BEING THANKFUL

EVEN WHEN IT’S DIFFICULT

Thanksgiving: The 2020 Experience ALSO INSIDE: NOVEMBER 2020 A Different Thanksgiving Day in 2020 ON THE COVER: Brent Glover’s father, Rick, holds his granddaughter Charlotte as she gives her dad a high five outside Spartanburg Regional Hospital, where he was a leukemia patient recently. NOVEMBER 2O2O THE COURIER EDITOR & PRESIDENT | James Rudy Gray VOL. 152, NO. 11 Published once a month by The Baptist Courier MANAGING EDITOR | Todd Deaton GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Candace Rathbone BUSINESS MANAGER | Chris Holliday BOOK PUBLISHING | Butch Blume (ISSN: O7446985 , PUB: 42260) EDITORIAL ASSISTANT | Denise Huffman EDITOR EMERITUS | Don Kirkland 100 Manly Street, Greenville, SC 29601. Periodicals CIRCULATION MANAGER | Carolyn Rainey postage paid at Greenville, SC and other locations.

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2 • NOVEMBER 2020 | THE COURIER GLOVERS: BEING THANKFUL, EVEN WHEN IT’S DIFFICULT BY TODD DEATON, Managing Editor

THE TURKEY, DRESSING AND PUMPKIN PIE will likely taste a little sweeter to Brent and Courtney Glover this Thanksgiving. In late March, Brent, an otherwise healthy 34-year-old with an active lifestyle, began having severe headaches and felt really fatigued. He also noticed some red spots on his arms and legs, as well as a couple of bruises. The headaches were accompanied by dizzy spells, and one day he found himself struggling to stand upright. His wife, Courtney, urged him to see a doctor. “As any man, I pushed it off as long as I could,” said Brent, a former U.S. Marine who works for SEW-Eurodrive. But on April 2, he relented and went to see a family doctor, who ran some blood tests. No one expected what happened next. In the middle of the night, around 3 a.m., a doctor on call tried to call Brent to tell him to get to the emergency room. “My blood numbers were that bad,” Brent said. Brent’s phone ringer was off that night. Unable to reach him, the doctor called Brent’s mom, who was listed as an emergency contact. His mom and dad rushed over to Brent’s house at 5 a.m. and told him to go to the hospital immediately. An oncologist, Dr. Steve Corso, looked at his blood under a microscope, and a bone marrow biopsy was performed. Brent was diagnosed on April 3 with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a very aggressive form of cancer. Brent said, “It’s hard being apart from your family, and not being “Because of COVID, my wife and my mom and dad able to physically touch them” when someone is ill. weren’t allowed to come into the emergency room,” he recalled. “But knowing the news that he was about to have wouldn’t be able to visit me, and I wouldn’t be able to go out to deliver, the doctor allowed my wife and my mom and dad and visit with them,” he said. to come into my room.” “It was very hard to grasp that I was going to have to The doctor’s words “just sounded muffled” as he broke go — at the time, we thought maybe five to six weeks — the bad news to Courtney. “It sounded like somebody was without seeing my family face-to-face,” he said. just talking, and I wasn’t listening to anything he was saying,” Courtney didn’t know when or if their kids would see she said. their dad again. “They really didn’t know what his chances of It wasn’t until she got out into the parking lot and saw her survival would be because he was so sick, and we didn’t really dad and mom that she really collapsed with her emotions. “I understand how sick he was until we got to the hospital,” felt like I finally had the chance to do it, because I didn’t have she said. to be strong in front of Brent and my kids,” Courtney said. Brent was able to see his wife and kids through a glass Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Brent’s isolation window, though. throughout a nearly-four-week hospital stay at Spartanburg “I would go out to the lobby and they would come up to Regional was especially hard for him — and for Courtney and the window, and we would call each other and talk to each their two young children, Eli and Charlotte, as well. other over the phone when we were looking through the “When I was first diagnosed sitting in the ER — when glass window together,” he explained. “It was very hard, but they told me that I had leukemia — I was in extreme shock,” Brent said. “It didn’t really click that I wouldn’t get to be with my family until later on that day, when they had actually put me in my own hospital room. Then I found out that they Glovers... CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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it was something that I was praying about, for the Lord to keep me strong, to keep my family strong, to keep my kids strong during this time. “It was definitely harder at times than others, but through prayer and God’s grace, we got through it,” Brent said. The month that Brent was in the hospital was “just terrible,” Courtney recalled. “It was just not being able for the kids to see Daddy, and us really not feeling like a couple because we couldn’t see or really touch each other for a whole month,” she said. During that time, she read a devotion about Moses going through the Red Sea. “That book was really what got me through the month of April, just remembering God’s promises and how He delivered His people,” she said. “I held on to that promise, knowing that if God could get His people through such a time where it was impossible to cross the Red Sea, then He could bring my husband home.” Brent finally got to come home at the end of April. Four weeks later, he started a second round of outpatient chemotherapy, which was five days a week for five weeks. He completed his final round of chemotherapy in October. “At this point, with Brent being home and being able to do treatment as an outpatient, we feel like we’re a little bit more back to normalcy, and that’s allowed us to feel more like we’re a family again,” Courtney said. The Glovers took a family picture on a trip to the beach for Labor Day A former school teacher, Courtney recently has joined weekend, right before he started a second round of treatment. the staff of View Church in Boiling Springs. “I didn’t think I could take it (the children’s ministry position),” she said. “I just felt like God had really been faithful, and I felt like I “I thought I had to stay in my safe plan of being a teacher, needed to surrender everything to Him,” she said. “I felt like working for the state, not giving up that retirement.” God had put that calling on my life.” But when Brent came home, they discussed the move. Brent’s cancer currently is in remission. “They’ve done

two different blood tests on me to make sure that there’s still Brent and Courtney’s son Eli, 8, and daughter Charlotte, 4, stand at a no leukemia cells in my blood, and both of those have come hospital window since they weren’t allowed inside due to COVID-19. back negative,” he rejoiced. Now that he’s back home, Courtney feels the four of them have really grown in their faith. Their son, Eli, was baptized this summer by her dad, Danny Garrett, pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Enoree. On the way to school one morning, she and Eli were listening to a song. “I know the Bible verse that goes with the song,“ Eli announced. “It’s Exodus 14:14,” he said. “The Lord will fight for you, Mommy.” “And just through Brent having cancer, I know that my kids know that God is faithful, and that He will fight for us, even when it doesn’t make sense,” Courtney said. “Even Charlotte, who’s 4 years old, understands that we pray for Daddy. We’re praying that this last round will be the very last round. And we’re just having our faith in that. So we’re very, very hopeful.” RELINK Yet, in spite of a serious battle with leukemia and enduring COVID restrictions while in the hospital, Brent says, “Yes, sir. It’s been a true blessing.” “The Lord has blessed me with a tremendous testimony of His faithfulness,” he added. “He tells us that He will never forsake us, and I’ve never felt it more than now.

4 • NOVEMBER 2020 | THE COURIER “As a Christian, I’ve always believed in the power of necessarily think about that much any other time.” prayer, but until you go through something like this, and you Courtney is especially thankful that her family is together see the amount of people in the community praying for you again and for her faith, which anchored her through it all. and your family …and you see the results of the prayers, it “There’s a lot I could say I’m thankful for, but if you want just gives you a whole new perspective on the power of prayer. one thing, I’m thankful for the godly parents who raised me It’s something that I won’t ever take for granted, that’s for and instilled the foundation of faith that I have, because as sure.” soon as everything happened and everything went down, I Hearing a potentially terminal diagnosis has made him knew exactly who to turn to, and that was Jesus.” “more thankful for the things that the Lord has blessed Brent also has a word for somebody going through a you with up to this point … my wife, my kids, my family, my difficult patch in life. “Whether it’s leukemia, whether it’s a friends, and, most importantly, my relationship with Jesus,” different type of cancer, whether it’s an addiction, no matter he said. the circumstance, if you’re going through a struggle, don’t “Thankfulness is almost an understatement, because lose hope,” he urged. “Stay in prayer, and stay close to Jesus I’ve just been so fortunate and so blessed,” he added. “Even and in your walk with Him,” he added. “Yes, Jesus has put though I went through this, it’s really made me appreciate doctors in our path to help take care of us, but He’s the and be more thankful for the little things in life that you don’t ultimate healer.” n

THANKSGIVING: THE 2O2O EXPERIENCE

BY RUDY GRAY, Editor

THE BIBLE HAS MUCH TO SAY ABOUT BEING was grateful for grace people have shown, which made thankful or giving thanks. For example, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 her “appreciate even more the grace I’ve received from my says, “In everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you Savior. I am thankful for relationshipsBY DONDI — COSTINwith family, friends in Christ Jesus.” The Psalms contain many exhortations to and with church leaders across our state. I am also thankful be thankful. Yet, what happens when a pandemic intersects for the technology that continues to bring us together and with protests, looting and basic civil unrest? Add to that for a common purpose that keeps us moving forward.” a divisive presidential election and rising concerns about Delano McMinn, 87-year-old retired director of missions, health and the economy. The result can be fear, anger, and church planter and pastor, said, “I can quickly tell you that my a list of other imposing emotional concerns. Will Christians, Thanksgiving this year will center on Jesus and the blessing particularly Southern Baptists, celebrate our national of His salvation.” His memory verse is Psalm 103:2: “Bless the Thanksgiving holiday by genuinely giving thanks? Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits.” This year has been anything but typical. As we approach Josh Powell, SCBC president and pastor of Lake Murray Thanksgiving, how will we observe it? Gather together as Baptist Church, said, “We have so much to be thankful for. usual? Contact our loved ones virtually? More importantly, This year of uncertainty has caused me to be reminded of are we thankful during this challenging time? The Courier what a blessing it is to know the sure promises of God. I am interviewed several leaders in our state to get their ideas. thankful that He will never fail to keep them.” South Carolina Baptist Convention Executive Director- Kim Clark, pastor’s wife and public school teacher from Treasurer Gary Hollingsworth said, “In this unusual year, one Inman, stated that she was thankful for the “opportunities to of the things I am most thankful for is the reality that we share the love of Christ through the Fellowship of Christian serve an almighty, all-powerful and never-changing God! The Athletes with students who may not otherwise have the challenges of 2020 make us pause and ponder our priorities. opportunity to hear about our wonderful Savior. Even though So much has changed — and yet our God has not.” we are not able to meet weekly right now, I can still pray for Stephen Watson, pastor of Renewal Church of Anderson, my FCA students, and I am still able to encourage them.” said, “The year 2020 has continuously reminded me that my Cliff Satterwhite, retired Royal Ambassadors leader greatest hope in life and death is that I belong to God my and state director of Disaster Relief, said he is “thankful to Savior Jesus Christ. My hope is not in this world, but in Christ alone. For that, I am thankful beyond measure.” Laurie Register, executive director-treasurer of the South Carolina Woman’s Missionary Union, stated that she Thanksgiving... CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

www.baptistcourier.com • 5 Thanksgiving... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 experience churches discovering new methods of worship times are uncertain, God is sovereign over these times with and to watch teachers and students adapting to virtual certainty. We are thankful that we serve a God who lavishes learning and showing how important family is when having us with His biblical promises and invites us to study His Word to quarantine.” and be transformed by it.” On Oct. 2, Anderson University held a graduation Thanksgiving Day is a unique day in American history. commencement. Board chairman Don Harper gave the Family gatherings, big meals and travel have been part of invocation. He said, “I quoted Psalm 118:24: ‘This is the day the mix in past years. This year may be different, but the idea that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.’ behind Thanksgiving is unchanged — pausing to give thanks My wife, Gerri, and I are thankful that even though these to God for all His blessings. n

A DIFFERENT

IN 2O2O

BY RUDY GRAY, Editor

TYPICALLY, THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY the COVID-19 virus, Christians can give thanks to God for features some of the busiest travel days of the year. With the these gifted people whom God uses as a means of expressing pandemic still strong and no vaccine or cure available, travel His grace and mercy to us. plans are changing. In the past, it has been estimated that as President Lincoln proclaimed a National Day of many as 90 percent of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving Thanksgiving during the Civil War in 1863. Presidents followed Day. While that may not change, the traditional family that pattern until Congress, in 1941, made it a national holiday gatherings will likely look different this year. occurring on the fourth Thursday of November. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, an American tradition While there are some records of various days for since 1924, will still take place, but it will be through a observing a Day of Thanksgiving in America, some predating prerecorded video format. The New York retailer tweeted the Pilgrims and Wampanoag three-day festival, the 1621 that the parade will go on, but “we won’t be marching. We celebration is the iconic scene that most identifies the are reimagining it into a televised-only spectacle.” American tradition. About half of the Pilgrim settlers died the Some of the food served on Thanksgiving Day has previous year. That Thanksgiving came after the harsh realities included turkey, ham, potatoes (mashed and sweet), of life in a new land. The native Americans and the Pilgrims casseroles, cornbread, dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce, found a way to share in a time of powerful fellowship. macaroni and cheese, green beans, and various desserts led Whether it is virtual or in person, turkey or something by sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie. While the menu this else, travel or no travel, the important emphasis of this day is year for most people may include some of these offerings, to pause and give thanks to God for His blessings. This year is the meal, in many cases, will be eaten with far fewer people a different type of Thanksgiving, but the opportunity to give gathered together. thanks has not changed. Perhaps next Thanksgiving we Because of safety precautions for this year, one of the will look back with COVID-19 in the rearview mirror and things people seem to be thankful for is the technology to be thankful. see and talk with each other even though they cannot be Thanksgiving Day cannot erase our challenges and physically present. difficulties, but it does give us the opportunity to realize the While scientists work on a vaccine and drugs to combat power of being thankful. n

6 • NOVEMBER 2020 | THE COURIER LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING TOTAL EXCEEDS GOAL AT $159.5M BY LESLIE PEACOCK CALDWELL

THE INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD IS reporting a 2019-20 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering total of $159.5 million, the second highest offering in history. This total exceeds by $4.5 million the 175-year-old organization’s budgeted goal of $155 million. IMB also received $97.2 million from the Southern Baptist Convention’s Cooperative Program for 2019-20. “I’m thrilled to report that the Lottie offering is growing again,” said IMB president Paul Chitwood. “A growing Lottie offering means that more lost people, not fewer, will hear the gospel and be saved. A growing Lottie offering means that more hurting people, not fewer, will be helped and offered hope. A growing Lottie offering means more missionaries, not fewer, will go to the ends of the earth to carry the IMB missionary Doug Derbyshire meets physical and spiritual needs as Good News. Thank you, Southern Baptists, for growing a medical doctor in Thailand. (IMB photo) the Lottie offering!” This year’s generous gift is all the more celebrated “Names will be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life as a during a year in which many families worldwide experienced result of what was stewarded well. What a privilege to join significant loss of income due to COVID-19. God in His redemptive work in the world,” she said. “Everything we thought COVID-19 would take away from The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering supports more us, God gave back — and more — through the Lottie Moon than 3,500 full-time missionaries and their families. These offering and the generosity of the Southern Baptist family,” personnel live among the lost in order to reach the nations said Price Jett, IMB vice president of finance, logistics, travel with the gospel. and technology. “God has blessed IMB the past year, just as This year’s Lottie Moon and Week of Prayer stories He has for 175 years. I have to believe He has big plans in store emphasize God’s goodness of provision, but also the vast for Southern Baptist missions.” needs that remain. From a children’s shelter in Kenya, to a Sandy Wisdom-Martin, executive director of national fish farm in Peru, to a radio ministry in Europe and a clinic Woman’s Missionary Union, also celebrated the faithfulness in Thailand, God is at work but also revealing the significant of churches and the way God led people to give sacrificially. need of the nations to turn to Him. “The sacrificial gifts offered by faithful Southern Baptists Charlie and Shannon Worthy build strong partnerships this giving cycle are substantial enough to tip the scales of with believers in Italy to advance the gospel. They eternity in favor of the kingdom,” Wisdom-Martin said. understand that working alongside local believers to plant churches and disciple believers will produce fruit long after their time there as missionaries comes to an end. And the support they receive from Southern Baptists makes all the difference. “The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is critical to what we do,” Charlie said. “We are grateful for Southern Baptists, and we are grateful and honored to be Southern Baptists.” Chitwood urged churches to remain committed to the task, even as they take time to celebrate His generous provision. “Please join us as we step into a new fiscal year, trusting God and calling upon you to be generous in your praying, sending, going, and your increased giving through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. There is no greater work than the one we share in proclaiming Christ to people groups Kristen Lowry partners with local believers to reach street kids in who have never heard of His great name!” n Kenya. She is one of 3,565 IMB missionaries supported through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. (IMB photo) Leslie Peacock Caldwell writes from New Kent, Va.

www.baptistcourier.com • 7 SCBC EXECUTIVE BOARD APPROVES ONE-DAY ANNUAL MEETING BY JULIA BELL

THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE SOUTH with Serve Community Aid grants, and reported more than Carolina Baptist Convention, meeting Oct. 6 at Riverland 12,000 Disaster Relief volunteer hours were served. Hills Baptist Church in Columbia, has approved changing The SHARE Team celebrated 10,616 salvations and the upcoming annual meeting from two days to one, taking baptisms in SCBC churches last year, one church in the precautions precipitated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Saturate coaching process is tripling its baptisms in 2020, and The Executive Board, with Albert Allen presiding as Baptist Collegiate Ministries saw 294 salvations, 930 students chairman, adopted a motion to condense the 2020 annual mobilized, and engaged nearly 20,000 students. meeting presented by SCBC President Josh Powell. He asked The SEND Team launched the Palmetto Collective with 20 the Executive Board to endorse a “collective recommendation students in the pilot group, equipped 25 multi-ethnic pastors from the executive director-treasurer, his executive team, the and leaders, and saw 35 missions pastors/churches engaged in elected officers of the convention, members of the Order of SEND Collaboratives. Business Committee, and the officers of the Executive Board.” The START Team assisted 21 new churches in South The 2020 SCBC annual meeting now will convene at 9 a.m. Carolina with funding, conducted three virtual assessment on Tues., Nov. 10, at First Baptist Church, Columbia, under the retreats and the first Hispanic church planter assessment theme “Legacy,” and will conclude that evening. retreat, and saw 23 pastors and two DOMs participate in the The board also approved a second motion authorizing Grand Strand Multiplying Church Summit. the following leaders to be empowered to make decisions in “This is what you’re doing in your churches, ministries the event of a last-minute cancellation or postponement of and communities, advancing the gospel where you are. God is the annual meeting: the president, first vice president, second doing exciting things in our state,” Hardwick said. vice president and president-elect; chair and vice chair of the Board members heard Advance Strategy plans for the Executive Board; chair of the Order of Business Committee; next five years, designed to help churches fulfill the Great and the executive director-treasurer. Commission. Hardwick outlined major goals to be measurable “It’s important to meet — we need to meet — but the church advancement of the gospel through at least 10 meeting will look different than last year,” said Powell, who percent of churches, an increase in the number of baptisms also requested that messengers register immediately to help from 10,000 to 15,000 annually by the year 2025, and for with meeting preparations. Cooperative Program giving to reach $30 million by 2025. In other news, board members unanimously approved a “It’s not about seeing numbers increased for the sake proposed $26.5 million Cooperative Program ministry plan for of institution, but as the fuel for everything we do. It’s not 2021 — a decrease of $1.5 million from the previous budget — for the sake of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, but which was presented by Budget, Finance & Audit Committee so that the vision would come to life of seeing individuals Chair Allen Nates. transformed by the hope of the gospel,” Hardwick said. The committee also reported that 60 SCBC churches are Chief Administrative Officer Scott Lee updated the new contributors to the Cooperative Program this year, and board on the work of the Operations Committee, which that overall giving is on track to meet 2020 budget needs. included staffing announcements and building upgrades. Board members heard a summary of the 2020 ADVANCE Lee also shared that he is in discussions with several parties highlights from Priority Advancement Committee Chair Ron interested in the purchase of White Oak Conference Center in Henderson and Jay Hardwick, assistant executive-director and Winnsboro. chief strategist. They shared how South Carolina Baptists have The board also heard ministry partner reports from worked to “Advance Anyway” in the face of COVID-related President Evans Whitaker of Anderson University and obstacles, as have convention staff in their work alongside President Tom Tucker with South Carolina Baptist Ministries churches. of Aging. The STRONG Team launched www.hopeforchurches.org In his address, Executive Director-Treasurer Gary as a resource engine for churches in the process of revitalizing Hollingsworth spoke to the “uncharted territory” or restarting, trained 70 percent of SCBC associations and accompanying this season of ministry, but that “we have a their leadership in revitalization coaching, and announced destination. We are going somewhere and advancing the Charleston Southern University as the new location for cause of the gospel despite the situation we are in, and I’m SummerSalt and KidSalt, beginning Summer 2021. glad we’re going together.” n The SERVE Team reported that Heart4Schools had grown to at least 320 partnerships in the state, assisted 148 churches Julia Bell is a writer for the South Carolina Baptist Convention.

8 • NOVEMBER 2020 | THE COURIER SCBC EXECUTIVE BOARD APPROVES ‘LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!’ ONE-DAY ANNUAL MEETING COURIER VIDEOS NOW ROLLING

“LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION! WE’RE Carolina Baptist Convention’s Executive Board during recording!” may not exactly be director calls one would their October meeting that plans are unfolding quickly for expect from The Courier, but Courier readers may soon producing a regular video podcast in 2021. become Courier viewers, too. “We will be doing news and expanded features about With a soft launch of Courier Videos this fall, the South people in South Carolina who are doing different works, Carolina Baptist magazine has ventured into video production ministries, service, and missions through the South Carolina to further enhance telling the stories of those who are telling Baptist Convention,” Gray told board members. THE Story of Jesus Christ and His redeeming love. Courier “While we have in place everything we need to do video Videos will be directed podcasts, we want to by Managing Editor continue to develop Todd Deaton. our quality. As funds Generous gifts from become available, we Courier supporters have will add needed editing enabled The Baptist equipment and other Courier to acquire helpful tools,” Gray said. two video cameras, “I want to encourage microphones, lighting, our faithful readers to and other essential prayerfully consider a equipment for a studio, year-end gift designated field reporting, and live- for our studio streaming. development or for the The Bill and Shirley internship fund.” Adams Internship Video clips also may Courier Videos plans to produce news reports and a regular podcast from a newly Program will help created studio. soon begin appearing communications more frequently on students at the three South Carolina Baptist universities to The Courier’s Facebook page, accompanying feature stories further their educations through practical media experience in The Courier’s monthly print magazine and e-editions. The at The Courier. Courier also has launched both YouTube and Vimeo channels Editor Rudy Gray announced to members of the South to distribute videos. n

www.baptistcourier.com • 9 SOUTHERN SEMINARY RETAINS NAMES, VACATES CHAIR, ESTABLISHES ENDOWMENT

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF SOUTHERN Baptist Theological Seminary unanimously voted Oct. 12 not to remove the names of the school’s founders from several campus buildings. But trustees embraced steps to lament the institution’s racial history, vacating an endowed chair named after an especially controversial 19th-century benefactor and providing up to $5 million in scholarships for African-American students over the next few years. During their fall board meeting, trustees declared the Joseph Emerson Brown Chair of Christian Theology, which has been held by SBTS President Albert Mohler Jr., to be vacant. Brown, a governor of Georgia in the mid-19th century, made an investment of $50,000 in the 1870s to rescue the seminary financially. But even then, Brown was a controversial figure for continuing to use Black convict labor — a Founded in 1974, the James P. Boyce College of the Bible is named for functional continuation of race-based slavery — long after James Petigru Boyce, founder and first president of Southern Seminary. (SBTS photo) emancipation. “We must ask whether any name is wrongly respect that fact and respect those faithful believers who may commemorated in our institutional life,” Mohler said, have decided the issues otherwise.” adding, “We do not get to choose a history, but we do bear Clint Pressley, chairman of Southern’s trustees and senior responsibility for who we commemorate and why.” pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C., said Trustees considered but declined a call from several the decisions weren’t easy. But Pressley said the trustees’ individuals within the Southern Baptist Convention to remove actions provide Southern Seminary with a way forward in the names of founding president James P. Boyce and founding dealing with issues of its past. faculty members John Broadus, Basil Manly Jr., and William “This school is about the gospel — and the gospel Williams, all of whom held slaves prior to emancipation. The is about forgiveness, redemption and moving forward,” four founded the seminary in 1859 in Greenville, S.C. Several Pressley said. “Today, we saw the gospel shine a light on buildings on Southern’s campus bear their names, including decision-making. Tough decisions were made, God-honoring Boyce College, the James P. Boyce Library and Broadus Chapel. decisions, and it provided a way forward.” Mohler said SBTS is “not going to erase our history in any respect or leave our history unaddressed.” “We’re trying to do what is right for a Christian “They did not just establish institution,” he said. “I’m incredibly thankful to this board of trustees for its careful deliberation of these issues and its unanimity in supporting Southern Seminary in dealing the school, they defined the honestly with the burden of history and dealing respectfully with the blessing of a heritage. school theologically.” “We stand in conviction on the great truths of the Christian faith and in confessional agreement with — SBTS President Albert Mohler our founders. Their theological orthodoxy and Baptist confessionalism are an invaluable inheritance, and we stand with them in theological conviction, period,” Mohler Mohler said the challenge was to recognize both “the continued. “But we deal honestly with their sin and complicity burden of history and the blessing of heritage,” and added in slavery and racism. We are seeking to respond to the moral the trustees had the responsibility of “the stewardship of the and theological burden of history by being a far more faithful present moment.” institution in the present and in the future than we’ve been in “Other sincere and faithful believers might well make the past, and in this central respect we acknowledge a special other decisions in fulfillment of this stewardship,” Mohler debt to African-American Christians.” wrote in an official report to the board of trustees. “We The trustees’ actions reflected a continuing desire to

10 • NOVEMBER 2020 | THE COURIER reckon with the seminary’s past and followed a report of the seminary. SOUTHERN SEMINARY RETAINS NAMES, released by the school in 2018 “on Slavery and Racism in the In explaining the decision not to remove the founders’ History of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary,” a names, Mohler said their legacy was far more than their historical document that detailed the founders’ slave-holding. names. Boyce provided the founding vision and leadership VACATES CHAIR, ESTABLISHES ENDOWMENT Along with declaring the Brown chair vacant, trustees for SBTS, Broadus championed conservative hermeneutics approved, beginning with the 2022-2023 academic year, and biblical preaching, Manly penned Southern’s confession setting aside $1 million of endowed and restricted funds as an of faith — the Abstract of Principles — and Williams was a endowment to assist qualified black students at SBTS through faithful professor of church government. the Garland Offutt Scholars Program, honoring the legacy of “They did not just establish the school, they defined the the seminary’s first African-American full graduate. school theologically,” Mohler explained. Additionally, the seminary will set aside $1 million for this Mohler said without the founders, who made great fund every three years until a goal of $5 million is reached. sacrifices when it appeared the Civil War might force the “We hope to assist in the development of African-American seminary’s closure, there would be no Southern Seminary. n pastors, theologians, scholars, and leaders by means of this historic new initiative,” Mohler said. These funds will be in Jeff Robinson, director of news and information at Southern addition to the current scholarship and student aid programs Baptist Theological Seminary, contributed to this report. DELTA ADDS ‘GUT PUNCH’ SIX WEEKS AFTER HURRICANE LAURA

LOUISIANA RECEIVED A “GUT PUNCH” OCT. 9, as the second hurricane in six weeks made landfall in the state. The eye of Hurricane Delta crashed ashore at 5 p.m. as a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph in Creole, nearly 13 miles east of Cameron, where Laura made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane (150 mph winds) on Aug. 27. According to the National Weather Service, Delta had weakened to barely a tropical storm (35 mph sustained winds) as it exited into Mississippi at 7 a.m., on Saturday, having followed a nearly identical path as Laura. More than 565,000 businesses and homes in the state were without power on Oct. 10. Delta also dumped heavy rain on parts of the state, Hurricane Delta followed a path through Louisiana almost identical which resulted in numerous road closures. AccuWeather to Hurricane Laura’s nearly six weeks earlier. At 7:30 a.m., Oct. 10, Sandy reported late Friday that approximately 17.02 inches of rain Creek in Pollock had overflowed its banks and flooded nearby homes. fell in Iowa, just east of Lake Charles. Meanwhile, Bell City, (Photo by Brian Gunter) about seven miles south of Iowa, received 16.31 inches of rain, homes that were damaged by Laura and must now deal with and Lake Charles, 15.68 inches. the aftermath of a second hurricane. Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center in Woodworth “Adding damage from Delta to the area will be received water damage in the Indian Creek Lodge, as well devastating for many,” he said. “I am praying that I suffer as the activities building and the game room, according to well, that people will remember how much we love Jesus and Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn. our neighbors and not how much we suffer. In many ways, it “These will continue to be challenging times, but the is better that the storm followed a track similar to Laura. No beauty of this morning can be a reminder to us that God’s reason for someone else to get new damage.” faithfulness is new every morning,” Horn told the Gibbie McMillan, state strategist for Louisiana Baptists’ Baptist Message. disaster relief efforts, said a response plan has been put into place. n PRAY FOR THE WEARY Bruce Baker, director of missions for Carey Baptist Written by staff of the Baptist Message, newsjournal of the Association, said people are weary. Many were repairing their Louisiana Baptist Convention.

www.baptistcourier.com • 11 12 • NOVEMBER 2020 | THE COURIER www.baptistcourier.com • 13 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE GOES TO ORGANIZATION LED BY FORMER S.C. GOVERNOR BY ART TOALSTON

DAVID BEASLEY WAS IN A WORLD FOOD Food Programme, and especially David Beasley, who has Programme meeting in Niger, West Africa, when a team provided such great leadership there. They are able to meet member came in and simply said “the Nobel Peace Prize.” hunger needs around the world, especially in places that are “Wow, who got it?” Beasley asked. difficult to reach. “We did,” the staffer replied. “In the conversations we’ve had with him by Zoom in the “Oh, my goodness,” the stunned executive director last few weeks about hunger challenges around the world, of the World Food Programme said, adding an enlivened he is obviously a dedicated Christian and was excited to “Wow.” know that Southern Baptist Christians are eager to be of help Beasley, a former governor of South Carolina and through Send Relief.” Southern Baptist church member when he was in the Beasley, in speaking to PBS NewsHour, said the Nobel statehouse, has led the United Nations agency since 2017, Peace Prize serves as “a call to action.” recommended for the five-year term by President Trump. “Just in the last three years, the number of people on the The Norwegian Nobel Committee, in announcing the brink of starvation had risen before COVID from 80 million prize Oct. 9 in Oslo, noted, “In the face of the [COVID-19] to 135 million,” Beasley said. “And now with COVID, the pandemic, the World Food Programme has demonstrated an number of people — and I’m not talking about people going impressive ability to intensify its efforts.” to bed hungry — on the brink of starvation is now 270 million The committee commended the world’s largest people. … We’re facing the worst humanitarian crisis since humanitarian organization for “bettering conditions for World War II.” peace in conflict-affected areas and for acting as a driving The Rome-based WFP needs “an extra $5 billion to save force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of millions of lives around the world,” Beasley said, calling war and conflict.” particularly on billionaires “to step up. … With all the wealth “The World Food Programme was an active participant in the world today, no one should be dying from hunger, not in the diplomatic process that culminated in May 2018 in the a single person.” UN Security Council’s unanimous adoption of Resolution So far in 2020, the WFP has received nearly $6.4 billion in 2417, which for the first time explicitly addressed the link funding or donated goods, with over $2.7 billion coming from between conflict and hunger,” the Nobel Committee stated. the U.S., the Associated Press reported. “The Security Council also underscored UN Member States’ Pressing hunger crises exist in such countries as Yemen, obligation to help ensure that food assistance reaches those South Sudan, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq, Beasley said. in need, and condemned the use of starvation as a method of Where COVID-fueled hunger is intense, Beasley said, warfare.” “Three things are going to happen. One, you’re going to have Bryant Wright, president of Southern Baptists’ Send famine, I mean literally of biblical proportions. Two, you’re Relief compassion ministry, said, “I congratulate the World going to have destabilization. And three, you’re going to have

mass migration. David Beasley, executive director of the World Food Programme, gets a firsthand view of the destruction and flooding from 2019’s Cyclone Idai in “We can solve all that. We have a cure against starvation: southeast Africa. At left is Lola Castro, WFP’s regional director. (WFP photo by It’s called food,” he said. “We need money to get it to the Marco Frattini) people who need the help. If we don’t, we’re going to pay for it a thousand-fold more with the problems that result from the lack of security, because when you have food insecurity, you have destabilization, wars, conflicts and migration.” Prior to assuming his WFP position in 2017, Beasley had been chairman of the board of the Center for Global Strategies, a nonprofit organization in Greenville, S.C., which he co-founded in 2005 with Henry Deneen, who served as chief legal counsel to Beasley as South Carolina’s governor. In Columbia, Beasley, whose term in office was from 1995-99, and his wife, Mary, who have two daughters and a son, were members of Shandon Baptist Church. n

Art Toalston is a writer in Nashville.

14 • NOVEMBER 2020 | THE COURIER NOBEL PEACE PRIZE GOES TO ORGANIZATION COOPERATIVE PROGRAM GIVING IN 2O19-2O LED BY FORMER S.C. GOVERNOR BY ART TOALSTON TESTAMENT TO BAPTISTS’ FAITHFULNESS

THE 2O2O FISCAL YEAR FOR THE SOUTHERN send more missionaries across the world.” Baptist Convention ended Sept. 30, 2020, and despite For the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, gifts received by the challenges related to the COVID-19 global pandemic, giving by EC for distribution through the CP Allocation Budget totaled Southern Baptist churches through the Cooperative Program $192,900,851.18. This is $3,830,852.26, or 1.95 percent, less for national and international missions and ministries totaled than last year’s giving total of $196,731,703.44. The amount more than $192.9 million. given is slightly below the $196,500,000.00 budget to support After gifts of more than $14.8 million were received in Southern Baptist ministries globally and across North September, giving for the year ended less than 2 percent America by $3,599,148.82, or 1.83 percent. below the national CP allocation budget. The final amount received in September 2020 totaled “The consistency and faithfulness of our churches $14,823,309.99, which was $436,313.93 (2.86 percent) less giving through the Cooperative Program during this global than the $15,259,623.92 received in September 2019, and pandemic has resulted in us being able to fund the vision of $1,551,690.01 (9.48 percent) less than the monthly budgeted the Great Commission and the needed ministries to support amount of $16,375,000.00. it,” said SBC Executive Committee president and CEO Ronnie Designated gifts received in September amounted to Floyd in a statement. “All of this begins with individuals and $4,711,281.45. This total was $338,085.04, or 7.73 percent, families who have been faithful to honor God with at least above gifts of $4,373,196.41 received last September. Also, one-tenth of their income through their local church. In this this year’s total designated gifts for the fiscal year amounted time when the world needs Jesus desperately, may this move to $174,219,506.85, which is $17,476,046.90, or 9.12 percent, us to evaluate how much more we can give and forward to less than the $191,695,553.75 given in the previous fiscal year.n

www.baptistcourier.com • 15 16 • NOVEMBER 2020 | THE COURIER www.baptistcourier.com • 17 LIFEWAY, RAINER SETTLE LEGAL DISPUTE

LIFEWAY CHRISTIAN The joint statement issued the next day simply referenced Resources and Thom Rainer have agreed Rainer’s agreement to honor the original terms of his to settlement terms in a breach of transition agreement, “including the non-compete clause” and contract lawsuit between the Southern “not to move forward” with the partnership with Tyndale. Baptist Convention entity and its The legal action led to confusion and questions from some former CEO. of LifeWay’s trustees, who were taken by surprise. The board’s The statement indicates the three officers defended their decision to sue, but former board agreement was reached Oct. 5, a day chairman Jimmy Scroggins — who still serves on the board after Rainer had tweeted his intent — maintained legal action should not have been taken and Thom Rainer to accept LifeWay’s terms to end the that the full board should have been notified. An emergency lawsuit. According to a statement jointly trustee meeting on Sept. 30 was postponed by the 13-member released Tuesday, Oct. 6, Rainer agreed to honor the terms of trustee executive committee. his separation agreement, including a non-compete clause. Along with the postponement, Fannin said in a statement He also agreed “not to move forward with his business that “in lieu of moving forward with litigation, both parties partnership with Tyndale House Publishers, which was a [were] exploring the possibility of an agreed-upon resolution violation of his non-compete agreement.” of the differences.” On Friday, Oct. 2, Fannin told Baptist Press “Our prayer has always been that this could be resolved that LifeWay was “waiting on Dr. Rainer to respond to our between LifeWay and Dr. Rainer amicably,” Todd Fannin, chair suggested resolutions of the issues.” of LifeWay’s board of trustees, said in the statement. “We’re A new flurry of discussion about LifeWay’s handling of thankful Dr. Rainer agreed to honor his word and commitment the conflict with its former CEO arose over the weekend after to LifeWay, which has been our goal from the beginning. The the entity sent trustees and employees an email from the trustees and Dr. Rainer are looking forward to putting this three trustee officers — Fannin, vice chairman J.D. Perry and behind us.” secretary Amy Mielock — detailing their claims against Rainer. In a statement provided Oct. 6 to Baptist Press, Rainer In addition to facts previously stated in the suit, the email said said: “I am grateful to have this resolution between LifeWay LifeWay had paid Rainer more than $1 million plus benefits and me. I look forward to once again focusing on serving local since his February 2019 retirement. churches and those who serve them.” Rainer said he has returned his payments to LifeWay LifeWay filed a complaint Sept. 28 in Williamson County since late spring, after he was asked to forgo remaining (Tenn.) chancery court alleging Rainer had violated his compensation by Ben Mandrell, the current LifeWay president. separation agreement with LifeWay by publishing with a Under his transition agreement, he was to remain a paid competitor. The agreement between Rainer and LifeWay upon LifeWay employee through Oct. 31, 2020, as chief advisory his 2019 retirement precluded him from having any business officer. Several requests by Baptist Press for an interview with association with LifeWay competitors until Oct. 31, 2021. The Mandrell were declined by a LifeWay spokesperson. agreement specifically listed Tyndale House Publishers as a “We have attempted to show grace and restraint in a LifeWay competitor. In August 2020, Tyndale announced a difficult process and to preserve what will be embarrassing multi-book publishing partnership with Rainer. information to many involved,” the LifeWay trustee officers Rainer told Baptist Press that an Oct. 1, 2019 letter wrote Oct. 2, according to a copy of the email obtained from LifeWay granted him “rights reversal” on his writings, by Baptist Press. “We had hoped our request for a season and LifeWay officials communicated in subsequent verbal of prayer would be embraced by all involved, but as comments that he was released to publish books with any misrepresentations continue to be published, we now believe publishing house he selected. Previously, Rainer said he had it best to present these facts. Ultimately, it is always our goal to received “a written and amicable release from publishing” allow the truth to prevail.” with LifeWay, he had discussed the matter with LifeWay’s Scroggins responded to the three officers in an Oct. 3 attorney, and he had “assumed all was well” until receiving email to the full board. Among his claims: that the amount notice of the lawsuit. of money awarded to Rainer in his separation agreement On Sunday, Oct. 4, Rainer tweeted that LifeWay had “put is consistent with publishing industry standards; that the forth six stipulations to end the lawsuit,” and added: “For relationship between Rainer and Mandrell has been strained; the sake of the gospel, I plan to accept all of those terms and that while he is not defending Rainer’s actions, LifeWay’s on Monday. This legal battle between Christians before the “high profile, explosive, legal action was taken without watching world has to end. I will end it.” notification, consultation, or affirmation from the Board.” n Rainer confirmed to Baptist Press on Monday that he had accepted the stipulations, but declined to disclose specifics. David Roach is a writer in Nashville.

18 • NOVEMBER 2020 | THE COURIER www.baptistcourier.com • 19 MACEDONIA CELEBRATING 2OO YEARS

MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCH CELEBRATED its bicentennial anniversary on Oct. 11 with former pastor Terry Duvall — who retired in 2016 after serving the Gaffney congregation for 40 years — returning to the pulpit to deliver a message titled “The History and Hope of Macedonia Baptist Church.” Organized in 1820, Macedonia’s actual anniversary date is Oct. 14, and a number of bicentennial-related events had been planned throughout this year. Most of those plans had to be postponed, however, due to COVID-19 concerns. Last year, Macedonia Church implemented a plan for debt retirement on its children and students building that was named the “1820 Campaign.” The facility was completed in 2015 and dedicated as the Duvall Education Center. In spite of the pandemic, church members have generously Macedonia Baptist Church in Gaffney officially observed its bicentennial Oct. 11. supported the campaign. Organization of the church, which was located in on five occasions. Ezell served time in a federal prison in New Spartanburg County at the time, was led by two brothers, York because of his association with a secret group, but he Samuel and Jonathan Guthrie. Records are not clear about received a pardon from President Ulysses S. Grant, and he those who were a part of its organization, but 72 people soon returned to Macedonia to pastor the church again. might have taken part. The church has been through at least 12 building or The church’s first building was a log cabin on land remodeling projects. New sanctuaries were constructed in donated by Samuel Guthrie, and the church still has the 1822, 1865, 1901, 1942, and 1963. first land deed from him. Jonathan Guthrie became the first Macedonia has a heart for missions, supporting Southern pastor, but by 1830 he had been removed as pastor and from Baptist’s Cooperative Program since 1925. For more than church membership because the congregation believed his 30 years, the church has supported a Hispanic ministry and teachings were not doctrinally correct. local church. The church also has supported local ministries, Throughout its 200 years, the church has had 41 pastors. and members have traveled on mission to many states and One of the most colorful was J.S. Ezell, who served as pastor countries. n

KATHLEEN MALLORY: A ‘LINGERING FRAGRANCE’ IN MISSIONS HISTORY

to take the gospel to the ends of the earth — more than a OVER THE LAST 2O YEARS, century after Mallory began her 36-year tenure at the helm when Rosalie Hall Hunt wrote books of WMU. about missions trailblazers like Fannie Now Hunt has brought Mallory’s story to life in “Guided E.S. Heck, Ann Judson and Hephzibah by Grace: The Kathleen Mallory Story” (Courier Publishing, Jenkins Townsend, a name that kept 288 pages, $24.95). coming up in her research was Kathleen “As with each of the missions heroes whose stories I Mallory. have delved into, Kathleen Mallory did not disappoint,” said Hunt said that Mallory, the longest- Hunt. “I emerged after long periods of research astounded at Rosalie Hall Hunt serving executive leader in the history her continuing influence and with a fresh appreciation for her of Woman’s Missionary Union, remains ongoing effect on missions in this new millennium. a “steady echo” in the story of Southern Baptists’ mission “Her influence is a fragrance that lingers in countless

20 • NOVEMBER 2020 | THE COURIER areas of missions concern,” said Hunt. “Discovering the said Hunt. “Here was a story needing to numerous occasions in which she literally preserved the be told to a new generation.” ministry and functioning of both the Foreign Mission Board Hunt said the little-known secret and the Home Mission Board was an eye-opener. She behind Mallory’s “phenomenal” success was responsible for saving both missions agencies from was her prayer life. “Digging into her bankruptcy, which in turn would have forced our missionaries story and understanding her life of prayer to leave their posts.” became an inspiration for me,” said Hunt grew up as the child of missionaries in China, and the author. she often heard her mother and her Aunt Grace (also a “Miss Mallory once famously said, missionary) speak of their friend Kathleen Mallory in reverent ‘Our giving should be fragrant with tones. Hunt’s aunt traveled on the same ship that took self-denial,’ and her own life was fragrant with service for Mallory on her “epic” trip to China and Japan in 1923. Mallory the cause of Christ,” said Hunt. “Kathleen Mallory’s lasting was also a frequent guest at the Woman’s Training School contributions to missions and her beloved denomination when Hunt’s mother was a student at Southern Baptist continue to emanate their fragrance.” Theological Seminary. Linda Cooper, president of national Woman’s Missionary When Hunt and her husband, Bob, retired after serving as Union, said Hunt “navigates us into the heart and mind” international missionaries, they settled in his home state of of Kathleen Mallory, whose story is “brought to life by one Alabama, and “if you are a Baptist in Alabama, you know the uniquely gifted woman writing about another.” name Kathleen Mallory,” said Hunt. The state convention’s A sought-after speaker, Hunt is a retired Baptist missions offering was named for Mallory in the 1940s. missionary and has taught in Myanmar, South Asia, Australia, But Hunt also discovered that even though many the Philippines, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. She is a Baptists knew the name Kathleen Mallory, they had no idea member of the board of directors of The Alabama Baptist of the “incredible influence of that tiny lady” on Woman’s and the National WMU Foundation. She has served as Missionary Union and the Southern Baptist Convention. president of the Alabama Woman’s Missionary Union and A biography of “The Sweetheart of Alabama” was recording secretary of national WMU. written nearly six decades ago, but “nearly all who knew “Guided by Grace” is available at RosalieHallHunt.com the name did not know the remarkable woman behind it,” and major online booksellers. n

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FLOYD, OTHERS PUSH $175 MILLION LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING GOAL

SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION in 2016, the IMB has reported. The $175 million goal honors Executive Committee President Ronnie Floyd is encouraging IMB’s 175 years of leadership and service, and also supports Southern Baptists to help the Lottie Moon Christmas the goal of increasing the number of IMB field workers by Offering ‘for International Missions exceed its $175 million 500 by 2025. goal for 2020. The 2020 offering kicks off with the Week of Prayer for “As we begin this new fiscal year, we need to do International Missions Nov. 29-Dec. 6. n everything we can to position our International Mission Board financially so we can send out all missionaries being called, equipped, and ready for service,” Floyd said. “In this moment in history, we cannot retreat. We must be more determined than ever to get the gospel of Jesus Christ to every person in this world. “This is why we cooperate together, and this is why we do all we can to give the largest offering to our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions.” Floyd said the goal is compelling and attainable for the offering that has brought in $4.8 billion since its 1888 inception in support of IMB field personnel. The largest one-year LMCO to date was $165.8 million

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE BIBLE TRANSLATION COMPLETED AFTER 38 YEARS

AFTER 38 YEARS, THE WORK OF 53 “God answered the faithful prayers of His people, en- translators is complete — a translation of the whole Bible into couraged us through the generous provision of Deaf Missions American Sign Language. The ASL Version (ASLV) project, led supporters and funding partners, blessed us with 53 diligent by Deaf Missions, marks the first time the Deaf community has translators and helped us persevere each step of the way,” access to the entire Bible in ASL. Deaf Missions CEO Chad Entinger said in written comments. The project began in 1982 when Deaf Missions founder The ASLV, a series of videos, can be accessed on the Deaf Duane King began asking why Deaf people did not have ac- Missions website and the Deaf Missions Video App. The ASLV cess to the Bible in their heart language. The New Testament will serve as a launching pad for the development of other portion of the Bible was completed in 2004. sign language translations. n

EZELL: ‘GREATEST ANNIE OFFERING EVER’ DESPITE STEEP DECLINE

THE NORTH AMERICAN MISSION BOARD HAS The initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic struck in announced the 2020 total for the Annie Armstrong Easter the middle of the season when most churches would have Offering for North American Missions: Southern Baptists gave been collecting their AAEO. In the face of those challenges, $49.3 million in a year when the COVID-19 pandemic created NAMB’s priority has been to keep missionaries on the numerous challenges for churches across the nation. field. To make up for the reduction in the offering, NAMB The amount was $20 million short of the $70 million goal utilized reserve funds and made budget reductions, such as and fell below last year’s total of $61.4 million. eliminating travel, moving events to virtual, and placing a “For the last three years in a row [2017-2019], Southern freeze on hiring. Baptists broke the record for giving to the Annie Armstrong “We knew the difficulties and financial hardships Easter Offering,” said NAMB president Kevin Ezell. “This year, churches and church members were facing,” Ezell said. Annie giving was down, but I am humbled and even more “So, we at NAMB intentionally shifted our focus away from grateful for what was given. To me, it is the greatest Annie promoting giving to the offering and instead worked to find offering ever. For Southern Baptists to have so sacrificially ways to support churches in this trying year. Still, Southern given during a time when most churches were not even Baptists did not forget their North American missionaries and meeting for worship is nothing short of a miracle.” found creative ways to give.” n

22 • NOVEMBER 2020 | THE COURIER MARY BETH’S KITCHEN BY MARY BETH OXENDINE CREAMY GARLIC CHICKEN

THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST DELICIOUS 3 cups spinach, chopped chicken recipes I have ever had. It may seem like a lot of 8 oz. shredded Parmesan cheese ingredients — but it’s inexpensive, and you may have most of Salt, pepper and onion powder them already in your pantry or fridge. It’s simple to make and comes together fairly quickly. If you’re looking for a special Heat about 4 tablespoons of olive oil (saved from the one-pan dish to impress someone with, this is it. The heavenly sundried tomato jar) in a large skillet over medium heat. aroma floating in the air will make them think you’ve spent all Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper and day in the kitchen. onion powder. Cook about 4-5 minutes on each side, I especially love this recipe because it is so versatile. I until lightly browned. usually serve it over brown rice but have also used linguine Remove chicken from pan and set aside. and egg noodles, and all three are equally satisfying. Just Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Sauté depends on what you’re in the mood for. You can also add sundried tomatoes for a few minutes before adding other veggies as well. This sundried tomato and garlic- fresh minced garlic. Continue to sauté the two for a flavored, cheesy cream sauce pairs well with just about few more minutes, being careful not to let the garlic anything. n burn. (If you don’t like to mince your own garlic, I believe that the minced garlic you can purchase in a jar Creamy Garlic Chicken would work just as well.) Reduce heat to medium-low and add in heavy cream, 1½ pounds chicken breasts (I pound out the chicken if slowly stirring with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. it’s a thick cut, just so it cooks faster and more evenly) Whisk in Dijon mustard. 5 oz. sundried tomatoes in olive oil (drained and Add Parmesan cheese and stir slowly until incorporated. chopped, but save the oil) Stir in spinach. 3-6 cloves of garlic, minced (depends on how much Lastly, place chicken back into the pan and allow it to you love garlic) simmer slowly for about 10 minutes. 1½ cups heavy cream Serve over brown rice, egg noodles, or your 2 tsp. Dijon mustard favorite pasta.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

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(3) other classes mailed through the USPS: average no. 5. Number of issues published annually: 12. copies each issue during preceding 12 months-none; no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date-none.(4) 6. Annual subscription price: $10.20 Family Rate. Free distribution outside the mail: average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months-none; no. copies of single 7. Mailing address of known office publication: 100 Manly St., Greenville, SC 29601-3025; contact person-Chris issue published nearest to filing date-none. e. Total free distribution: average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 Holliday; telephone- 864-232-8736. months-none; no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date-none. f. Total distribution: average no. copies 8. Mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: 100 Manly St., Greenville, SC 29601-3025. each issue during preceding 12 months-26,771; no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date-25,782. 9. Publisher: The Baptist Courier, 100 Manly St., Greenville, SC 29601-3025; Editor: James R. Gray, 100 Manly St., g. Copies not distributed: average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months-100; no. copies of single issue Greenville, SC 29601-3025; Managing editor: Robert T. Deaton, 100 Manly St., Greenville, SC 29601-3025. published nearest to filing date-100. h. Total: average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months-26,871; no. 10. Owner: The Baptist Courier, 100 Manly St., Greenville, SC 29601-3025. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date-25,832. i. Percent paid and/or requested circulation: average no. 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount copies each issue during preceding 12 months-100%; no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date-100%. of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None 16. Electronic copy circulation a. paid electronic copies: average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months-25; 12. Tax status: The purpose, function and nonprofit status of this organization for federal income tax purposes has not actual no. of single issue published nearing to filing date-25 b. Total paid print copies + paid electronic copies: changed during the preceding 12 months. average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months-26,796; no. copies of single issue published nearest to 13. Publication title: The Courier filing date-25,807. c. Total print distribution + paid electronic copies: average no. copies each issue during preceding 14. Issue date for circulation data below: October 2020 12 months-26,796; no. copies of single issue published nearing to filing date-25,807. d. Percent paid (both print & 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Members of South Carolina Baptist Convention churches electronic copies); average no copies each issue during preceding 12 months-100%; no. copies of single issue published . a. Total number of copies (net press run): average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months-26,871; actual nearing to filing date-100%. no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date-25,832 b. Paid and/or requested circulation. (1) paid/ I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are paid above a nominal price. requested outside-county mail subscription stated on Form 3541: average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 17. Publication of statement of ownership is required. Will be printed in the November,2020 issue of this publication. months-26,771; no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date-25,782. (2) paid in-county subscriptions 18. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes stated on Form 3541: average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months-none; no. copies of single issue false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be published nearest to filing date-none. (3) sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).- non-USPS paid distribution: average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months-none; no. copies of single James R. Gray, Editor and President, Sept. 23, 2020.

www.baptistcourier.com • 23 OUTSIDE THE WALLS BY LEE CLAMP WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?

I STARED INTO THE EYES OF MY LITTLE as the church are on the same team and on neither side. League football team. They could taste victory if they would Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for just work together. There was a lot riding on this game for my our enemies?” two sons, including respect, bragging rights, and the attention “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the of a first-grade girlfriend named Karrie. My son Caden was the Lord I have now come” (Joshua 5:13-14). quarterback, and his little brother Connor was wide receiver. The world is longing to see a church that is above the culture, Connor ran his route and stood waiting in the end zone. not like it. The church is not fully on either side, but a family on a The pass was beautiful — right up until it fell into the hands of mission. We should be a people who seek justice, not to make a the defender, Connor’s best friend Clay, who took it the length political statement but because we value human life. We stand of the field for a pick six. I had to turn from coach to referee as up for lives who are yet unborn. We hold sacred the covenant a fight ensued in the huddle. of marriage, as it is defined in Scripture, between a man and a “Whose side are you on?” Connor yelled at his brother woman. Some of these issues may seem red and others blue, but with tears in his eyes. “What are you doing? You meant to they are black and white when seen through the lens of Scripture. throw it straight to him. Karrie was watching!” As we move into a season to elect leaders, let us never “Boys, we are on the same team!” I yelled. forget that we are on neither side. We are soldiers in the Lord’s There is a lot of yelling going on these days. You may have army, working together, to saturate every life with the hope of felt like shouting more than once during this season of turmoil the gospel. n and polarization of pandemic proportions. The constant noise of social media and streaming opinion has heightened tensions Lee Clamp is evangelism team leader for the South Carolina and demanded that the church choose a side. Red or Blue. Baptist Convention. Find him on Facebook (Lee Clamp) and Black or White. Male or Female. We lose site of the fact that we Twitter (@leeclamp).

24 • NOVEMBER 2020 | THE COURIER BIBLE STUDY FOR SMALL GROUPS BY RUSSELL FREEMAN TO ENCOUNTER THE LIVING GOD

SOME PEOPLE HAVE ATHLETES, ACTORS, OR the King. Isaiah’s mission, however, was not enviable. He musicians they would love to meet. When I was 19, I had a would spend his life speaking to people who would not listen. favorite author I wanted to meet (Insert nerd jokes here.). He They would later mock him for his message (Isaiah 28:9-13). had come to Greenville to speak, and the hosts of the event His ministry would be one of hardening (Isaiah 6:9-10) and set up a time for book signing. My turn to talk to him came. I punishment (6:11-13). Lest we think this passage doesn’t apply had no idea what to say. After spending many hours of my life to us, the New Testament authors consistently apply these reading thousands of his words, I said, “I, um, really like your, verses to the era of the New Testament (Matthew 13:14-15, um, books. Can you sign this?” Mark 4:12, John 12:40-41, and Acts 28:26-27). Despite this hard calling, Isaiah’s encounter was also one of hope. As J. Alec Motyer notes, death “pervades this Isaiah 6 gives us some idea chapter” — a dead king, a death sentence for Isaiah, a dead sacrificial animal, and a dead forest. Death never has the last word. The “holy seed” remains even though the forest was of what it might be like to gone, and that seed would be the “Mighty God” who would bear our sins (Isaiah 9, 53). encounter the Lord. What would it be like to encounter the living God? According to Isaiah, terror, forgiveness, mission and hope If you’re a fan of someone, meeting that individual can be would be what God’s people could expect. n an eye-opening experience. What is infinitely more important than meeting an author or celebrity would be to encounter Russell Freeman is upper school principal and Bible teacher at the living God. If you are reading this article, the chances are Greenville Classical Academy, a Christian school in Simpsonville. good that you’ve spent some time in your life reading and thinking about Scripture and praying to the God Scripture reveals. What if the barriers of this world were peeled back, and we encountered the God we’ve read about and prayed to for years? What would that experience be like? Thankfully, we have Isaiah 6 to have some idea of what it might be like to come visibly into the presence of the Lord. Isaiah’s experience was terrifying. The Lord reveals Himself as immense: the train of His robe fills the temple. Seraphim – “burning ones” – surround Him and chant, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts!” In Hebrew, the way to emphasize a word is to repeat the word. In Scripture, only one word is repeated three times: holy. The word holy comes from a word that meant “separate” or “apart.” God is beyond all creation, and, as the Bible make clear elsewhere, God’s holiness or separateness means He’s not only beyond creation; He’s utterly separated from sin (Isaiah 5:16). God’s holiness terrifies Isaiah. He is “undone” or doomed (Isaiah 6:5). Under the Lord’s inspiration, Isaiah had pronounced six woes in Chapter 5 on the people. The seventh comes upon him. His experience of woe leads us, however, to the second aspect of his encounter with God: forgiveness. One of the seraphim brings a hot coal from the sacrificial altar and touches Isaiah’s lips. His lips were both the source of his sin and the instrument of his service. After Isaiah experiences God’s forgiveness, the third aspect of his encounter was mission (or commission). “Whom shall I send?” the Lord asks. Someone who has seen the holiness of God and experienced His gracious forgiveness can hardly hold himself back when given the opportunity to serve

www.baptistcourier.com • 25 COMIC BELIEF BY CHARLES LOWERY BATH FIZZIES, LOOFAHS AND CANDLES

LEGEND HAS IT THAT DURING THE 196O many books that are expanded way beyond their normal presidential campaign, John F. Kennedy gave a great speech size because of one small slip and the book is floating in the to a large and excited crowd assembled in front of the water. They have this long procedure that is called a bath. Alamo, where a handful of Texans had held off a large army Now men and women both have the same problem — from Mexico. Kennedy wanted to make a quick exit after his dirt. Our dirt is just the same, but my solution is to get the speech. He told a local politician that he wanted to get out dirt off as quickly as I can. I have a routine, too. I run into the of there and asked for the back door. The politician replied, bathroom, turn on the hot water, and by the time I’ve found “Senator, if there had been a back door to the Alamo, there clean clothes, the water is hot. I jump in, remove as much dirt wouldn’t have been any heroes.” as I can, jump out and get dressed all in about three to four I believe that modern-day heroes are the ones who close minutes. I have solved the problem and removed the dirt. the exit doors and commit to one mate and one family for Now why would you want to take an hour to remove the life. In our society, by the time some reach the age of 40, they dirt, and then soak in the dirt you just removed? I just don’t have had more spouses than children. get it. I’m not saying that marriage is easy. A couple came upon Another difference between men and women is that a wishing well and the wife leaned over the well, made a wish women like to build intimacy. Women share their feelings, the and threw a dime into the well. Then the husband, of course, details of their lives. They share their day with you because not to be outdone, stood on the side of the well, tossed in a they want you to know about them; they want their lives quarter, lost his balance, fell in and drowned. His wife was interwoven with yours. Remember, we leave and cleave, and stunned for a minute, and then smiled and said, “It really works.” then we weave our lives together. Why is marriage so difficult? Let’s look at a small slice of Men, on the other hand, are taught to be strong and married life. self-sufficient. They don’t like to share information about themselves. When women ask men what they’re going to do that day, men feel threatened. They see it as a threat to their independence, like she is trying to control him by wanting to know what is he is doing. Women don’t really want to know Modern-day heroes are everything. They just want to be a part of his life. They are building intimacy. those who close the exit Women, let me help you improve communication with your husband. When you are talking to your husband, he needs visuals to connect what you are saying with what he doors and commit to one is feeling. If not, he will react with his head and try to figure out how to fix a problem, or he will react with his body and mate and one family for life. hit something (golfing) or shoot something (hunting). The clearer the visual, the more he will remember and not be like Abraham, who took the same dumb trip over and over. The other day, my wife said she was going to take a A good technique is to compare what you are saying to bath. That means I won’t see her for about an hour because athletics. Try something like this: “Do you remember when women take long baths. At least the women in my life do — you were a junior in high school and had to sit on the bench not only my wife but also my daughters. They turn on the hot during the football game? You knew you could contribute to water and have a routine, you know, filling the water with all the game, but you didn’t get the chance. That’s how I feel kinds of stuff. They have bath fizzies, bubble bath, body oil when you don’t include me in your decisions.” This is a visual and this thing called a loofah that comes from the ocean. It’s he understands and doesn’t make him feel threatened. supposed to make their skin soft and smooth. They shop in The process of becoming “one” means that stores with “bath” in the name, which are overwhelmingly communication moves from information to interaction. In my fragrant, and carry fizzies and stuff. Just walking into this marriage, our “we” decisions have been better than my “me” store will drain all of the testosterone out of a man’s body. decisions. Women, remember when you have his focused My daughters even light candles beside the tub and smell the attention, you are his lover, not his mother! n aroma and move the TV closer so they can watch it while they soak. I don’t get it, but that’s what they do. Charles Lowery is president and CEO of Lowery Institute for They stay in there for a long time soaking, listening to Excellence, Inc., a non-profit training and consulting organization. music, and relaxing. My wife even reads in the tub. We have This article was adapted from his book, “Comic Belief 2.”

26 • NOVEMBER 2020 | THE COURIER WHOLLY HEALTHY BY EDWIN LEAP, M.D. ABORTION REVERSAL

WOMEN WHO ARE PREGNANT HAVE THE process of taking those pills and then change her mind. Many option of terminating their pregnancies two ways. One is by times, women in distress are simply afraid that they will not having an abortion procedure. The other, however, is to take have support in caring for the child. But deep inside, they may pills obtained from Planned Parenthood, personal physicians feel great discomfort with terminating their pregnancies. or even online. Taken early in pregnancy, these pills end Fortunately, women have options. It is possible for the pregnancy. pregnancies to be salvaged. Well-established medical There is a powerful movement to make those pills protocols exist that can block the effects of the available without consultation with a medical professional pharmaceutical agents meant to cause the abortion. — and without question, the ultimate goal is to make those Unfortunately, many physicians are not aware of this fact. medications available over the counter. This is especially Indeed, it is likely that many crisis pregnancy centers are not worrisome because life-threatening bleeding can occur. conscious of this possibility either. Furthermore, women may not have had an ultrasound to The organization Heartbeat International has created the determine the location of the pregnancy and may actually have Abortion Pill Rescue Network. The Heartbeat International ectopic/tubal pregnancies. Therefore, they could actually die organization website is www.heartbeatinternational.org. from the ectopic pregnancy while believing that they are only Anyone who wants to know more should visit the site and having complications of the abortion. learn about this option. And, in the process, be able to offer This is a very emotional issue. It is also theologically an option to women in the throes of a chemical abortion who important. But it should always be addressed in love for those have decided that they want to choose life. n women, who are often undergoing great stressors in their relationships or in their finances. Edwin Leap is an emergency physician and writer from Walhalla. However, it is not uncommon for a woman to start the Read more at EdwinLeap.com.

www.baptistcourier.com • 27 CLASSIFIEDS TO ADVERTISE WITH US: CALL 864-232-8736

MINISTRY be dedicated to the Southern Baptist Faith and gmail.com or mail to: Cornerstone Baptist Church, PASTOR: First Baptist Church in Gaston, SC, is Message. Please email résumés to: Robin Stansell 9480 Highway 221, Woodruff, SC 29388. a loving and gospel-driven congregation. We @ [email protected]. are seeking the man that is led by God, who PASTOR: Selma Baptist Church in Woodruff, SC, is ordainedMARYBETHSKITCHEN.COM by a Southern Baptist church, and FULL-TIME PASTOR: Cedar Grove Baptist Church in is prayerfully seeking a full-time Pastor. A man believes in the salvation message of John 3:16. Conway, SC, is prayerfully seeking a full-time Pastor of God who preaches the inerrant word of God Our church is awaiting the pastor that fits who is led by God and believes in the salvation in a powerful way. He needs to be ordained the description of a leader who will execute message of John 3:16. Pastor will lead a multi-age by a Southern Baptist church, a seminary a vision with strong administrative as well as congregation, promote spiritual growth, exhibit graduate, and preferably one with prior pastoral communication skills, is compassionate to people strong leadership skills, and be compassionate experience. He should possess strong leadership, of all ages, and is dedicated to the Southern and involved in all ministries of our church with preaching, teaching and communication skills Baptist Faith and Message. Please mail résumés evangelistic outreach in our community. A and be compassionate to people of all ages and to: PO Box 309, Gaston, SC 29053. Deadline for seminary degree from an accredited Southern be dedicated to the Southern Baptist Faith and résumés is December 31, 2020. Visit us online at: Baptist seminary and experience is preferred. Our Message. Please mail your résumé to: SBC, Pastor www.firstbaptistgaston.org or call 803-794-0377. church adheres to the Baptist Faith and Message. Search Committee, PO Box 126, Woodruff, SC Please email résumés to: trooperbaw84@gmail. 29388. FULL-TIME SENIOR PASTOR: Saluda River Baptist com or mail to: Barry A. Watson, 729 Brown Swamp Church (SRBC) in West Columbia, SC, is accepting Road, Conway, SC 29527. PART-TIME YOUTH MINISTER: Hermitage Baptist résumés for this position. SRBC’s prayer is for God Church in Camden, SC, is seeking a part-time to send us our next Pastor who will lead us in our FULL-TIME PASTOR: Ehrhardt Baptist Church Youth Minister for students grades 6 through continued mission and prayerful desire of growth in Ehrhardt, SC, is prayerfully seeking a full- 12. If interested, please mail your résumé to: by investing in God’s future — our children, youth, time Pastor who has a passion for the Gospel Hermitage Baptist Church, c/o Rev. Mark Hopkins, and young adults/families. Our prayer also includes and is able to communicate to multiple age 814 Jefferson Davis Highway, Camden, SC 29020 or that our next Pastor will be one who can deliver classes and faith levels. Please email résumés to: email to: [email protected]. a mighty God-given sermon but who also has [email protected] or mail to: strong leadership skills and has the wisdom to Ehrhardt Baptist Church, PO Box 267, Ehrhardt, SC ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF MUSIC & OUTREACH: seek God’s guidance in his ministry on how to best 29081. Kingstree First Baptist Church in Kingstree, SC, is serve our congregation and community for the prayerfully seeking a full-time Associate Pastor glory of God. Minimal educational requirements: FULL-TIME PASTOR: First Baptist Church in of Music & Outreach. If interested, please email Seminary graduate (from a Southern Baptist Eutawville, SC, is prayerfully seeking a full-time résumés to: Pastor Ian at [email protected] or seminary preferred). Ten (10) years of experience Pastor. A Southern Baptist seminary degree, mail to: KFBC, 400 N. Academy St., Kingstree, SC with church growth preferred. Résumés, along dedicated to the Southern Baptist Faith and 29556. with links to sermons, can be submitted to Message, and preaches the inerrant Word of God [email protected] until are a must. Email résumés, along with links to PART-TIME WORSHIP LEADER: Secona Baptist December 1, 2020. sermons, to: [email protected]. Church in Pickens, SC, is seeking a part-time Worship Leader. Please mail résumés to: Secona FULL-TIME SENIOR PASTOR: Cudd Memorial FULL-TIME PASTOR: Cornerstone Baptist Church Baptist Church, 234 Secona Rd., Pickens, SC 29671. Baptist Church in Spartanburg, SC, is prayerfully in Woodruff, SC, is accepting résumés for our full- seeking a full-time Senior Pastor. He must be time Pastor position. The Pastor will be expected PART-TIME WORSHIP LEADER: Good Hope Baptist ordained by a Southern Baptist church, a seminary to participate in the total program of the church Church in Iva, SC, is seeking a Worship Leader. graduate, and preferably have prior pastoral and to lead the membership in spiritual growth Contemporary growing church in Anderson experience. He should possess strong leadership and development. Please email résumés, along County. Email résumé to: miked@goodhope. skills, the desire to connect with all ages, and with links to sermons, to: woodruffcornerstone@ church. Visit: www.goodhopeiva.org.

PART-TIME WORSHIP MINISTER: Fork Shoals Baptist Church in Pelzer, SC, is seeking a part-time Worship Minister to lead our congregation and

28 • NOVEMBER 2020 | THE COURIER choir. Inquiries and résumés can be emailed to: ResourcesRESOURCES Vacation/TravelVACATION/TRAVEL [email protected], Attn: Search Committee. MARRIAGE RETREAT: “A WEEKEND OF SURFSIDE BEACH HOME: 1.5 blocks from pier/ FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: ENCOURAGEMENT!”: A wonderful marriage faces North Ocean Blvd. 5BR, 4BA, pool, sleeps 14 Crowfield Baptist Church in Goose Creek, SC, retreat for you and your spouse led again this to 16. Call 864-979-5129 or 864-498-1835 or email is searching for a qualified applicant to fill the year by Dr. Richard Blackaby, with new material. [email protected]. position of Financial Administrative Assistant on January 29-30, 2021. DoubleTree by Hilton in our team. This person will work a flexible schedule Myrtle Beach, SC. You can register at: https:// GATLINBURG CONDO: Gatlinburg (River Road) 28-32 hours per week. Minimum requirements: weekendofencouragement.com/. Please contact condo for rent. 1BR, 1BA, no smoking, no pets. For Associate Degree (preferred) in Business, Finance, Rob Pierce @ 803-473-0386 for more information. information, please call 864-878-2962 or 864-878- or related field; and 5 years of bookkeeping, 2126. accounting, or accounts payable experience. GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR HIM OR HER: Job requires experience with Microsoft Office “Wilderness Living,” a devotional and humorous GARDEN CITY, SC, CONDO: Large Oceanfront products including Excel, a working knowledge of book from the heart of an outdoorsman to the Condo. Sleeps 6-8, 3BR, 3BA. No smoking/No our church Financial Policies and Procedures, and hearts of all men. $15.00. Contact: Mike Baker, 2719 Pets. Call 843-795-0268 or 843-345-1042. www. general knowledge of operating office equipment. Hwy. 86, Piedmont, SC 29673 or email: birdwing@ oceanvacationparadise301.com. Knowledge of Automated Church Systems bellsouth.net. (ACS) Financial module is a plus. Salary will be NORTH MYRTLE BEACH CONDO: Ocean Drive commensurate with education and experience. CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL: “Gathered Around The section of N. Myrtle Beach. Oceanfront. 4BR, 3BA. Interested applicants, please email résumés to: Manger” is a 24-day devotional to use to celebrate Call: 704-883-8289 or 704-657-0624. Visit us at: [email protected]. the birth of Jesus this Christmas. Find it at: https:// http://goodmancondos.com/north-myrtle-beach/. www.amazon.com/dp/B08JVKFTMB. MEDIA ASSISTANT: Concord Baptist Church in Anderson, SC, is seeking an individual to serve as TO PLACE AN AD, CALL CHRIS AT Media Assistant. Join our team and help spread 864-232-8736 OR EMAIL the Gospel through media. Résumés may be emailed to: [email protected]. [email protected]

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The Family Doctor All About the Miracles: Guided by Grace: Speaks: Turkey Tales A Book of Poems and The Kathleen Mallory Story & Bible Truths Other Contemplations By Rosalie Hall Hunt If you would like more By Robert Jackson on God’s Holy Word ISBN: 978-1-940645-85-8 information, please call ISBN: 978-1-940645-80-3 Mayna Cosby 288 pages • $24.99 864-232-8736 206 Pages • $17.95 ISBN: 978-1-940645-83-4 92 pages • $12.95 www.baptistcourier.com • 29 PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE BY JOSH POWELL AN HISTORIC MEETING

THIS YEAR WE WILL CELEBRATE THE 199TH thought of cancellation has been considered several times, year of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. This will be only once in its history did cancellation seem imminent. In our 200th annual meeting. When we look at the history of 1918, the Spanish influenza pandemic hit South Carolina hard. denominations, this is really an amazing feat that testifies to The convention was to be held in Darlington that year, but the grace and mercy of the Lord. As we come together with the area had been ravaged with illness. The convention was the theme of “Legacy,” it is appropriate for us to consider not able to meet in November as it had traditionally done. how this year will be historic in its own right. Knowing that the business of the convention was vital for The first meeting of the South Carolina Baptist the work to continue, convention leadership decided that Convention was held for four days in December in 1821. they could not cancel, but had to meet. So the 1918 meeting There were nine delegates from three different associations was postponed until January 1919 and was again held at First present at First Baptist Church of Columbia. It is a testimony Baptist, Columbia. to God’s grace that we will meet again, almost 200 years This year, there was a very real threat that the annual later, at First Baptist Church of Columbia. We are so thankful meeting may need to be cancelled because, just like 1918, to the leadership of Pastor Wes Church and the members of we find ourselves again in the midst of a national pandemic. First Baptist, Columbia for their graciousness and hospitality. As the leadership of the SCBC prayerfully considered our However, we are even more thankful to the Lord that the decision, we decided that it was important for our convention church is still proclaiming the good news of our Savior. to meet. After investigating every option, and with all Throughout the years of the convention, the meeting necessary precautions in place, we decided that it was quite itself has taken on different schedules. In the beginning, possible for us to gather at First Baptist, Columbia. However, the convention met over four days. In recent years, the for the first time in our history (that I can find), we will be convention has met regularly over two days. While the meeting for one day only. It will be a full day, but I believe a great day. A day where we will gather to praise the Lord for all that He has done in our state and beyond. A historic day that you will not want to miss as we celebrate the legacy of cooperation, missions, and education in South Carolina. Finally, the most important thing that will happen at this annual meeting will take place in the evening session. At the end of every meeting, the next president is introduced. The president is then brought to the stage to speak to the coming year and the emphasis that they will be leading with. However, this year it will not be a simple formality. This year we will be passing the gavel of leadership to my good friend, Pastor Alex Sands. I am very excited to follow Alex’s leadership. He is one of the most faithful pastors and qualified leaders in our state. More than that, on Tuesday night, Nov. 10, Pastor Alex Sands will become the first African-American to be president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention in our 200-year history, and 200 years is long enough. Our history on race in our convention is well documented. It is a stain on our past that cannot be denied. While we can acknowledge the past and lament the actions of our forefathers on this issue, we cannot change it. However, we can make sure that we never fall prey to that same past sinfulness, and we seek to move forward defined by the Great Commandment and focused on the Great Commission. You do not want to miss this historic meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020, at First Baptist Church of Columbia, as we celebrate the grace of God together! n

Josh Powell is president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention and senior pastor of Lake Murray Baptist Church.

30 • NOVEMBER 2020 | THE COURIER THE LAST WORD BY RUDY GRAY, EDITOR AN HISTORIC MEETING ELECTION YEAR

WHEN BARACK OBAMA, ONE OF THE MOST elected officials. First Timothy 2:1-4 says: “First of all, liberal senators in the United States Senate at that time, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions, and was elected president, I remember admonishing the church thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and I served as pastor to pray for him. Whoever is elected all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil president this year, I would offer up the same counsel. We and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and may disagree with their values and policies or embrace them, acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all but the call from God to pray for them is clear. men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (NASB). Before the election results are in, we should be praying for our nation and elected officials. When the election is over Even though this is an and winners have been declared, we should still be praying for our nation and those who hold office. important election year, This has been a tumultuous year — unusual and challenging. Many people have died, while others have lost jobs. There have been cries of racial injustice, protests, our ultimate hope does not looting and violence, as well as a deadly virus sweeping the world. Most all of us are tired of this pandemic, and we pray rest in people but God. help is on the horizon with a vaccine that is safe and drugs that can cure those infected. Most Christians are concerned about our nation and are praying for a God-sent revival to Romans 13:1-7 is an important reminder at this time in our spread across our land. We pray for peace in our cities and nation’s history: peace among each other. “Let every person be in subjection to the governing As long as people inhabit this fallen world, sin will authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and continue to have destructive effects on people and systems. those which exist are established by God. Therefore he Even though this is an important election year, our ultimate who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; hope does not rest in people but God. So whatever happens and they who have opposed will receive condemnation in this election, let us commit ourselves to prayer. upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good James 5:16 admonishes us to “confess your sins to one behavior (works), but for evil; Do you want to have no fear another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if much.” God may choose to answer our prayers and heal our you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword nation. If judgment instead of revival comes, let us live out for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who the statement of faith found in Habakkuk 3:18: “I will exult brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. Therefore it in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.” That is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, confession of faith came after God told the prophet that but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay judgment and destruction, not comfort and revival, were taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to coming to Judah. God chose to use a nation many times more this very thing, Render to all what is due them: tax to whom wicked than Judah to discipline His people. tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; This is an important election year, but whoever wins, life honor to whom honor” (NASB). will go on. Isaiah and his nation felt a great loss and despair As a Bible-believing follower of Jesus, I cannot support when their good king of about 40 years, Uzziah, died. At that abortion, dishonesty, greed, injustice, lawlessness, or any precise time, the prophet wrote, “I saw the Lord sitting on avowedly anti-Christian position — whether it is in schools, a throne, lofty and exalted.” God has never abdicated His local governments, the court system, Congress or even the throne of sovereignty over this world. Supreme Court. Certainly, vote this election year, but pray, pray, pray to What I can support and pledge to do is pray for our the God who rules over it all. n

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