly ser- and Jason Ashbaugh, along churches. 7) Stewardship Community, vices on the ship. The new with chaplain David Alex- Praise God! We are seeing Boyds/Germantown – Dae church has had as many as ander, began early in 2002 the beginnings of such a move- Moon Lim leads a dynamic 81 present for its “fl oating” to establish a presence in ment. Korean congregation with worship experience, and this strategic city by build- Yet, the jury is still out on an attendance of 350. Lim was highlighted on both ing relationships in key the success of such a move- prays for Stewardship television and newspaper establishments. Services ment. The future is as bold as Community to be a church reports in Baltimore. Dam- started last November our faith, our faithfulness and on mission for God. age from hurricane Isabel with 20 people in the our vision.” 8) Doulos Baptist, Gaith- precipitated a move to new new congregation. At least 24 of BCM/D’s new ersburg – Jae Hyung Cho facilities at the Pier 5 Hotel. churches began worship ser- leads a ministry to Koreans 13) Real Life, Abingdon vices during the past year. in Gaithersburg. – Towne Church in

Those who have launched The include: worship 1) Cumberland Community, services Formerly Bedford Road have Church, this “restart” is already led by planter/pastor Ron gathered as many Yost, who encouraged as 50. Cho prays for the church to begin again God to use him to with a new name and a reach the local Kore- new vision for the lost in an speaking popula- their community. Services tion for Christ and launched in October with for this congrega- over 60 present, all but ten tion to have a were unchurched. This is powerful impact the fi rst SBC plant in West- in their commu- ern Association in over a nity. decade. 9) Haitian Mission, 2) Hagerstown Korean, Columbia – Planter Eric Hagerstown – Johan Chin, Banard and his family pastor/planter of Hager- moved to Columbia as a stown leads this congrega- part of the growing vi- tion with an attendance of sion of Eglise Baptist du 250. While not all 250 have Calvaire in Silver Spring, Joppatowne felt a burden joined the church, he prays where founding pastor for the Abingdon area for that more of the Koreans he Jean St. Ulme serves. This many years. When planter From the beginning, the reaches will become mem- is the fi rst of several con- Brent Dowis joined the focus has been on authentic bers and active participants gregation “outposts” start- effort, he focused on build- community. Crossroads in reaching new lives for ing across our convention ing a strong small group in Odenton is the parent Christ. to minister to Haitians not basis for a worshipping church. 3) The Living Room, Mar- located in the Silver Spring community. Use of the 18) La Philadelphie, Lanham tinsburg, W.Va. – Ron area. Worship services Regal Theater was secured – Church Planter, Adrien Larson and Kevin Green began in January with 15 and services began in late Ngudiankama, a French- lead this new congrega- people. March of this year with 125 African from the Congo, tion sponsored by parent 10) Freedom, Baltimore present. While Dowis is no saw an opportunity to church, Covenant, Shep- – Planter Rob Steinbach longer with the church, it reach the many French herdstown, W.Va. After spent the fi rst year of his continues with 75 in regu- speaking Africans in the securing a facility late last ministry in the Pigtown lar attendance and fi fteen metropolitan area. Using year, the group began hold- area of Baltimore building saved this year. his medical background in ing preview services. Oc- bridges and establishing 14) In His Ministry, Chester- AIDs research, he estab- tober brought their much relationships in this inner- town – Wendell Womble lished ministry to fellow- anticipated grand opening city community. The new sensed God leading him Africans while teaching with over 230 in attendance church painted a mural to into church planting. Fur- at Bowie State University. and fi ve professions of help beautify the neighbor- ther encouraged by Doug Drawing upon his experi- faith. hood, held a block party Short, planter of Fair Ha- ence in Africa he estab- 4) Hoi Thanh Baptist Tinh and started services on ven Church, Del., Womble lished a house network that Thuong, Germantown Sunday evenings in a cof- established ministries and currently includes eight – Church planter Nguyen fee shop with almost 30 a community presence home locations and 85 Long came to Maryland people. The key is in their enabling them to start ser- people in areas as diverse from the District of Colum- strategy: they have a heart vices on the Washington as Lanham, Baltimore and bia, where he planted a suc- for the C.I.T.Y. (Commu- College campus in August. Takoma Park. cessful Vietnamese church. nity-based, Intentionally- 15) Living Waters, Hanover 19) The Center, Prince Fred- He quickly gathered a core diverse, Training leaders, – Thomas Han believed erick – This innovative and created a meaningful Young urban adults.) God was calling him to new church, led by planter presence in the ethnic com- 11) Bethlehem, Baltimore reach out to the Koreans of Dennis Felder, chose a strip munity that enabled them – Started out of the pas- the Glen Burnie area. Step- mall location to establish a to get off to a healthy start. sion and direction of New ping out in faith he leads 24/7 defi nition of “church” 5) New Beginnings, German- Christian Bible Church services with 45 attending. for the community. While town – Curry Mitchell is where Stephen Hardnett 16) Journey Fellowship, Crof- its children’s play area, the planter. is pastor. Former associ- ton – Parent church Severn bookstore and food court 6) Trinity Chinese, German- ate Darnell Ranson built a felt for some time that a are still only in the dream town – Knowing that there strong nucleus of believers, new church was needed stage, the congregation was a sizable Chinese reaching a different area on in Crofton, where some of started meeting on Sun- community in the German- the north side of the city. its own membership lived. days in the last two months town area, Montgomery Since worship services be- BL • November 2003 • 10 When planter Roy Jacques with as many as 133 pres- Association began to look gan in February, they bap- surfaced, they believed he ent for worship. for someone who could tized fi ve new believers. and wife, Angie, were the continued on page eleven Former Maryland Terrapin serves at Saddleback Church continued from page one

During those same 40 from their high school meeting graduation time, we recognize Kreun admits that he is days, 2,200 previously unin- location to the new property, all our staff with children who humbled by what God has volved people volunteered to following Warren and Kreun have graduated. We have baby done at Saddleback. In a re- serve in the church’s ministry, who were pushing the pulpit dedications for staff members. cent 20th anniversary service “Without Glen, another 3,700 committed to go on a cart. We celebrate together and cry held in his honor, Pastor War- Saddleback would on missions and 2,400 home “We had to get a parade together,” he shares. ren pointed to Kreun as the not be here.” Bible groups were started. permit because there were so “We want each person to “guy who built Saddleback.” — Rick Warren Adopted by over 7,500 many people!” Kreun laughs, think of ministry as something Calling himself the head and churches worldwide, including before adding, “It took 12 years personal, so we make time to brains of the church, Warren First Church, Laurel, where for us to graduate from high share stories, not about the labeled Kreun the “heart” of Kreun was on hand for its school.” programs, but how each per- the church. kickoff on October 11, the “40 son was affected by what is “Without Glen, Saddleback Days of Purpose” campaign Equipping Others taking place in our midst.” would not be here.” has proven to boost member- In the early years, Kreun ship and transform churches also oversaw issues concern- from a variety of denomina- ing parking, the Sunday school tions. program, building and capital Developed by Saddleback, fund-raising campaigns and all the campaign begins with a 2- permits. The list goes on. hour Purpose-Driven Life Simul- “Did you ever see the cast by Warren, and includes person who walks behind the small group curriculum and beautiful equestrian horses instructions for developing in the annual Rose Parades?” ministry and mission fairs to he chuckles. “That’s me! I’m expose church attendees to av- the person with the shovel in enues of service and ultimately my hand cleaning up all the to the purpose God has for messes!” each of them. Explaining his generalized “Every once in a while, we rather than specialized role at stumble across something that Saddleback, he clarifi es, “Actu- really produces a signifi cant ally, I’m the one who resources spiritual harvest, and we feel all the staff and clears away all obligated to share it with other obstacles and problems so that churches,” says Warren. “In ministry can take place. I’m the our 23 year history, nothing cheerleader.” else has produced more life He takes very seriously the changes in our church than ‘40 passage in Ephesians 4 where Days of Purpose.’” pastors are admonished to en- list, train and equip others to Humble Beginnings do the ministry. Saddleback’s “When I fi rst came to Sad- pastoral staff oversees more dleback, there was no organi- than 3,500 volunteer hours— zation,” Kreun laughs, remem- 700 volunteers, the equivalent bering the weekly set-up and of over 20 full-time staff mem- breakdown of the building-less bers— and 14 staff people in church. “A moving truck was the church’s offi ce alone. stacked full of laundry baskets “It’s not my job to do the with everything thrown in work. It’s my job to train the them. Right away, I had carts people to do the ministry.” built with wheels, labeled them Even the administrative and bundled them together for assistants at Saddleback are each room. taught not to do the work of “It took a fourth of the the ministry, he says. They time to deliver and to load spend their time training and things to the right places,” he overseeing volunteers who do emphasizes, no small feat con- the ministry. sidering that Saddleback met for 15 years and grew to 10,000 Celebrating Commitment attendees without its own “We hire the best of the building. best for our staff,” Kreun Before moving to a 2,300- comments. To date, eight seat high tech tent with modu- staff members have served at lar classrooms, the congrega- Saddleback for 15 years. Over tion met in four different high 40 staff members have served schools, numerous elementary 10 years and 70-75 people have schools, bank buildings, rec- served at least fi ve years. “We reation centers, theaters, com- are building a staff of people munity centers, restaurants, who have committed their large homes, professional offi ce lives to Saddleback.” buildings and stadiums. To do this, Kreun holds “Home at last!” Kreun weekly staff meetings, which remembers thinking that are marked by times of praise December day in 1992. Over and worship and staff and 6,000 church members walked volunteer appreciation. “At New churches change the landscape of Maryland/Delaware eternally continued from page ten 20) Vineyard, Salisbury – general manager was lished many ministries. A he arrived services began When church planter Reid led to the Lord through children’s program, known in April with a core of ten Sterrett started looking for the church. Their parent as Wave Riders, doubled in people helping to establish a place to meet, he quickly church is Harvest Baptist, attendance as they reached a key Hispanic congrega- recognized the location where previous planter this unchurched com- tion. and signifi cance of Perdue Mike Fortenberry is pastor. munity. Worship services 24) Harvest Hope, Milford Stadium, where the Shore- 21) World Mission, Salisbury launched last October and – Planter Patrick Lengel ar- birds play minor league –Kee Chul Kim is the have grown from 38 to rived on the fi eld early in baseball. planter. more than 100. 2003 working to establish After securing a con- 22) High Tide, Bethany Beach 23) Seaford Hispanic – Planter a presence in one of the tract, the new church held – Planters Andy and Tanya Jean-Marc Montagnon was largest towns in Delaware its fi rst service in April Ehlers settled into this invited by the Hispanic without a Southern Baptist with 150 attending. It area soon after they mar- congregation meeting at church. With the help of continues to be the only ried and immediately im- Seaford Baptist to pastor sponsor church, Redland, church meeting in a major pacted their community. their new church earlier Germantown, Md., he league baseball facility in Partnering with Ocean this year. Until his arrival, started congregational North America. Among City Church, their parent this new church met for development in August BL • November 2003 • 11 the milestones in the young church, and its resort ef- about a year with no plant- gathering 15 people in the church’s life: the assistant forts, the new church estab- er or pastor at all. When garage of his home. The team approach is effective in Blue Ridge

By Iris White Sunday morning. “I believe the planting effort by observ- working through the Missis- Associate Editor reason for the increase is the ing how the planters reach sippi State Convention and Ken emphasis we place on church unchurched people. The con- Lyle, former BCM/D executive BOONESBORO, Md.— growth and church planting,” gregations have begun look- director, who is now in charge Team spirit abounds at Blue Burt said. ing outward as opposed to of the Northeast Partnership. Ridge Association. In fact, Da- “Explosive population inward,” Burt explained. Mission Service Corp Vol- vid Burt, director of missions, growth is happening all over,” Missions and community unteers must raise their own believes it’s the key to their Burt said. “To meet the need, outreach play a signifi cant funds. “We are so grateful for growth. His philosophy is to we have been actively involved role in Blue Ridge Association. the support we found here,” allow the people around him in church planting.” Many of the churches are ac- Ford said. Blue Ridge Associa- to become involved tive in block parties tion and its churches, individu- in the workings of and do random acts als, churches in Mississippi the association. “To- of kindness in their and VBS offerings have pro- gether we work to communities. A snow vided the funding the Fords resource churches cone machine, sound need to minister. to help them accom- systems, video pro- Throughout the year Ford plish their mission jection systems, and ministers as a “Mechanic on in ministry,” Burt tents are available Mission.” He has a portable said. from the association self-contained trailer with a Mae Argilan, an for the churches to lift to do the automobile re- author and editor, is borrow. pair work and has ministered Burt’s administra- On their fi rst in Western Association, Blue tive assistant and association interna- Ridge Association and even in helps him with pro- tional mission trip, Islay, Scotland. “The Scottish posals and letters in 20 people from nine people were truly amazed that addition to her ad- different churches we shipped all of our heavy ministrative duties. are going to Puebla, equipment just to help them,” Phil Graves works Mexico, in February Richard said. on staff part-time The Blue Ridge Association team includes (from left to 2004. They will work The Association offi ce doing web develop- right) Mae Argilan, David Burt, Richard and Judy Ford for 10 days with Beth- is planning to move into an ment, slide presen- and Phil Graves in front. lehem Church doing existing education wing at tations and video construction, music, Greenbrier Church in Decem- production for the association These are some of the new- children’s ministry and show- ber 2003. The new facilities and for individual churches. est church plants and planters. ing the Jesus fi lm. will be easily accessible from He also serves as youth minis- Bill Lynn, leader of Oasis Com- The “Blue Ridge Cruis- Route 70. ter at Faith Church, Knoxville. munity Church and manager ers,” led by Tim Tongiers, Mike Burt grew up in New York Richard and Judy Ford, NAMB of Prime Outlets in Hager- Esbaugh, and Burt, minister to and Virginia. As a junior in Mission Service Corp Volun- stown, is planting a church tar- motorcycle riders. “It is an op- high school he felt called to the teers, serve as the directors of geting singles. Mike Lowery is portunity to reach new people ministry. He attended Cumber- evangelism and missions. starting the next church plant and anyone is welcome to ride land College in Kentucky and When Burt became direc- in Charlestown, W.Va., in part- with us,” Burt said. majored in religion and psy- tor of missions in January 1998 nership with Ron Larson, Cov- Three years ago Mississip- chology. While there he also there were 18 churches and the enant Church, Shepherdstown, pians Richard and Judy Ford played bass in a gospel quartet association was working with W.Va. Vincent Russo is plant- came to Western Association called “Young Witness.” a budget defi cit. “It was a step ing New Day Church in Wil- as ‘Mechanics on Mission’ He met his wife, Tunnea, of faith both on my part and liamsport, Md. Eric Boykin has through the North American at college and after graduation on the part of the association’s planted several churches and Mission Board. In September they went to Southwestern to agree to serve full-time in is now serving as a catalytic 2002 they contacted Kenny Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas. Blue Ridge Association,” Burt church planter in Blue Ridge. Heath, Western Association, There he served as minister said. “It took two years for the At present Eric is working with and Burt to ask the associa- of youth and music at Park association to get on its feet both Vincent Russo and Mike tions to pray with them about Street Church in Dublin, Texas. fi nancially.” Lowery. In addition to these, relocating and ministering in After receiving his Masters of Today there are 30 church- he is laying the groundwork Maryland. They felt the Lord Religious Education, he and es, and attendance has more for two other plants in BRBA. was leading them to become Tunnea served in churches in than doubled since 1998 to “Existing churches are NAMB Mission Service Corp Georgia, Arkansas, Massachu- over 4000 people in worship on benefi ting from the church Volunteers, so they began setts and Maryland. Annuity Board proposes changing its name to GuideStone Financial Resources

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)— An Annuity Board state- the statement to Baptist Press. Annuity Board President The Southern Baptist Executive ment to Baptist Press described “The board now offers a myr- O.S. Hawkins said the board Committee has approved a GuideStone as a composite iad of distribution options to exists fi rst and foremost as recommendation to change the word consisting of two words participants as they reach re- an organization that provides name of the Annuity Board and describing the board’s goals: tirement, as well as many other retirement benefi t services to to permit the entity to serve The Annuity Board intends to products and services such Southern Baptist pastors and evangelical ministry organiza- be a guide to walk alongside as life and medical plans and employees in smaller churches, tions outside the SBC. its participants throughout personal investment programs entities and institutions. The proposal initially was their lifetime, helping them en- including Traditional and Roth “But the reality is that due approved by Annuity Board hance their fi nancial security, IRAs. to competitive pressures and trustees and then presented to while the word stone refers to “Our current name is no limited growth potential, the Executive Committee members the Annuity Board’s enduring longer refl ective of our organi- Annuity Board must seek ways Sept. 23 at their meeting in presence since its beginning zation, and a new name gives to grow our asset base so we Nashville, Tenn. The recom- more than 85 years ago. us the opportunity to commu- can continue to be an advo- mendations will be presented The Oxford English Dic- nicate our image as an up-to- cate for our Southern Baptist to the Southern Baptist Conven- tionary defi nes a “guide stone” date, full-service provider of fi - pastors at the crossroads,” he tion at the annual meeting in as a marker for travelers, ac- nancial and insurance products said in the statement to Baptist Indianapolis in June 2004. cording to the statement. The and services,” Tous van Nijkerk Press. If the proposal is approved guide stone’s common use was said. Concerning retirement, by the convention, the Annuity in the Roman period as a direc- The amendment to the Hawkins said retaining assets Board’s name will change to tional, distance and warning ministry assignment of the is vitally important for man- GuideStone Financial Resources marker placed along Roman Annuity Board would include agement fees and maintaining of the Southern Baptist Conven- roads. The stones were set up other evangelical organizations current levels of service. tion. beside the roads by explorers, in addition to the churches and Expanding its ministry The name change recom- leaders and road builders to denominational entities it al- assignment to evangelical mendation will require offi cial help those who traveled be- ready serves. Relief would still churches and ministry orga- approval by messengers for two hind them. be exclusive to Southern Baptist nizations will provide a larger successive years, while the con- “The Annuity Board’s ministers and denominational client base and more assets un- vention will vote on authoriz- name has served us well, but employees, but retirement plan der management, and Southern ing the board to do business as it has been decades since our programs, life and health cov- Baptist pastors will benefi t by GuideStone Financial Resources only retirement option was erage, personal investment pro- the Annuity Board being able BL • November 2003 • 12 for one year, pending a second an annuity,” George Tous van grams and institutional invest- to maintain competitive prod- affi rmative vote at the annual Nijkerk, chairman of the An- ment services would be open to ucts and services at reasonable meeting in Nashville in 2005. nuity Board trustees, said in others who qualify. fees, Hawkins said. Bill Hunt tells captive audiences about Jesus

By Sharon Mager Hunt wasn’t interested at Hunt to a Bible study with them “The woman at the well Staff Writer fi rst, just waving the kid away, and he accepted. As the newest – that’s the way I witness,” Hunt but he eventually accepted a one in the group, he got to pick said. He chats with inmates, CUMBERLAND, Md.— copy of a book asking how Prison Chaplain Bill Hunt is a written by Josh are you, where quiet, humble man. He knows McDowell. did you work his calling is prison ministry. “I started and what kind He knew it the minute he shook questioning - is of problems hands with a 19-year-old inmate Jesus the Son do you have? in old tennis shoes and tattered of God or the “Sooner or later jeans. biggest hoax you get to the Twenty-six years later, in there ever was?” spiritual level.” his retirement years, he’s still Hunt said. Once serving – ministering seven “I was Hunt talked days a week. He’s chaplain driving in the to an inmate of the Allegany County car and prayed who was in Detention Center in Western – Jesus help handcuffs in Maryland, conducting Sunday me. Nothing lockdown. morning worship services happened. But I Hunt asked the and ministering to inmates just couldn’t get man “is there on Mondays, Wednesdays past that empty any reason and Fridays. Throughout the tomb.” you can’t be week he also serves at the That night saved today?” Garrett County Jail, Western Hunt asked for The man said Correctional Institute, the help just like he Bill Hunt works with Sheriff David Goad to minister to the no there’s not, Federal Correctional Camp, the did earlier and prisoners and staff at the Allegany County Detention Center. and Hunt led Savage Mountain Youth Center, he meant it. the man in Backbone Youth Center and “I did a 180. I went to bed the song and he chose “Amazing handcuffs through the sinner’s the Meadow Mountain Youth one way and woke up different. Grace.” His friend said,” That’s prayer. Center. He’s also the weekly The things I hated I loved. the song we sing at the prison.” David Goad, Allegany speaker at a nearby church and The things I loved I hated. It’s Hunt asked if he could join them County sheriff, said Hunt he and his wife Dorothy visit the greatest thing that ever when they visit. But they went provides needed peace at the residents of nursing homes once happened to me.” on Sundays and he had to work prison, and ministers not only a month. Hunt joined Welsh Church. – then he remembered that the to prisoners, but also to the staff. Hunt was 49 when he got They played “Amazing Grace,” next Sunday was Memorial Day At Christmas, Hunt saved. He lowers his head as just for him. Hunt felt a calling Sunday and the bakery was organizes the Prison Fellowship he talks about his sinful ways towards prison ministry and closed. God opened the door Angel Tree program, working before he found Jesus. His eyes began asking if there was and Hunt began his long love of with local churches to provide are misty as he tells how Christ anything going on in the area prison ministry. presents for inmates’ families. came into his life. where he could help, but no one Some people, Hunt said, like He also works with “I was working in a bakery knew of any ministries in place to go and play ping-pong and churches to have Christmas and a young fellow kept telling so he dismissed the thought, but other games to get to know the celebrations for juveniles at the people about Jesus.” God didn’t. Some friends invited inmates. Hunt doesn’t. juvenile centers. Considering a Christian school next year?

By Vivian Phillips and to bring the good news of will support these parents The author quotes fellow BaptistLIFE Correspondent salvation through Jesus Christ in their effort to provide Christian author John Piper to all students and families, biblically-based, Christ-centered as he envisions a future of Does a student in your making fully devoted disciples education to their children (and “great Christian thinkers who family need to turn over a new of all believers. youth),” Schultz suggests. are great lovers of God with leaf? Bonnie Liegey, director Colonial Christian profound allegiance to the truth All 10 Maryland Baptist of admissions for Montrose Academy was born out of a of God’s Word and razor-sharp church-sponsored schools Christian School, recalls Colonial Church leadership discernment of all the subtle mentioned in this article have initially being brought to the retreat two years ago. Lisa idols of our age.” mid-year openings. Read on sponsoring Montrose Church by Smith, children’s ministry At Lighthouse Christian about the her children. director for the church was Academy, established in importance “The kids encouraged to plant the 1992, the teacher becomes a of providing hounded church school as principal. The living textbook for the class, a faith-based us until we Randallstown school goes up instructing from her own education came,” she through third grade. research and lesson plan. She, for your laughed, and William Brazell, in turn, guides students to child. they ended administrator of Elvaton research, rethink in biblical Glen up joining the Christian Academy, boasts principles, reason and relate Schultz, church. The an excellent student to teacher the lesson, according to director school founded ratio, 15 to 1. This seven year- Thomas Webb, headmaster. The of the in 1977, with 12 old school sponsored by Elvaton academy, offering classes to Association of Christian Schools grades, is in Rockville. Church is in Millersville. ninth grade, is in Port Deposit. International, used the Bible William Rivers, pastor of Classes are offered through The school is sponsored by as a primary reference point in Bel Forest Church and president middle school. Pleasant View Church. his book, Kingdom Education: of the school, says Bel Forest Berwyn Church sees Administrator Greg Judy God’s Plan for Educating Future Christian Academy is a tool Berwyn Baptist School as states that Potomac Heights Generations, published by for parents in training up their an outreach ministry to the Christian Academy is LifeWay Press. children. The over 20 year-old community. Principal Ann important because it is the only “Kingdom education elementary school is in Bel Air. Elizabeth Zibrat reports a Christian school in the county. requires a three-strand cord to In the church, pastors and variety of races represented in It has 12 grades. The over 30 link the home, the school and leaders “must be enabled to every classroom, up to sixth year-old school sponsored by the church,” he writes. identify and hold forth ‘key grade. The church sends fl iers Potomac Heights Church is in “Kingdom education begins biblical principles for marriage home with students about Indian Head. in the home,” states Schultz. The and family,’” the associate special events at the church. Ocean City Christian Christian father says parents pastor emphasizes. “And The school began in 1967 is in School, sponsored by Ocean should guide their children leaders must not only teach but College Park. City Church is in its fi fth year with Christ-like affection, Spirit- also model, what it is to have Schultz claims Christians of operation. Charles Albert, guided direction and biblically- a Christ-centered home and can learn a lesson about administrator, recommends based correction. how a godly husband and wife schooling from Orthodox Jews. the website ACSI.org to any The philosophy statement are to relate to one another.” They “make a concerted effort to church considering planting a of Faith Baptist Christian Secondarily, “they need to teach ensure that the school supports school. This school, going up to School in Laurel, going up to parents the biblical principles of their own beliefs and values,” eleventh grade, is in Ocean City. eighth grade, emphasizes the kingdom education.” he relayed. A Jewish boy was The King’s Christian importance of a Christian home. Once these principles heard to say that life made Academy in Lexington Park Principal Esther Marsh shared are internalized, then the sense because what was binding sponsored by Lexington Park BL • November 2003 • 13 the statement: to reveal God’s church could “offer resources, on him was also binding on his Church is also accepting truth in all academic areas programs and services that father and his teachers. students in all 12 grades. The Good Samaritan Network: a Christian response to the problems of vulnerable families and individuals

By Bob Gerstmyer Baptist Family has begun called to help the surrounding typically ongoing in nature, connecting churches more community which shows some and are designed and managed or the past few months, closely with their community signs of deterioration. The to make a significant positive we have focused on and with other churches acting church has seen a growing impact on the life of the church the problems facing as Good Samaritans. We call number of people coming to and its community. They may Ffamilies and individuals, both this new partnership the Good the church office and asking range from a crisis pregnancy cooperating in the Convention Samaritan Network. for emergency food or rent center to after-school mentoring Bob Gerstmyer and in our surrounding Getting involved with this assistance. to a Meals-on-Wheels type food BFCS Executive Director communities. network is easy. If your church The church’s pastor calls program for the elderly of the We have seen that the rate is interested in reaching out on Baptist Family to help put neighborhood. of poverty is alarmingly high, to help the vulnerable people together a plan for not only For more information contrasting with the great in its congregation and in the dealing with the emergency A Comprehensive Network is about BFCS, or to ask wealth found in Maryland and community surrounding the requests but also to work more Building questions or comment Delaware. church, call Shawnee Huff in-depth with the vulnerable Different churches will on articles on this page, We have looked at the at (800) 621-8834. Shawnee people in the neighborhood. choose to focus on different please call BFCS changing picture that is the comes to BFCS from the Good This in-depth work is necessary problems, and this diversity of Public Relations Federal Government’s response Shepherd Center in Baltimore to help cure the cause of the projects, combined with Baptist Associate, Tim Durkin to poverty, a response that, in where she coordinated crisis problem, not only the symptom. Family’s relationships with all of (410) 872-1050 ext. 143 essence, amounts to a retreat intervention services. She gained At this point, Baptist the Good Samaritan Churches, from the problem and a shifting experience in counseling and Family and the church begin will create a network of faithful of responsibility back to the case management while working identifying key individuals in Christians with different Baptist Family and State and Local Governments. Children’s Services There is increasing talk of a Good Samaritans in action and Baptist Family Volunteer of the Year, 7175 Columbia faith-based component to the Joy Burdin, are leaders in this effort, but the Gateway Dr., Suite F Government’s efforts, and this inspiring part of this story is the generous Columbia, MD 21046 issue continues to see debate Phone: By Tim Durkin participation of the congregation as a whole. across the country. (410) 872-1050 As the article states, some churches are Last year, this partnership reached more than We have studied the (800) 621-8834 already acting on Christ’s command to help the 100 families, making a tangible and lasting Fax: need for an inclusive and vulnerable people in their communities, just like impact on the lives of those in need. (410) 872-1047 compassionate definition of the Good Samaritan helped a robbed and beaten Hughesville Church operates a very active E-mail: people in need, a definition man on the road to Jerusalem. food pantry which serves hundreds of families baptistfamily@ that encompasses all of our We would like to profile two of these every month. The pantry also makes a special baptistfamily.org vulnerable brothers and sisters. churches and make this “Good Samaritans in effort at holiday time to reach out and bring Online: This new definition must Action” report an ongoing feature of this page. comfort and food to families in need. This kind www.baptistfamily.org embrace the poor in spirit as If your church has a project or program that you of concrete, faithful service is exactly what well as the economically poor. would like to spread the word about, write in! Christ calls us to; it is a way of sustaining the Would you like to be on We have also explored the Send information to Tim Durkin by using the life and dignity of our neighbors. our e-mail list? Biblical mandates that compel There is no higher calling than this! Send a message to: Baptist Family address in the left column of this us not only to study the problem page, or write to [email protected]. Redland and Hughesville churches are to be baptistfamily@ but also to respond in a Christ- baptistfamily.org Redland Church, Rockville, has long commended for their service to those in need. like way. At the conclusion of cooperated with Baptist Family in bringing They truly are giving hope and comfort to those the story of the Good Samaritan, Christmas gifts to families and children across who would otherwise be without, and living the Christ commands us to “Go and Maryland and Delaware. Pastor Mark Adams life that Christ asks us all to lead. do likewise.” This is our God- given mission, and one that we should rejoice in carrying out. in West Virginia, and holds a the church who are passionate expertise and who can offer help We must serve our neighbors in Master’s Degree in Religious about reaching out and serving to people near and far. need, wherever we find them. Education from Southern others as Christ did. At the same This project has already Baptist Theological Seminary in time, Baptist Family oversees a begun to build momentum. As of The Baptist Response Louisville, Kentucky. professional, in-depth study of this writing, more than a dozen Many churches in our Beginning this Fall, Baptist the problems facing the church’s churches have signed on, and Convention have organized Family is creating partnerships community and recommends this network of Good Samaritans services in accordance with between itself and individual one-time projects or ongoing has begun to grow. Christ’s command: two that churches, and then linking those programs that can make a I invite your church to Baptist Family is familiar with churches together in a network difference. Through further consider its response to Jesus’ are outlined in another article that will soon serve thousands recruitment and training of command in the Good Samaritan on this page. Some Associations of people every year. volunteers, Baptist Family and story. I hope that your church have established services that the church put together a team will choose to take an active fit well the definition of “Good A Short Example of caring and willing Good role in helping the vulnerable Samaritan.” One of the foremost Here is an example. The Samaritans. individuals in its community, is Eastern Association’s disaster congregation of “First Baptist The projects that these and I hope that Baptist Family relief efforts. Church, Anytown” feels Good Samaritans work on are can be a partner in that work. Smashing idols: why God loves the poor

By Charles Colson special passion for the poor, and When the car breaks down, we purity of love in our relationship who is more impoverished than a get it fixed. If we get tired of our with Jesus that I found on that celebrated the thirtieth prisoner? furniture, we buy new furniture. garbage dump in Peru. anniversary of my conversion The Beatitudes in the Are we depending on God or I left Toronto convinced that in a very appropriate place: gospel of Luke talk about the the idol of our own affluence? I God blesses ministries like ours I attended Prison Fellowship poor—people who have nothing. suspect the latter. I have to admit because we minister to the poor International’s Convocation in Matthew, by contrast, describes that as hard as I try, I have many, for whom Jesus has a special Toronto, where I was surrounded those who are “poor in spirit.” many idols. affinity. Of course, we’re the ones by people from 105 countries who Now most of us prefer Matthew, A few years ago I took my two who end up being blessed because minister in prisons. They were because we can rationalize away sons and my daughter to Peru to their faith and dignity rub off on Chuck Colson Host of “BreakPoint living evidence of God’s amazing this verse as a command to just be visit our ministry there. We met us. with Chuck Colson” grace over these thirty years. humble. But in Luke, I think, Jesus a man who lived in a hut atop a There’s a good lesson for I learned about a home for really means poor, those who live garbage dump. He had almost all of us here, especially in prisoners’ children in Nepal and in poverty. God favors them not nothing in the way of material this wealthiest of nations: It’s of a Colombian prison being run because He is sorry for them, but possessions—yet his eyes sparkled wonderful to have all of our by Christians. I heard of ministries because they have an increased as we visited in his home. He had creature comforts, of course, but begun in closed or hostile societies capacity for purity in their faith. a quiet dignity. He was living in with them come idols. And to get like Mongolia and the Middle East. Many of the idols that stand abject poverty—yet, his love for close to God, we must vanquish The conference left me deeply between us and our Lord have God was deep. Fewer obstacles the idols. humbled and feeling so close to been stripped away for the poor. stood between him and the Copyright © 2003 Prison Fellowship God. Reflecting on what God had Tim Keller, pastor of New Lord—because he had no one and Ministries. Reprinted with permission. done, I wondered: Why me? I York’s Redeemer Presbyterian nothing to trust except God. “BreakPoint with Chuck Colson” is never developed a grand strategy Church, argues that many of us The great danger of a a radio ministry of Prison Fellowship for this, never expected it. Why have a middle-class spirit. Yes, we comfortable lifestyle, on the other Ministries. Prison Fellowship would He bless us so? want Jesus to redeem us from our hand, is that we may worship idols Ministries® may withdraw or modify The answer, as I thought sins and give us eternal life. But unawares. The answer, as Keller this grant of permission at any time. BL • November 2003 • 14 about it, has much to do with the we’re hardly dependent on Him— argues, is to vanquish our middle- To receive “BreakPoint” commentaries kind of people we minister to. we don’t need to be. We’ve got class attitudes and adopt the spirit daily, you can subscribe for free at Scripture teaches that Jesus has a our 401(k)s and savings accounts. of the poor—to seek after that http://www.breakpoint.org/. Employment qualifi ed, committed individ- Fall – Spring Retreats. We religious communications. To Place and Ad ual with a love for youth and can accommodate groups as Funds may be used for PART-TIME SECRETARY a desire to lead young people large as 65. For more info. call tuition, books, housing or MAIL, E-MAIL, OR FAX YOUR AD – Deadline – Trinity Baptist Church in to accept Jesus and train them (410) 289-6573 or check hhtp: food and will be forwarded is the second Friday of Waldorf, Maryland is seeking in discipleship. The individual \\www.OCBaptist.org to the institution in which each month for the a part-time secretary. Normal will be responsible for all areas the student is enrolled. Please following month’s issue. computer/offi ce skills are of ministry to youth and for BAPTIST request an application by Classified advertising required. Hours are Monday - coordination with ministry to COMMUNICATORS contacting Keith Beene, BCA is 75 cents per word Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. their families. Send resume to: ASSOCIATION continues to Administrative coordinator, ($18.00 minimum) for Please contact Dawn Adamo Search Committee, Paramount help students train for careers at (615) 904-0152 or by email at BCM/D churches and church members; 85 or Lonnie Hedlund at (301) Baptist Church, 13234 Marsh in religious communication [email protected]. cents per word ($20.00 645-7889 or (301) 843-7107 for Pike, Hagerstown, MD 21742. through its scholarship BCA was organized in minimum) for non- application. program. BCA will award three 1953 as a professional profit organizations; Miscellaneous scholarships next spring for development group for Baptist and 95 cents per word WORSHIP AND CHOIR the 2004-2005 academic year. communication professionals. ($25.00 minimum) ACCOMPANIST - Faith Bap- ALLEN ORGAN FOR SALE. The deadline for application is Its scholarship program was for commercial tist Church is seeking pianist to Friday, Dec. 5, 2003. later introduced in 1988. organizations. Word Model SYS305B. $5000 OBO. count does not include assist leading our congregation Contact Paul at (410) 255-5413. A scholarship for $1,000 words with two letters in traditional and contempo- will be awarded to an or less. Spot color rary music. For more infor- LIN WALLBERG, SOLO undergraduate student and one is available for an mation concerning this paid HANDBELLS — Available $500 scholarship to a graduate additional $10 per ad. position, please contact Chris for concerts, worship services, student in the name of Al Contact us for display ad Thomas, Worship Pastor, at clinics, weddings, etc. Add the Shackleford and Dan Martin. pricing. (301) 834-7755 or send resume beautiful touch of handbells The $1,000 Alan Compton/ to Faith Baptist Church, 2212 to your special occasion. Con- Bob Stanley Minority and Jefferson Pike, Knoxville, MD tact: Lin Wallberg Website: International Scholarship is 21758. BellSolos.com Phone: (301) 586- given to an undergraduate 0317 E-mail: [email protected]. student of minority ethnic or YOUTH DIRECTOR - Part international origin. time position working with RETREAT TO THE OCEAN Applicants must have youth (junior and senior high - The Baptist Retreat Center at least a 2.5 GPA and have school age groups.) We seek a in Ocean City is available for vocational aspirations in

Ideas for Christmas giving

By Iris White WorldCrafts is a nonprofi t 9) My First Book of Associate Editor ministry of WMU that imports Numbers handcrafts from 23 areas of the 10) My First Book of chool has started. The world and markets them in the Shapes days are getting shorter. USA. The leaves are turning. When you purchase Fiction: SThe temperature is dropping. WorldCrafts you: 1) And the Shofar And our attention turns to the • Assist women and men Blew by Fran- holiday season. who live in poverty cine Rivers Do you have any idea in providing for their 2) Cape Refuge by what to give family and friends families; Terri Black- for Christmas this year? Here • Support missions while stock are a few ideas that have buying great gifts for 3) First Light by come across my desk in recent family and friends. Bodie and weeks: These handmade gifts from all Brock Thoene over the world include baskets, 4) Left Behind Se- Experience Gifts bible covers, boxes, Christmas ries #11 – Arma- Consider giving a child decorations and nativity sets, geddon by Jerry or teenager in your family jewelry, toys and placemats Jenkins and tuition for camp this summer. from $1.99-$44.99. Tim LaHaye 3) Every Woman’s Battle by Several camps are being For descriptions and 5) Life Support by Robert Shannon Ethridge offered through BCM/D and pictures of the items go to Whitlow 4) The Case for Christ by Lee LifeWay this summer. Call www.wmustore.com or order a 6) Mission Compromised by Joe Strobel (800) 290-5290 ext. 0 for more catalog at (800) 968-7301. Musser and Oliver North 5) The Five Love Languages by information and costs. 7) Redeeming Love by Francine Gary Chapman • Youth Performing Arts Camp Best Selling Books and Music Rivers 6) The Power of a Positive Mom • All About Kids in LifeWay Christian Stores 8) Southern Storm by Terri by Karol Ladd • Girls Camp Blackstock 7) The Power of a Praying Hus- • Boys Camp Music: 9) The Betrayal by Beverly band by Stormie Omartian • Mother/Daughter Overnight 1) Adoration: The Worship Al- Lewis 8) The Power of a Praying Wife • Centrifuge bum – Newsboys 10) The Jerico Sanction by Olive by Stormie and Michael • CentriKid 2) Next Door Savior - Provi- North and Joe Musser Omartian • Crosspoint dent Music Group 9) The Power of a Praying 3) Offerings II – All I Have to Non-Fiction Hardcover Woman by Stormie Omar- Legacy Gifts Give - Third Day 1) Bringing Up Boys by Dr. tian Give a donation to 4) Passion: Sacred Revolution James Dobson 10) Then Sings My Soul by Rob- “Legacy of Faith” in a family – Songs From OneDay ’03 2) Next Door Savior by Max ert Morgan member’s name to support – Passion Lucado church planting in Maryland/ 5) Simple Things – Amy Grant 3) Praying God’s Word by Beth Reference Delaware. Call (800) 466-5290 6) Mercy Me – INO Records Moore 1) Believers Bible Commentary ext. 204 for more information. 7) Stacie Orrico – Forefront 4) Rumors of Another World by by William MacDonald Records Philip Yancy 2) Experiencing the Heart of Je- Handmade Gifts 8) Testify to Love: The Very Best 5) The Beloved Disciple by Beth sus by Max Lucado For a selection of unusual of Avalon Moore 3) Holman Bible Dictionary by and handmade gifts, go to 9) WoW Worship Yellow 6) The God I Love by Joni Trent Butler www.wmustore.com. Eareckson Tada 4) Matthew Henry Bible Com- Most parts of the world are Children: 7) The Purpose Driven Life by mentary by Matthew Henry far less developed than the U.S. 1) 20 Bible Verses Every Child Rick Warren 5) New Strong’s Expanded and the average person lives in Should Know 8) Twelve Ordinary Men by Exhaustive Concordance by poverty. WorldCrafts provides 2) Girls of Grace by Point of John McArthur James Stroud a tangible way to help them Grace and Friends 9) Waking the Dead by John 6) Strongest Strong’s Exhaus- and also share Christ. 3) God Made You Special by Eldredge tive Concordance by James WMU purchases Eric Metaxas 10) When Godly People Do Un- Swanson and John Kohlen- the products from these 4) I Love You This Much with godly Things by Beth Moore berger III craftsmen upfront so they Cassettes by Lynn Hodges 7) The New Strong’s Exhaustive receive fi nancial support and Sue Buchanan Non-Fiction Paperback Concordance of the Bible by as soon as possible. Thus, 5) In God We Trust by Larry 1) Checklist for Life For Teens Thomas Nelson people struggling in poverty Burkett by Thomas Nelson Pub- 8) The Purpose Driven Church receive money for their crafts 6) Jesus Wants All of Me by lishers by W.A. Criswell and Rick immediately and never have to Phil Smouse 2) Every Man’s Battle by Ste- Warren BL • November 2003 • 15 worry about WMU returning 7) My First Book of Alphabet phen Arterburn and Fred 9) The Student Bible Dictionary crafts that do not sell. 8) My First Book of Colors Stoeker by Barbour BaptistLIFE was, and will be, there…

hough our name has changed throughout our history, BaptistLIFE has faithfully chronicled the movement of God among Baptists Tin Maryland and Delaware. Though there are some minor gaps, the previous names of the paper include “The True Union” (1849-1865), “The Maryland Baptist” (1865-1866; 1902-1907; 1934-1986), “The Baptist Visitor” (1867-1880), “The Baltimore Baptist” (1883-1894), “The Evangel” (1894-1895), “The Maryland Messenger” (1910-1913), “The Maryland Baptist Church Life” (1917-1934), “The Baptist True Union” (1986-1994) and “BaptistLIFE” (since 1994).  When the Southern Baptist Convention was only four years old and there were two functioning agencies of the new denomination–the foreign mission board in Richmond, Virginia and the domestic mission board in Marion, Alabama–BaptistLIFE was there!  When Dr. Richard Fuller, pastor of Seventh Baptist Church, Baltimore, served as the second president of the Southern Baptist Convention and preached the first annual sermon for the SBC–BaptistLIFE was there!  When the Cooperative Program was launched in 1925–BaptistLIFE was there!  When Annie Armstrong, a member of Eutaw Place Church, Baltimore, practiced her missions lifestyle and fanned a flame of missions education and support–BaptistLIFE was there!  When the property for Skycroft was purchased and work began on a comprehensive site plan for developing BCM/D’s conference center–BaptistLIFE was there!  When Maryland/Delaware Baptists rallied to minister Christian love after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, DC–BaptistLIFE was there!

n the pages of BaptistLIFE, story after story have revealed the work of God through His people collectively known as Maryland/Delaware OBaptists. Our motto is “it’s your story…we just tell it!” Some stories have reported the ”Did you know?” heartache and pain of a sin-sick world. Other stories have testifi ed how people can be transformed in spite of it. Yet other stories have shown how Baptists have united behind our core values and the BaptistLIFE... foundation of the Word of God. More stories tell of people literally on mission around the world and here at home. And then there are the exciting stories of how God is planting churches across our landscape • Has served Baptists for and raising up existing churches to share the Gospel. over 150 years. The editorial team of BaptistLIFE shares a call from God to serve Him in all they do. Editor Bob Simpson, Associate Editor Iris White, Design Editor Sean Copley and Staff Writer Sharon Mager desire to • Features incredible stories work with Maryland/Delaware Baptists to “tell the story” of all God is doing. There are also many people about Marylanders and behind the scenes that make this publication possible. Todd Hampson is our illustrator and helps with Delawareans on mission graphic design. He authors our cartoon featuring “EEK,” the BaptistLIFE mascot. An administrative staff of professionals, including Cindy Harper, Ministry Assistant and Keith Stephenson, Production Assistant with God. and Advertising Coordinator, support the editorial staff. In addition there are stringer reporters, writers and • Informs Maryland/ photographers who make enormous contributions to the process of publishing a newsjournal. Delaware Baptists about Often, the visitors and new members in BCM/D churches did not grow up as Baptists. Many claim little or no particular religious background. Consequently, they are not aware of our rich heritage. major social issues BaptistLIFE is the singular best source of information, inspiration and encouragement for new Baptists. impacting families. And those who have been Baptists for many decades like to keep up with the latest trends and ministry • Is distributed to over success stories. The bottom line? BaptistLIFE helps to strengthen the ministry of our churches, helps to 21,000 Baptists within the reach more people for Jesus Christ and motivates Baptists to get more involved in missions and ministry! multi-state convention. • Is received by every one of our nearly 500 churches. • Has won national design awards in 2002 and 2003. • Is used by numerous churches as their local monthly newsletter. Hi, I’m EEK! • Is free of charge to every watch for me in 2004! Maryland/Delaware Baptist via the funding provided by the Cooperative Program. • Is the single best source of information and inspiration about what’s happening among Southern Baptists in Maryland and Delaware.