The Alabama Baptist

Toll free 1-800-803-5201 Vol. 184, No. 2 www.thealabamabaptist.org January 10, 2019 Informing. Inspiring. Connecting.

Local believers in Gonzol, Ecuador, lead worship during a INSIDE joint service with missions volunteers from FBC Springville.

A look at mass incarceration in Alabama — fi fth in a series Pages 6–7

Church at South- side gathers home- less as congrega- tion in downtown Birmingham Never Page 8 too old Photos by Joe Whitten ‘A missions trip changed my life,’ says FBC Springville member By Joe Whitten the gods they worshipped. First Baptist Church, Spring- Ecuador. His eyes lit up as Special to The Alabama Baptist That pagan altar caused me ville. Some members had just he told how Christ had been fter my wife to think of missions. returned from an Ecuador trip, shared and that our church died, I went on two cruises. On In His time and Pastor Chip Thornton told planned to partner with a me about their work with the a 2012 trip, I Back home I talked with our home-church group in Gonzol, New website offers people of the Andes. He men- Ecuador. When he stopped to way for churches, visited the Ma- associational mission strate- groups to post Ayan ruins at Tulum, Mexico. gist, but our county had no tioned that the trip had given get a breath, I said, “I’m 75 project needs, The guide directed our atten- trips planned. I put missions Associate Pastor Andy Waits a years old; am I too old to go?” respond to others’ tion to the temple and to the aside. passion for missions. He said, “Go! It will change requests altar stone where his ancestors However, God has His plan At a church lunch I sat by your life!” Page 12 sacri ced humans to appease and His time. In 2013, I joined Waits and asked him about (See ‘Sign,’ page 2)

Listen to the TAB News podcast anywhere To watch the videos from this week’s you get your podcasts such as iTunes and issue, visit our YouTube channel or use the iHeartRadio or visit thealabamabaptist. HP Reveal app on your phone or tablet and hover over the segments marked “AR.” org/explore/podcasts/. PAGE 2 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / JANUARY 10, 2019 ‘Sign up and go!’ “If ye continue in My word, then ... ye shall know the truth, and the truth Missions trips are not easy but their eternal impact matters shall make you free.” John 8:31–32 (ISSN 0738-7741; USPS 011-080) (continued from page 1) © The Alabama Baptist, Inc. is published weekly except for one week in So in June 2014 I went. July and December by The Alabama Baptist, Inc., at 3310 Independence Drive, Birmingham, The flight went well until Miami. AL 35209. Phone: 205-870-4720. Statewide phone: 1-800-803-5201. Fax: 205-879-6026. We had lined up to board the plane Website: www.thealabamabaptist.org to Quito when crashing thunder and Email: [email protected] or [email protected] lightning halted boarding. We waited Periodicals postage paid at Hattiesburg, Miss. in line two hours. When we boarded I hurt all over. PRINT SUBSCRIPTION RATES Group Rate per issue — $13.75 We landed about midnight. South- Individual — $22.25 ern Baptist missionary Al Rodriguez DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION RATES met us and took us to a hostel. Mis- Group Rate per issue — $8.50 Individual — $14.95 erable hours followed. Smoke detec- tors went off. Dogs barked. Roosters JENNIFER DAVIS RASH crowed. I lay thinking, “Joe, you EDITOR-IN-CHIEF should have acted your age and Cynthia Watts Janet Erwin stayed home.” Executive Assistant Executive Editor But daylight brightens the heart, Photo by Joe Whitten Carrie B. McWhorter Debbie Campbell Content Editor Director of and by the time we were on the van Children at a school in Gonzol, Ecuador, participate in Bible lessons led by a Communications for the eight-hour trip to the hotel in missions team from FBC Springville. Lauren C. Grim Creative Services Bill Gilmore Chunchi, I was cheerful. Manager Director of Sales Along the way, as we marveled Afternoon door-to-door witness- cient trail to a spot overlooking Gon- Jessica Ingram Melanie McKinney Production Manager at the splendor of the Andes, we ing fell through so we decided to do zol. We prayed for the town and for Advertising Manager Grace Thornton Pam Holt reviewed our plans: morning Bible more Bible school after school. We the believers to share Christ with the Special Sales school for children, afternoon work checked supplies, saw it would work villagers. Assignments Editor Representative witnessing to adults and evening and prayed God’s blessing. I could see the home where the Hannah Muñoz Susan Stevens Digital Editor Sales worship service. We expected maybe 35 children, church met, the school and the Representative James Hammack Our first day in Gonzol the Chris- but they kept coming until we had blue dome of the Roman Catholic Digital Services Linda Harrison tian elementary school principal almost 150 who heard the gospel. Church. I scanned the sun-washed Manager Financial Administrator allowed us to conduct Bible school Evening worship exceeded my village remembering that Rodri- Haley Piersol Digital Services Deb Lowery in the courtyard. Teachers brought expectations. Plastic chairs lined guez’s wife said every town and Associate Financial Assistant classes outside and they too heard the walls of the small room. Church village had a patron saint, and that Sarah Gill Richard Maddox the gospel. members greeted us with a smile and Gonzol’s is St. Jude, the saint of Customer Relations Computer Services handshake. They passed out song Amy Hacker Correspondents hopeless cases. I looked at the be- Customer Relations and Interns sheets, a teenage boy adjusted the lievers with us and thought, “Gonzol keyboard and the service began. a hopeless case? Never! God will NEWS SERVICES Rodriguez preached. Afterward Baptist Press (BP), Baptist News Global (BNG), TAB reap a harvest of souls for Himself Religion News Service (RNS), he asked the Ecuadorian believers here.” Forum 18 (F18), Morning Star News (MS). to tell how they came to salvation in So far 12 teams from First, Spring- POSTMASTER AR Jesus Christ. Each gave testimony Send address changes to: ville, have ministered in Gonzol and The Alabama Baptist as Rodriguez translated. When they 3310 Independence Drive built fruitful relationships. In 2017 Birmingham, AL 35209 (augmented reality) finished, we shared how we came to we were allowed into every class- ADDRESS CHANGE Christ. Send old and new addresses, Download the HP Reveal app room in the school, something we and name of church to: 1 from your app store. had long prayed for. Subscription Department Two cultures united 3310 Independence Drive Tap the [ ] icon at the bottom of A holy reverence filled the room. Throughout the years, we have Birmingham, AL 35209 2 the screen. Two languages and two cultures, yet gathered crops, taught Bible study, Allow two weeks. counseled believers, worked with To the best of our knowledge, You will see pulsating dots, brothers and sisters united in wor- all of the ads in The Alabama Baptist represent 3 which indicate the app is searching ship by God’s Holy Spirit. I had nev- children and conducted a funeral. legitimate companies and offerings. However, for a target. Once it finds a target one should always exercise normal business er known such a sweet presence of Our hearts have bonded with the caution in responding to ads. the dots will turn to a bull’s-eye. The bull’s- God in worship before. I remember Gonzol church members. eye will remain until the augmented reality Full member of Alabama Press Association image loads. that evening as a foretaste of heaven. A missions trip changed my life. It The last day we climbed an an- will change yours. Accredited member of Evangelical Look for The Alabama Baptist Council for Financial Accountability 4 (TAB) augmented reality logo (example shown above). Hold your ‘Nation’s Top Regional device over the logo and watch the paper Special TAB sponsorship section come to life. Christian Newspaper’ In memory of my wonderful nephew Doug Cates from Birmingham, 1999, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, Each week when TAB arrives, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 Alabama, who passed away in Foley, Alabama, in December 2018. as judged by Associated Church Press, Baptist 5 look for the AR logo to watch the Communicators Association, Evangelical Press video extras through the app. Love, Aunt Sylvia Calfee Lucas Association or Religion Communicators Council JANUARY 10, 2019 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 3 OPINION

By Jennifer Davis Rash MY President and Editor-in-Chief [email protected] RASHIONALE @RashionalThts Collection of special moments creates lasting memories e must increase but I must my Aunt Linda would make and lots of dolls — that’s what visit our grandparents and all of decrease” (John 3:30) — for my brother, cousins and I loved to play with at my Aunt us living in Phil Campbell. All H that’s the Scripture verse me when we spent the night Louise’s house. I also remem- special memories. I’m claiming for 2019. It’s also the at her house. She also would ber getting to ride in my Uncle verse one of my nieces and I read let me help her with whatever Bobby’s antique cars during I can recount similar warm each day during the first week of craft project she was working some visits. childhood moments with almost this new year. on at the time. I’m confident I all my aunts and uncles. was more of a hindrance than a Uncle Bobby’s famous pork She and I select a new verse help, but she always made me chops, Aunt Freida’s home- In some cases they invested a each Sunday night and commit feel like she was so happy I was made Sloppy Joes, Aunt Sybil’s great deal of time, money and to read it every morning before there to assist her. salmon patties and homemade energy into the experience. In work and school for that week. biscuits — something they were other cases they merely allowed Even though we live in differ- My Aunt Helen would sit in always willing to make for us. me to tag along with whatever ent states, it’s a way for us to the floor and play games with us they had planned for the day. not only feel the presence of the kids for hours. She also would Working in the yard with Lord but also to feel close to let my brother and me come Uncle Johnny and Aunt E, Either way they gifted me each other. visit for days at a time and make spending every waking hour with a vast collection of special My husband, Jason, and I each day an adventure. with Uncle Russ and Aunt Di- memories which in turn has in- strive to find special connec- xie and our cousins when they spired me to continue the tradi- tions and bonds with each of Nail polish and lipsticks — would make their annual trip to tion. our nieces and nephews. We don’t have children of our own so we decided to make sure our INSTALLATION SERVICE Aunt Jen Jen and Uncle Jay hats are always ready to go when- ever possible. Rash officially installed as new leader of TAB We love to play games with them, listen when they want to during special service at FBC Birmingham talk and share special experienc- es with them. We are all about making memories. Bob Terry, editor- emeritus of The Ala- bama Baptist (TAB), A friend recently motivated and Arthur Williams, me to invest more time and ef- chairman of the TAB fort into these special kiddos board of directors, when she said, “Collect memo- officially install Jen- ries, not things.” nifer Davis Rash as TAB’s new president and editor-in-chief. I believe she is on to some- Also participating thing because the stories told in the service were around our family’s dinner table Rick Lance, execu- when we are all together relate tive director of the Alabama Baptist to experiences. Rarely do we State Board of Mis- discuss last year’s birthday or sions; Beeson Divin- Christmas gifts. ity School Dean Timothy George; And thinking about my aunts and Birmingham- area pastors Jim and uncles, I would have to Cooley, Charles T. agree my memories are con- Carter, Danny Wood nected to experiences too. and Bill Wilks.

I remember — and can almost Photo by Tracy Riggs taste — the chocolate biscuits PAGE 4 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / JANUARY 10, 2019 OPINION

Share your comments, letters to the editor, blog excerpts, social media posts

5 healthy boundaries for serving in ministry Most ministry in the church By Claudia Johnson “As we all know, our strengths can build in time for important re- isn’t done in the spotlight. The Christian Women’s Leadership Center quickly become our weaknesses lationships. When we choose not pastor and musicians are in ew jobs bring more satisfac- if not used wisely. I am aware of to protect family time, others will the spotlight. But most minis- tion than serving others in this, so I must seek God daily for choose to use that unprotected time try is done in the shadows. It’s ministries that bring glory His leading and guidance with my instead. done in love because there’s F a need and the laborers aren’t to God, but healthy boundaries are planning and serving. If not, I can 4. Create time to refuel. Know- important for long-term stamina. quickly become a hindrance to my ing that we need to stay healthy looking for public acclaim. Here are five suggestions that own ministry efforts. in order to help others gives us Pastor Michael J. Brooks might help: “Once I learned that Jesus set the courage to say yes and no Siluria Baptist Church, 1. Establish the “why” in boundaries, I no longer felt selfish with confidence. Alabaster ministry and check the agenda for setting boundaries.” Gail Hallman shares, “We can- against that why. 2. Stay focused on the missions not be any help to anyone else if When we know our why, we can part of the ministry. we do not keep ourselves strong limit our time on things that don’t Once we know our why, we and healthy in our relationship with We need to be humble lead- match it and focus on the most im- should periodically check to see God and with others.” ers who realize our respon- portant work. that we are limiting our involve- 5. Live within God’s boundar- sibility, daily grow in our faith, challenge our people as Robin Revis Pyke finds encour- ment to those activities that focus ies. Christians often get a bad needed, and work through the agement by using Jesus’ example on missions. rap as rule followers, yet follow- tough times with a heart that in setting boundaries. She says, 3. Set time limits on work and ing God’s commands is meant to honors Christ. protect us. Chuck Lawless Joy Bolton said, “Boundaries Author, professor, keep egos in check. Boundaries church consultant Phenomenon of church hopping are a guide for ethical practices. Changing churches often is leave that church with its set of Boundaries guide leaders in how typically called church hopping. problems and join another church they treat coworkers. ... Living Pastors sometimes refer to this — which, you guessed it, has its within God’s boundaries is protec- Partnership, healthy partner- process as sheep swapping. own set of problems. tion. And we are free inside those ship, is built on the foundation There are two kinds of church There are legitimate reasons to boundaries. I am free to be patient. of mutual trust and personal hoppers. There are those who join leave a church such as a failure to I am free to speak truthfully. I am sacrifice. a church and put down roots and teach and preach the full truth of free to work with integrity. I am Rick Lance become very involved. Then ev- the Bible. Another legitimate rea- free to work without expectation of executive director ery few years, they repeat the pro- son for leaving a church is when reward or recognition.” Alabama Baptist State cess. On the other hand, there are it teaches that Jesus is not the Boundaries serve those who Board of Missions those who never join any church. only way of salvation. serve others. Let’s consider setting They treat church attendance like There may be other reasons but a few so that we’ll still be around a cafeteria, sampling this and that before you hop from one church for the long term. from various churches. to another, be sure there is actu- Every church is made up of ally a legitimate reason. EDITOR’S NOTE — Claudia Leadership is not about imperfect people and will have Chip Warren Johnson is director of CWLC. This titles or positions, it is about issues come up. Some choose to Ministry leader blog post is an excerpt of what origi- influencing others to move a nally appeared on cwlcleaders.com. cause/mission/objective to the next level. Dan Moran Share online or email [email protected] Dan Moran Ministries JANUARY 10, 2019 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 5 OPINION God gave you today. What are we going to do with it? BECKY ELLISON WMU strategist for CWJC/CMJC

The most important time to be- Jesus Christ. Know who God is, be what people should be doing until lieve that God’s promises never fail thankful for everything that He’s you are blue in the face (as the old are when they seem to have failed. given you and be ready to surrender saying goes), but if it is not recog- Pastor Matt Mason it all back to Him for the sake of His nizable in your life others will not The Church at Brook Hills kingdom. apply it in their lives. Photo courtesy of ABCH Birmingham Jessica Ingram Pastor, if you want people to build Rod Marshall serves as president and The Rope blog relationships outside the church with CEO of the Alabama Baptist Chil- dren’s Homes & Family Ministries. What is it today that you can give theropetab.wordpress.com unchurched people, then that trait to Christ? Maybe it’s the TV show needs to be recognized in your life that pulls your thoughts and desires One boy, one week off phone, as an ongoing trait lived out by you A place away from godly things. Maybe it’s YouTube and games — laugh- regularly. the music you listen to that isn’t glo- ing, reading, playing, engaging, & Bottom line: if we want others to to call home rifying to God. Maybe you can give TALKING to his family. Priceless. do or act a particular way, then we 30 minutes in the morning, at night I’m finding “grounded” life is the must be willing to get right down in o you remember the or on your lunch break praying and best life from mom’s perspective. the trenches (as muddy as they may first time you spent reading the word of God. Mitzi Gibbs Eaker be) with our team, our congregation, D the night away from You know what it is that pulls www.mitzijanemedia.com not pushing but leading them by our home? Did you get homesick? you away from God and toward the own example, leading the change. Were you tempted to fake a stomachache to get your things of this earth. Take intentional What gets emphasized gets rec- George Yates mom or dad to come get you? steps to eliminate those things and ognized and what gets recognized Church health strategist How would you have felt if put all of your faith and hope in gets emphasized. You can talk about State Board of Missions you knew that no matter how homesick you were, your par- ents would not or could not come to your rescue? For many of the children in our care, their first night with us can be very scary. They may have been removed from their home for good cause, but all @CoachGeneChizik ward. They communicate, connect, (to) God. Whatever it takes to keep they know is they are being ex- 5 things you need to stop NOW: commit, and encourage each other. the focus on God, do it! posed to a new place with new 1. Trying to please everyone They build relationships and trust rules and expectations, and on 2. Checking your phone while that makes them stronger. @scottslayton that first night, they have no idea what to expect. you are in a 1 on 1 Feeling like you’re in over your conversation! @micahfries Whether a child is placed in head is good for your prayer life. one of our foster homes, one 3. Hanging with TOXIC people! Liberalism & legalism are two 4. Making decisions based on of our shelter homes or one of sides of the same coin. Liberalism our Campus Care homes, they what other people want masquerades as love & legalism @GaryFenton07 5. Saying yes when you mean Doing what is right as a result of have much in common. When masquerades as holiness, but both placed they are truly homesick, NO #WordsofChizdom are a denial of the sufficiency of being pushed is less virtuous than being led to do right. People with but we try to show them hospi- scripture. Liberalism says scripture tality and grace. We want every goes too far while legalism claims influence lead and people with po- @Blackwell_Kevin sitional power push. Servanthood child to feel and be welcomed. it doesn’t go far enough. Each child in our care comes Churches need to clearly define leadership is about influence and from a different place with dif- what a disciple of Christ IS and not positional power. DOES before expecting members @desiringGod ferent experiences. to be one. Give clarity to the goal When God seems silent, trust his But each child will hear and and create a process to get there. promises more than your perceptions. @tashaowensmusic see the gospel while they are Be intentional! #MakeDisciples Anyone can find the dirt in some- with us. We will pray for them one, be the one that finds the gold. and with them. We will plant @RickWarren seeds and pray for the harvest. @JonGordon11 If you’re not spending time with We ask that you pray for the Positive teams take on the battle, God on a daily basis, you won’t be @chambersoswald children as well. overcome the negativity, face the able to handle it when the pressure is We have to pray with our eyes on —Rod Marshall adversity, and keep moving for- on. You’ve got to make time to listen God, not on the difficulties. PAGE 6 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / JANUARY 10, 2019

Eddie Miller Jr. (right), part-time assistant chaplain and former inmate, prays during We Care staff devotional at Fountain Correction Facility in Atmore. A day in the life of a prison chaplain

Photo by Martha Simmons ADOC chaplains coordinate ‘reasonable opportunities’ for inmates to practice faith By Martha Simmons prison chaplain one must hold at least a “Faith/Character-Based Residential Hous- “We practice the ministry of presence Correspondent, The Alabama Baptist four-year bachelor’s degree and be ordained ing Unit.” In those quarters chaplains over- by just being there,” Woodfin said. “People ver wondered what a typical or have an equivalent letter of endorsement see interpersonal relationships and ensure come in and blow off steam because it’s a day in the life of an Alabama from a religion. that inmates living in them are progressing safe place.” Department of Corrections ADOC chaplains plan, direct and coor- in their spiritual and/or personal goals. Each prison is different, and chaplains (ADOC) prison chaplain might dinate all aspects of religious and faith- or adapt to the circumstances. Some give lone- look like? It’s certainly more character-based programs in the prisons. Variety of duties ly inmates cards for birthdays, Christmas Eextensive than merely organizing Bible They approve and train all lay, community Regardless of an inmate’s religious belief and holidays. Others give out books and studies and leading prayer times. Most of- and cleric volunteers and, according to Ala- system, or lack thereof, he is likely to come toiletries donated by local faith-based and ten it looks like this: bama Administrative Regulation 462, “pro- into contact with the prison chaplain in a charitable organizations. 4Tactfully arbitrate scheduling conflicts vide inmates of all ADOC recognized faith number of different ways on any given day. With all the different administrative hats among 15 different religious groups ranging groups with reasonable opportunities to Chaplains are the ones tasked with noti- that a state prison chaplain wears every from Protestants to Pagans pursue their religious beliefs and practices fying inmates if a family member dies, pro- day, it’s not possible for him or her to also 4Fairly distribute limited supplies of consistent with institutional security, safety, viding grief counseling and, if the inmate is provide all the worship services, counseling donated items like shampoo and books health and orderliness.” willing to pay the cost of and instruction needed at each prison. 4Schedule ceremonial time for an in- To accomplish that transportation, arrang- That’s where volunteers come in, Wood- mate observing Native American Spiritual- chaplains must have a ing the trip to and from fin noted, citing a Buddhist volunteer who ity thorough understanding the funeral home so the drives from Atlanta to serve one Alabama 4Vet, train and oversee dozens of faith- of the following state- inmate can have a one- prison. The faith-based We Care Program is based and community volunteers working recognized religions and hour private visit with especially “invaluable,” he said, providing in the facility reconcile their practices a deceased loved one. dozens of full-time and part-time chaplains 4Search a worship site for contraband and prohibitions with A look at Likewise the chaplain to the prisons all over the state at no cost to without violating religious principles or prison rules: notifies next-of-kin when taxpayers. constitutional rights 4Catholicism MASS an inmate dies. Wood- Woodfin said most prisons maintain a full 4Provide a chapel service for death-row 4Orthodox Islam fin said he averaged schedule of worship services — especially inmates 4Protestantism INCARCERATION 10 notifications verye in the mainstream religions — but there are 4Arrange for an inmate to go to a fu- 4Hinduism month when he served at still plenty of opportunities for people of neral home to privately view the body of a 4Jehovah’s Witness in Alabama Elmore County Correc- faith to become involved in helping the in- deceased family member 4Judaism tional Facility. carcerated. There’s a need for mentors, dis- They don’t teach this stuff in seminary. 4Buddhism Fifth in a series They visit inmates in cipleship studies, small group studies and Tom Woodfin, pastoral programs supervi- 4Kemeticism the prison infirmary and Sunday School classes, for instance. sor for the ADOC, served as a state prison 4Nation of Islam if needed assist with fu- chaplain at the Elmore County Correctional 4Odinism/Asatru neral arrangements. Local prison needs Facility for 18 years prior to assuming re- 4Nation of Gods and Earths A chaplain is one of the last people to To find out what your local prison needs, sponsibility for the state chaplain program. 4Native American Spirituality visit an inmate scheduled for execution and Woodfin said, call the switchboard and ask Now he travels from one end of the state to 4Moorish Science Temple of America also provides chapel services for inmates to speak to the chaplain. In all likelihood the other to supervise the work of 14 state- 4Rastafarianism living on death row. the chaplain can guide volunteers to just the employed chaplains with the daunting task 4Wiccan “I didn’t know how to minister on death right place to offer their services. of meeting the spiritual and human needs of That means approving activities on sacred row,” recalled Woodfin. “But I did know “There’s a place for everybody in the some 22,000 inmates and about 4,000 cor- days, special foods, creating and maintain- how to disciple for Christ.” faith community to contribute in this pro- rectional officers and support staff. ing outdoor worship sites for “earth-based” Chaplains provide inmates with family cess,” he said. (pagan) services and providing sweat lodges counseling, spiritual counseling and even Helping prisoners doesn’t mean you have Large workload for Native American rituals. It also means pre-marital counseling, as well as classes in to do so behind clanging steel doors and A typical ADOC chaplain must service determining religion-based exceptions for biblical instruction. And since 93 percent razor wire. an inmate population of 1,650 inmates, inmate facial hair rules and monitoring the of inmates are male and about that same “Behind-the-fence ministry isn’t for ev- Woodfin said, more than 2.5 times the case- possession or storage of approved religious percentage of inmates will eventually be erybody,” Woodfin said. “The first and most load recommended by the American Cor- items ranging from St. Christopher medals released from prison, chaplains also offer obvious place is through prayer support. rectional Association (ACA). One Alabama and crosses to gongs, incense and feathers. re-entry counseling and classes on topics There’s always a need for monetary or other chaplain handles 2,100 inmates, more than That’s just to name a few. such as fatherhood and biblical manhood, donations. And you can provide logistical triple the ACA standard. Chaplains schedule 150–200 religious Woodfin said. support for existing prison ministries like Written into the law books shortly after services per month in each institution — Then there’s attending to spiritual needs grading papers or providing financial or the Civil War the state prisons’ Chaplain with some groups meeting daily — and of staff: performing a wedding ceremony other support. Services Corps has been working ever since mediate conflicts among different religions or a funeral, visiting them in the hospital, “You can just dovetail with someone to navigate the complicated landscape of competing for the same space. fielding their scriptural questions, providing already doing prison ministry to improve constitutional rights, spiritual needs and They are also in charge of the “Faith one-on-one counseling and offering prayers what they’re doing, rather than reinventing prison regulations. To qualify as a state Dorms,” or as they are officially named the before staff meetings and events. the wheel.” JANUARY 10, 2019 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 7 Planting hope ‘Nothing more powerful’ than the gospel to stop the revolving door of recidivism By Martha Simmons Long story short: He came home high There had been an argument. Miller had Correspondent, The Alabama Baptist and his mother figured it out and called his been angry. Miller finally awakened to the e prayed with every step as daddy home from work. “We got down on consequences of his behavior. A way to he approached the prison, our knees and prayed,” Miller said. “I was much as he had the first time sort of scared straight for a while.” Convicted take action he saw it many years before. Miller walked the straight and narrow “I got arrested in my mother’s home,” inistries such as Eddie Miller’s But this time, Eddie Miller until he was a senior in high school, when Miller said. “I looked into my mother’s rely on donated financial sup- HJr. was a free man. he resumed smoking pot and started drink- eyes. She was crying. This was not the child M port. Miller’s own church, for in- Miller, now a part-time chaplain for the ing. He continued for years but was always my mother and father had raised,” Miller stance, helps out with his gas money. We Care Program of prison ministries, ar- a good worker, ambitious and self-reliant. said. “I began to pray.” We Care President Don Metzler rived at Fountain Correctional Facility to He got a truck-driving job, married and had While in Mobile Metro Jail awaiting his said correspondence for the program deliver on his earlier promise to return and trial Miller experienced a conviction of an- children. or chaplains may be sent to: We Care share the word of God that had unchained other kind: spiritual. In 1985, Miller landed the coveted job of Program, 3493 Hwy. 21, Atmore, AL him spiritually long before his release. He prayed every day — and driving a truck hauling chemicals. 36502. “You didn’t forget us!” said an inmate soon his prayers were answered. This position, however, required The faith-based, nonprofit We Care with whom Miller had served time, wrap- “I heard God say one day, ‘Son, passing drug tests. Program relies on gifts from inter- I’m here.’” ping him in a bear hug. Miller quit smoking pot, and ested individuals, churches and busi- “How could I forget you?” Miller re- on one long trip in 1987 he lis- He began to share God’s word nesses for a majority of its income. sponded. “God hasn’t forgotten you.” tened to a spiritual tape that his and pray with others at the jail. Additional resources are generated Miller described a triumphant air to his grandmother had given him. It Sentenced to 20 years, Miller through three thrift stores. We Care return visit to Fountain. “They saw the walk launched him on an even longer packed up his faith and brought it Program accepts no local, state or I had been on.” journey to redemption. “I repented with him to Fountain, a sprawling federal funds. Miller was raised in a good neighborhood and turned myself over to God,” medium security prison facility For more information on We Care in Mobile with loving, hardworking parents he said of that moment. “I had a situated on 8,200 acres in At- MILLER Program, visit www.wecareprogram. who served as his role models. “I was raised vision of me preaching one day. I more. org. (Martha Simmons) up according to the Bible, to be respectful, had a black Bible.” “When I got to prison the We to say, ‘Yes, ma’am’ and ‘No, sir.’ ” He was Eventually though his resolve dissolved. Care prison ministry was there,” he said. an altar boy in the Lutheran church and at- He tried cocaine and then crack cocaine. By Miller was assigned to Fountain’s Faith tended a Lutheran school through the 5th around 1990, Miller said, “I started going Dorm. “The Faith Dorm is for men who on me. I heard God’s audible voice say, grade. He lived a sheltered life. down. Eventually I hit rock bottom.” want to better themselves,” Miller said. ‘You’re ready.’ ” Miller got arrested for theft of property. “They have spiritual programs to help you After 15 years in prison, Miller said, Exposed to drugs Because he had no prior record he was al- re-enter productive society.” “God brought me out.” He entered public school in the sixth lowed to go through drug court, which de- Miller became a dorm leader and a spiri- Chaplains and other kind souls helped grade and took up sports. When he was 14 fers court action while a defendant complies tual leader for fellow inmates and would of- him get his feet back on the ground. He and he found other kids in his neighborhood with various probationary and drug-testing ten open services for the We Care chaplains. his wife began a small residential property who had been exposed to things he hadn’t requirements. “God was preparing me,” he said. rental business. encountered before — like marijuana. He didn’t finish the program, so he was One Sunday, Miller preached a service The neighborhood kids convinced the re-arrested on the theft charge, convicted conducted by In and Out Ministry. After- A changed man boy that he should try it, and he stole $5 and sentenced to five years behind bars. ward Miller heard God again. By 2017, Miller was sharing his testi- from his mother’s purse — “something I’d “I got out and did good for a while. Then “God said, ‘You remember that vision I mony at the prison. In January of this year never done before in my life” — to pur- I got arrested again.” sent you? That vision came to pass.’ That he became a part-time assistant chaplain for chase some. This time, the charge was manslaughter. blew me away,” Miller said. “When I had the We Care Program. He spends one-on- seen that vision of me preaching, I had no one time with Fountain inmates — praying, idea that it would be in prison,” he said. sharing Scriptures and giving his testimony. “But God did.” He also was recently approved to serve as The years rolled on. Miller’s faith and a chaplain at Mobile Metro Jail, another spiritual leadership grew behind bars. familiar place. Miller’s wife, Velesia, also “One day I was in the North Yard at is involved in ministries, visiting female Fountain. I saw another vision. This time inmates at Mobile Metro Jail and working I was coming back to prison preaching the with recovering addicts in a local drug re- word of God.” hab program. With both partners involved in Throughout the years Miller took Bible similar ministries, they are more effective, courses and other faith-based classes, teach- ing some of them himself, and worked for Miller said. “We are one.” a prison chaplain. He also took workforce Prison ministries, Miller suggested, are training classes and underwent an intensive an effective remedy to the revolving door of six-month drug rehabilitation program. recidivism. Miller learned patience in prison. “I “There are a lot of programs in prison prayed, ‘Lord, I don’t want to come back that are a blessing,” Miller said. “But the to prison to do time. Until You know I’m greatest need is the gospel. There’s nothing ready, don’t open those doors and let me more powerful. come out. God, I’m not serving You just to “I tell people that you cannot get out of get out of prison. I’m serving You because prison with the same mind you went into You’re worthy of serving. Lord, cause Your prison with. You have to have a renewed word to take root in my heart.’” mind.” Miller knows — he’s been there. Photo by Martha Simmons By Miller’s third parole hearing he said, “I use my testimony to plant hope in Eddie Miller Jr. (fourth from left) is now a part-time assistant chaplain and par- “I felt that this was my time. One day I people’s lives through Jesus Christ,” Miller ticipates in weekly We Care devotionals with inmates at Fountain Correctional came back from work, threw down my said. “I tell them, the same thing He did for Facility in Atmore, where he served 15 years on a manslaughter charge. jacket and felt the spirit of the Lord strong me, He will do for you.” PAGE 8 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / JANUARY 10, 2019

Keith Akins (left), pastor of the Church at Southside, talks with church member Don Garner as they and others prepare to serve a hot meal before the service starts. The church meets in a parking lot in order to serve the homeless community of downtown Birmingham. ‘God is at

work’ Photo by Grace Thornton Church at Southside gathers homeless together as its congregation in Birmingham parking lot By Grace Thornton “It was like reading the gos- They got a food truck and done for me, I want to help hungry crowd waiting for them. The Alabama Baptist pel,” Akins said. “Jesus loved to started filling it with food and them.” “The people they normally ason Albers grew up in sit down and share a meal. We supplies, and they pulled up in a Akins said they want to wel- went to for meals had been a Baptist church, and for would just sit down, eat and just parking lot downtown and met come everyone with open arms, snowed in for a couple of days, a long time he made a have normal conversations. We there. no matter what their life looks so they hadn’t been able to eat,” living as an opening shift built some strong relationships.” like. If there’s sin the love of he said. “It broke my heart. The supervisor for Ryan’s And over the course of that 'It was just us' Jesus will meet that — but they needs are great.” Jsteakhouse. three years he talked to them a “For three weeks nobody have to meet Him first, he said. But even so the people there are “When they would start a new lot about Jesus — and a lot about showed up, and it was just us,” “It’s people from all different an example of the widow’s mite restaurant I would go in and train church. By that time he had Akins said. walks of life,” Akins said. “Not in action, he said. Oftentimes them on how to open the store,” started one in his home and it had But he remembers vividly the all of the people who come are churchgoers will bring money he said. grown into needing a building of first couple who came — Paul homeless — some are in lower or food they’ve found during the And then life came crashing its own. The Church at Southside and Amanda. income housing and apartments week so that they can give it away down — his wife and son died. was flourishing, but more than “We had doughnuts and juice, around there.” to people who need it more. One thing led to another and in anything Akins wanted it to be a and we gave them every dough- And not all of them are jobless. 2000, Albers start- place where any- nut we had and told them we’d be Albers, for instance, works with a ‘Beautiful picture’ ed living in a tent one felt comfort- there again next week, to bring landscaping company. “It’s a beautiful picture of the near the railroad For more able. their friends,” Akins said. But all have deep needs, Akins kingdom of God,” Akins said. tracks in Birming- information, visit So he asked That was the first Sunday of said. “This whole thing, God’s been ham. churchatsouthside. them if they would November 2016, and they haven’t He remembers one Sunday af- great in it. There’s buy in and it’s He’s been there com. come. And they missed a Sunday since, rain or ter an uncharacteristic snowstorm beautiful. We don’t have it all fig- ever since. said no. shine. Those first two people that they pulled in to find a very ured out but God is at work.” “I pretty much “I was always grew to six, then 10, and now know everybody on the streets, met with stories about how they more than 100 show up every and everybody knows me,” Al- didn’t have the right clothes. I Sunday to the parking lot where REFLECTIONS bers said. would tell them this is different, they meet behind Intermark ad But a few years back some- they could come just as they are, agency. body different started showing but they would say, ‘No, I’ve Every Sunday morning they up in the city’s homeless camps been to church before,’ and then serve a hot meal prepared by peo- — Keith Akins, a McCalla native tell me horrific stories,” Akins ple in the church, then eat togeth- who felt God calling him to start said. “It broke my heart.” er and have a worship service. In something new. And as his church continued to the past two years the church has “We looked into church plant- meet in a leased space in South- served more than 10,000 meals. ing, and we didn’t know exactly side in hopes of including the After the service each person what that was going to look like, homeless, in three years not one there is given a bag of canned but we wanted to go into some of homeless person came through food and dry goods. the dark and forgotten places in the doors. Albers is the one who unloads the city that people are leaving,” “I remember asking God, ‘I the van and packs up the food he said. know you’ve put them on my bags. So Akins moved his family heart — what do you want me “It’s not a snack bag,” Albers into Birmingham’s Southside and to do?’ and I felt the Spirit urg- said. “We actually give a meal started hanging out with Albers ing me — ‘Why don’t you go to like a can of beef stew, pork, and others who called the city them?’ ” chicken or tuna fish — something streets home. Akins and some that’s going to stick to your gut.” of his friends would go to the Unanimous vote The church, he said, is a great homeless camps, cook on Cole- At that point, Akins said, the place to come. man stoves and share a meal with Church at Southside was near- “It’s not your normal church. It the homeless. Sometimes they ing the end of its lease, and the started off, it was basically Keith would gather up as many people congregation of around 40 voted and his wife, Jamie, and a hand- as they could and take them to unanimously not to renew it. ful of other people. But it got restaurants. “We didn’t know exactly what around and got around and got No matter where they ate one it would look like,” he said, “but around,” he said. “I love helping thing was sure — they had no we thought — what if we let the out. Keith and Jamie keep me lack of things to talk about. church be mobile?” grounded. As much as they’ve JANUARY 10, 2019 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 9

Brunson sees growth at Valleydale Church By Grace Thornton running five services every Sunday,” The Alabama Baptist Brunson said. “When we saw that I or any pastor in transition Mac felt like God was telling me to let Him Brunson has this message — if worry about my age and the issues that you want to stay a long time, surround that. I walked out of there that F go slow. day knowing I would come back and “One thing I feel like God has shown call them and tell them that I would me over the years is that it’s better to go come in view of a call.” into a new church with a process rather That call came in April and Brunson than a vision,” he said. “That process is began a new journey as the church’s that if I want to change their structure, pastor. Right off the bat they hired I’ve got to know their culture first.” Auxano, a church-consulting ministry So that’s what he’s been doing the last that walks churches through a vision- six months at Valleydale Church, Bir- framing process. mingham — he’s been getting to know “In just about three meetings I felt Submitted photo (BP) how and why the church does things. like I had been given more of a his- Dan Hall and his wife, Hazel, who he says has ‘taken care of me through this.’ Brunson began serving as Valleydale’s tory to understand the church better,” pastor in July 2018 Brunson said. after resigning Jeff McGukin, from the pastorate Valleydale’s execu- Church revitalization drives of 10,000-mem- tive pastor, said the ber First Baptist church is moving in Church, Jackson- a positive direction pastor despite paralysis ville, Florida. It and there’s “an ex- came as a surprise citement in the air.” ace down on the floor of his hotel than pastor. Sometimes he would take on a to everyone — in- “It’s an excit- room Dan Hall was fighting for transitional pastorate. Sometimes he would cluding Brunson. ing time in the every breath. just meet with church staff to help them It started sev- life of the church F In August 2016 he had just got- figure out what to do next. eral years ago when right now,” he ten into Houston on a late flight and settled church transition said. “We’re really into his hotel. It was all routine. Help in a time of crisis consultant Dan excited about the As a longtime Baptist pastor and church Mike May, executive pastor at First Bap- Hall (see story, this future of the church. revitalization consultant, he was used to tist Church, Brandon, Mississippi, said Hall page) came to help There’s a passion solving churches’ life-or-death crises. But was a “phenomenal” help to their church in First, Jacksonville, for evangelism that this was different — now he appeared to a time of crisis. walk through some we haven’t had in be having one of his own. He suffered a “He’s a tremendously effective leader,” things, Brunson a number of years. pulmonary embolism, passed out, fell down May said. “Everybody just fell in love with said. Our visitors have and woke up a quadriplegic. his leadership and him as a person.” “At that time Dan Photo by Johanna Horstmann increased, and As he lay there that night gasping for ev- That’s where Hall was serving in 2016 was interim pas- Mac Brunson says getting to know our membership ery breath, he would whisper a prayer every when he took that trip to Houston and his tor of Valleydale, a church's culture is a good first is increasing on a few seconds and picture the faces of his life changed forever. After weeks of fight- and he kept talking step during pastoral transition. weekly basis too.” family. Then he would use ing for his life followed by about how great the Brunson is “set- what breath he had to cry for weeks of rehab he found church was,” he said. tling in well and there are a lot of good help in the hours before be- For more himself speaking again at But Brunson didn’t really hone in on things happening,” McGukin said. ing discovered by hotel staff, information about First, Brandon, a living meta- that at the time — he was focused on When Brunson arrived the church was trying not to focus on the fact Hall’s ministry, visit phor for the churches he had what was going on at his church. running around 700 or 800 in worship, that he was dying. ocschurch.com. seen go from near death to Then Valleydale called Jason Dees as but now it’s adding visitors by a couple “The Lord gave me grace vibrant life again. pastor. After Dees left Hall reached out hundred every week. They’re also seeing in that moment to fight for Recently he walked along- to Brunson to see if he had any recom- more and more people baptized. my kids,” he said. side Valleydale Baptist Church, Birming- mendations for a pastor. That kind of grace wasn’t new to him — ham as they prepared to call Mac Brunson “We kind of started that way — the Building excitement Hall had actually learned to fight tooth and as pastor (see story, this page). conversation wasn’t about me going “We have more young families and nail a long time ago, just a different kind of When Hall consults with churches he there, it was about me helping them find young people joining all the time too,” battle. talks their leaders through a variety of someone,” Brunson said. “But at some he said, which is building the excite- He had felt the call to be a pastor as a topics to find out areas that are healthy or point that changed.” ment level at the church. young man and after college, as he moved unhealthy. Part of that is looking at staffing, As he began to talk seriously with “If we grew much faster I don’t from pastorate to pastorate, he began to see whether or not it is being maximized and Valleydale’s search committee he real- know that the church could handle it as a pattern of God doing something unusual. if a pastor is experiencing “seepage” of en- ized he was feeling pulled that way but we are — we are saturated in Sunday He saw a declining church in Kentucky ergy in areas he could delegate. he had one major reservation — his age. School space,” he said. “We’re having go from 850 to 2,000 in four years’ time. Hall is just as active as ever in meet- “I’d be a 60-year-old coming to a to be creative about where we put new He saw a south Florida church in bankrupt- ing with churches and walking with them young church,” Brunson said. classes.” cy go from 1,800 to 5,000 in two years. through their struggles. He’s been able to But two things quickly led him to Brunson said he is just putting the help churches avoid a split, navigate a pas- make the decision to move. First, two pieces together and doesn’t plan to cast God ‘turned it around’ tor transition or simply adjust their systems younger members of the search commit- any kind of new vision for the church “They were in severe trouble and God to fit their church’s needs. tee told them that what their church des- until sometime this year. did a work — He turned it around,” Hall He loves helping churches through a cri- perately needed was a spiritual father. But he knows God is already at work. said. sis, he said. And as an added blessing Hall Then after that he and his wife, Deb- “It’s a great church, and the people Not only that — He did something in has been able to share the story of his per- bie, met a pastor while on a missions and staff here have such a depth. It’s the Hall too. “I started realizing in my minis- sonal crisis — how God taught him to fight trip to Asia who made an impact on most missions-minded church of this try that I ... found great joy in taking the for joy and lean on grace. them. size that I’ve seen,” he said. “There’s churches that were in trouble and helping “It’s not important that I know why all “He was a 71-year-old pastor of a such a strong sense of community here. them figure out where they fit,” he said. “I this has happened; it’s important how I re- young church in Tokyo, and they were I’m excited to be here.” enjoyed the crisis.” spond to it,” said Hall. “God has taught me Hall decided to become more consultant to cultivate joy through gratitude.” (BP) PAGE 10 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / JANUARY 10, 2019

TAB CLASSIFIEDS ‘New attention For information on pricing or placing a classified ad, contact the advertising department of The Alabama Baptist at 205-870-4720, ext. 102, or [email protected]. Copy deadline is two weeks before publication.

and life’ Baptist Church, ATTN: Worship CHURCH POSITIONS Search Team, 95 E. Oak Street, PASTOR Oxford, AL 36203. Hunger Offering Sunday moves to February Westview Baptist Church, 809 Damascus Hwy, Enterprise, AL MINISTER OF WORSHIP im Swedenburg said that Alabama’s Hunger Offering is 36330, is prayerfully seeking re- Sisters Baptist Church is search- for three straight years, distributed with 25 percent sumés for a bivocational pastor. ing for a minister of worship. some sort of major helping needs in the state Please send resumés to church Sisters is a conservative South- weather event col- and 75 percent assist- address, marked ATTN: Search ern Baptist church in central Georgia. The position involves lided with the ing with hunger issues Committee. For additional inqui- planning and leading worship JSunday that churches throughout the nation ries, call 334-797-0798. services, as well as the other took up the Hunger and world. BIVOCATIONAL PASTOR music ministries of the church. Offering. Ruhama Baptist Church is He will work closely with the “There have been looking for a bivocational pas- pastor and other staff members. hurricanes skirt the been called a lot of tor. Resumés can be mailed to: Resumés along with a cover let- state and power out- Ruhama Baptist Church, 3310 ter may be sent to: SBC Search names, from World ages that have kept County Road 81, Fort Payne, Committee, 1807 E. McCarty Hunger Sunday to the churches from meet- AL 35967, ATTN: Pulpit Com- St., Sandersville, GA 31082 or ing on the Sunday of Alabama Hunger Of- mittee. [email protected]. fering for Global Hun- the offering emphasis,” MINISTER OF OUTREACH ger Relief. Swedenburg BIVOCATIONAL MINISTER he said. & MISSIONS OF MUSIC So to get away from said any of those names FBC Vincent, Alabama, seek- First Baptist Church of An- the storms and to also give work — it’s all the Hunger ing part-time minister of out- derson seeking bivocational it some space from what’s now 123rf.com Offering, which they’re calling reach and missions. Will work music minister. Please contact: also the Myers-Mallory State it commonly these days for sim- with the pastor giving coordi- Lindsey Dabbs, secretary, at Missions Offering season, the ing, but he’s hoping they will be plicity’s sake. nating leadership to current 256-247-3871. Send resumés Alabama Baptist State Board of good. mission endeavors. Design/ to: Anderson FBC, P.O. Box Alabama definitely has hun- organize/facilitate an outreach Missions has decided to move the He’s also hoping moving the 67, Anderson, AL 35610, or ger needs to meet. Swedenburg ministry to Vincent/Harpers- email: [email protected]. Hunger Offering from the second offering from October to Febru- said 25 percent of hunger offer- ville area. Minimum 20 hours/ Sunday in Octo- ary will give it ings are distributed in Alabama, week. Send resumé to: admin@ ber to the second even more of a fbcvincent.org. BUSINESS For more information where 65 missions stations dis- Sunday in Feb- shot in the arm. NEED A NEW CHURCH tribute food using the funds. FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE ruary starting in about Hunger “Since the of- SIGN? PASTOR TO STUDENTS/ 2019. Offering Sunday, visit fering has been Reliable Sign Services — a Throughout the world MISSIONS Christian operated, full service, Swedenburg, cooperativeprogram- declining over Southside Baptist Church, An- The rest is used by the In- lighted sign company located in director of the resources.org/hunger. the last few years dalusia, Alabama, is seeking an ternational Mission Board Pelham, Alabama, for 23 years office of Coop- we hope this will individual with experience to erative Program infuse some new — which distributes the provide full-time leadership and — is ready to help you expand and stewardship development, attention and life,” Swedenburg funds through Baptist Global ministry to students and student your church sign ministry. said they haven’t seen the totals said. Response — and the North families, as well as leading and From digital message boards to working with the membership traditional signs, Reliable Signs yet from this October’s offer- In years past the offering has American Mission Board for will design, fabricate and install distribution throughout the na- of Southside Baptist for provid- ing local, state, national and statewide. www.reliablesigns. tion and world. And even though international missions opportu- com. 1-800-729-6844 or 205- the Hunger Offering emphasis nities. Send resumés to: ATTN: 664-0955. SWBTS alumni officers elected is now in February Swedenburg Southside Baptist Church ELROD MOBILITY — Search Committee, 1213 West said the SBOM does accept GREAT PRICES Bypass, Andalusia, AL 36420 money for the offering all year Stair-lifts, walk-in tubs, lift-chairs or [email protected]. long. (Grace Thornton) and lightweight take-apart WORSHIP LEADER scooters. Saving people a lot of Bethel Baptist Church, Dora, money on walk-in tubs, stair-lifts Alabama, is searching for either and showers. Our lift-chairs and Sixty-five missions a full-time or part-time worship scooters are near internet pric- leader to lead blended worship ing. A+ rating with BBB. We stations throughout services. Please email resumés service Alabama. 1-800-682- to: [email protected], or 0658. Alabama distribute mail resumés to: Music Search Committee, Bethel Baptist TRAVEL/VACATION Church, 7000 Bethel Road, food using Hunger Dora, AL 35062. LOG CABIN RENTAL Lake Guntersville area, beauti- WORSHIP LEADER ful view and fully furnished. Offering funds. First Baptist Church in Oxford, Discounts to ministers. Log on Alabama, is seeking a full-time to www.paradisevista.net to see worship pastor to lead dynamic, pictures. Call for reservations at Jim Swedenburg blended worship. This person 205-540-3600. Photo courtesy of Neal Hughes director of the office of must be a self-starter, have The 2019 Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary strong organizational/admin- GULF SHORES CONDO Cooperative Program and istrative skills and able to give 1/2/3 BR luxury beachfront alumni officers were recently elected. They are all Alabama stewardship development, leadership to a complete music condos and 4 BR beach resort Baptists: Thomas Wright (right) of Mobile, president; Neal SBOM and media ministry. Please send house. Owner direct saves you Hughes (left) of Montgomery, vice president; and Bill John- resumés to: stan@firstbaptis- $$. Chris 1-800-713-6435 or son of Birmingham, treasurer. toxford.org, or mail to: First [email protected]. JANUARY 10, 2019 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 11

TAB Retired Army lieutenant colonel AR to use GI Bill to fi nance seminary By Grace Thornton And starting this spring, Grif th — a re- The Alabama Baptist tired lieutenant colonel in the Army Judge hil Grif th has been in the Army for Advocate General’s Corps — will use the 21 years. In the past 13 years or so GI Bill to nance his seminary education. P alone he’s moved 10 times, each of those mandated by the Army. Veteran bene ts “With each move my family and I have The GI Bill, an education bene t estab- visited a lot of churches,” he said. lished in 1944, has helped millions of vet- And what he saw more often than not erans pay for college, graduate school and was a watered-down version of the gospel. training programs, according to vets.gov. Theology 101 It broke his heart, he said. Bene ts vary, but a number of options are “As we looked for a church to settle into available. BIBLICAL THEOLOGY FOR PEOPLE IN THE PEW in each place, so often we found ‘gospel “For 36 months of class measured in days, lite’ everywhere,” said Grif th, who nally I get tuition paid up to $21,000 per academ- found a church where he was comfortable ic year. As long as it’s full-time study I’m Biblical Imagery — First Baptist Church, covered, and I get a hous- Enterprise. The Grif ths ing allowance for the time attended First, Enterprise, For more that I’m in class,” Grif th The Bible as Seed from 2012 to 2014 while information about said, explaining that for the months he’s only in school By Jerry Batson, Th.D. and active. The Bible, as God’s written he was stationed at Fort the GI Bill and who for part of the month, the Special to The Alabama Baptist word is a living and fruit-producing Rucker. “(Still along the allowance is prorated. ast week Theology 101 con- Word. The key to the fruitfulness, how- way) many churches we qualifi es, visit vets. “It’s an amazing ben- sidered the image of re as ever, is the condition of the heart into visited would study a pas- gov/education/gi- e t,” he said. a way of thinking about the which it is sown. sage and leave most of the bill. He also receives a sti- Bible. This week we turn to The Bible speaks of a person being meat still on the bones. L I felt burdened for the pend for books. another image, that of seed. born again, “not of corruptible seed but To be eligible for the The image of God’s word as seed is incorruptible, through the word of God people in those churches GI Bill, a person has to serve in the armed most famously found in Jesus’ parable which lives and abides forever” (1 Pet. who don’t even realize they’re starving for the gospel.” forces or selected reserves for a certain of the sower. After a brief telling of the 1:23). Ancient seeds have been discov- amount of time stipulated by when and how parable, Jesus’ disciples asked Him the ered and found to contain life in that Dig in deeply they served. Because Grif th served for 21 meaning of the parable. His opening they could still germinate after a couple So he became interested in going to semi- years he was able to get his time at West words of explanation were, “The seed of thousand years. Like such seeds the nary so he could go to those people, dig in Point and studies at law school covered by is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). truth of the Bible continues to abide as deeply to the Word and help them see who his service, and now his seminary covered Like good seed, the Bible is a fruit- enduring truth for life. ful Word. When Jesus explained the Jesus really is. He wrapped up his time in by the GI Bill. signi cance of His words becoming Totally trustworthy the Army in 2018 and enrolled at Southern “It’s a pretty big blessing,” he said. “My implanted in His hearers’ hearts, He The beloved Psalm 100 ends with Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, girls are 9, 14 and 15, and we felt like this described the resultant fruitfulness of the declaration that “the Lord is good; Kentucky. was the time to stop moving and start the those words: “These are the ones sown His mercy is everlasting, and His truth And while the classes are intense — so next season. This is allowing me to go to on good ground, those who hear the endures to all generations” (v. 5). The intense that his family was living out of seminary while we do that.” Word, accept it, and bear fruit: some enduring nature of the Bible as incor- boxes until he could nd the time to nish Surviving spouses and dependents of thirtyfold, some sixty and some a hun- ruptible seed resounds again in 1 Peter unpacking — Grif th says he’s grateful for armed forces personnel or reserves may also dred” (Mark 4:20). 1:25: “The word of the Lord endures the opportunity to pursue his calling. be eligible for GI Bill bene ts. God’s word read, pondered and ap- forever. Now this is the Word which by plied will produce in a believer a har- the gospel was preached to you.” This “You’ll have to do without” or vest of godly attitudes, upright conduct, enduring truth is not corrupted by error, sincere praises and truthful words. “We’ll have to talk to each other,” omission or inconsistency. It is totally My I can imagine how many horri ed Life-giving Word true and trustworthy. expressions passed over the counte- Like with good seed sown on good nance of their faces as chins hit the From the word of God imaged as soil, the good word of God must be good seed, we experience it as a life- JESUS  oor enmasse. implanted in the good soil of an open Can you imagine if we took Jesus’ giving Word. This seems to be the idea and obedient heart. As in Jesus’ parable in Christ’s brief parable of the growing Story warnings as seriously as we did the about the sower, if the heart is hard- seed in Mark 4:26–29. In the parable weatherman’s? ened, cluttered or unfocused, the truth He described a man scattering seed on By Jenni Ingram Jesus told us in John 14:1–3 that of the Bible cannot take root, grow and Member, First Baptist Church, Gantt the ground. The planter then passed the He will come back for us: “Let not become fruitful. nights and days without reference to s Hurricane Michael bore down on your heart be troubled ... I go to pre- The choice is ours. The Bible can be the seed, but he soon discovered that us in the fall, most people scurried pare a place for you. And if I go and ignored, resisted or displaced, but if A the seed did indeed “sprout and grow” to make preparations for the storms’ af- prepare a place for you, I will come received and obeyed from the heart, it even though he did not know how it termath — speci cally many days with- again and receive you to Myself; becomes “the implanted Word which is happened. out power. Supermarket shelves were that where I am, there you may be In view of the fact that the planter in able to save” (James 1:21). suddenly wiped clean of nonperishable also.” the parable did not tend his planting, foods, water, matches, generators and We don’t know when He will the seed nevertheless yielded crops by Jerry Batson is the like. Gas stations had lines several come and we will have no warning, itself, “ rst the blade, then the head, a retired Alabama cars deep sucking dry the underground so we had better be prepared. after that the full grain in the head” (v. Baptist pastor who tanks of that precious go-go juice. When that trumpet sounds the also has served as 28). Surely Jesus was not advocating Parents were regaled with questions dead shall rise to be with him (1 associate dean of from their offspring about the com- Thess. 4:16–17). My reservation of laziness in tending the eld. Rather His Beeson Divinity point apparently was that the life of School at Samford ing storm. The answer to the question protection from any coming storms the grain was resident in the seed and University and “What happens when our phones/ after Jesus’ return was signed in His would manifest itself in due time as a professor of several laptops/tablets die?” instilled terror in Blood on Oct. 21, 2002. Do you grain harvest. schools of religion the young hearts that were seeking re- have yours? As good seed God’s word is alive during his career. assurance. When the parents answered, This may be your only warning. PAGE 12 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / JANUARY 10, 2019 Across ALABAMA’S Service tool ASSOCIATIONS COOSA RIVER 4Hepzibah Church, Website offers way for churches, groups to post project needs, respond to others Talladega, will host its By Grace Thornton “Because my office works so The website has three signifi- not released to those registering 2019 Missions Celebration The Alabama Baptist very closely with associations cant moving parts, Barnhart said. for project needs, Barnhart said. on Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m. Justin ick Barnhart said that and they have teams that go out “The connection team’s in- Milliken is pastor. back when he was a and serve, it seemed logical that I Needs formation is secure through our pastor at First Baptist might develop a tool such as ex- This section allows a church SBOM server,” he said. COVINGTON Church, Silverhill, he isted before,” said Barnhart, who or group in Alabama to register 4Southside Church, R Swap Andalusia, will hold a used a website that helped him serves as director of the SBOM a project need through an online connect missions teams with office of associational missions form. This can include whole Here, in the Swap section, a women’s conference Jan. projects. and church planting. building projects or specific needs ministry can post items to be 12, 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Kim It worked well “This past like dry wall, plumbing or paint- given away or sold. These items Thweatt will be the worship for a long time, “Networking does year or so I have ing. too must be verified leader and guest speaker. then along the been working After the request by the local AMS, For more information call way as things not need to be with churches is verified with For more but the SBOM is in 334-222-4300. Mike Flow- were changed that needed their associational information visit no way responsible ers is pastor. at the national consulting with mission strategist alabamaprojects. to verify the value or MARION level the site got limited to those who architecture and (AMS) it is posted functionality of the org. 4First Church, Ham- discarded. But building issues, things for sale, Barn- for others to see. ilton, will host the Marion he never forgot are ‘in the know.’ ” hart said. and the requests At that time team Association Evangelism how much help All in all, he said he hopes the just increased leaders across the state get an Conference on Jan. 27, 6 it was. Rick Barnhart tremendously.” email letting them know the post- site will help connect those with p.m. Kevin Hamm will be When he director of the office of So together ing is there. It will remain posted needs to those with skills who the guest speaker. Jeremy joined the staff with Brian Har- until the need is met, Barnhart would love to help. Sorrells is pastor. of the Alabama associational missions and ris, digital mar- said. “Networking does not need to Baptist State church planting, SBOM keting contractor be limited to those who are ‘in the SHELBY Board of Mis- for the SBOM, Connect know,’ ” Barnhart said. “This tool 4Meadow Brook sions (SBOM) six years ago, he Barnhart created alabamaproj- Teams who would like to do enables team members to explore Church, Birmingham, will started right away getting re- ects.org, a place for Alabama projects and receive updates from opportunities, not just team lead- hold a missions conference quests for needs around the state churches and groups to post the site can register in the Connect ers. This also allows team leaders Jan. 27–30. Chris Jones is and he knew a site like that could needs, respond to others’ needs section. The team’s information to be made aware of opportunities pastor. help. and sell or swap items. will be kept by the SBOM, and almost immediately.” JANUARY 10, 2019 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 13

Muslims in Pakistan clamor for Christian mother Asia Bibi’s death sentence to be upheld in 2010. Pakistan is the single country add- ed to the U.S. list of ‘countries of particular concern,’ a designation reserved for the world’s worst violators of religious freedom. Facing oppression

MS photo Pakistan added to worst religious liberty violators list; Uzbekistan removed he United States added back also cited Pakistan’s failure Pompeo removed Uzbekistan a single country to its “to hold accountable perpetrators from the CPC list, placing it on a list of the world’s worst of killings and violence against “special watch list” with Russia T violators of religious members of religious minorities and Comoros, a group of islands freedom but designated for the targeted on account of their reli- off the east coast of Africa, for rst time nine non-state organiza- gious beliefs or af liations.” countries that have engaged in or tions for their violence against The U.S. Commission on In- permitted “severe violations” of people of faith. ternational Religious Freedom religious liberty. Secretary of State Mike Pom- (USCIRF) — a bipartisan, nine- USCIRF urged in its April peo announced Dec. 11 he had member panel 2018 report the added Pakistan to the list of that researches addition of not “countries of particular concern” and makes rec- “My prayer is that only Pakistan (CPCs), a category reserved un- ommendations but Russia, der federal law for governments on religious ... religious freedom Central African that have committed or toler- liberty condi- Republic, Ni- ated “systematic, ongoing and tions overseas would advance across geria, Syria and egregious violations of religious — commended Vietnam to the freedom.” Pompeo’s ac- the world. ” CPC list. It also tion on Paki- recommended Source: U.S. Department of State ‘Finally added’ stan, a Central Uzbekistan re- While Pompeo did not com- Asian country Russell Moore main on the list. Countries of Particular Concern (in red) are those recog- ment on the addition of Pakistan, that is 95 per- Ethics & Re- nized under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act president, Ethics & Religious of 1998 for having engaged in or tolerated systematic, Sam Brownback, U.S. ambas- cent Muslim. Liberty Commission ligious Liberty sador-at-large for international “We are grati- Commission ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom. religious freedom, pointed to the ed that, after President Rus- country’s laws criminalizing blas- years of reporting systematic, sell Moore commended the work reforms in that country,” he said. R. Wolf International Religious phemy as one of the reasons for ongoing, egregious violations of that went into Uzbekistan being “My prayer is that his good work Freedom Act. its inclusion on the CPC list. In religious freedom in Pakistan, removed from the CPC list. will continue to see such visible In announcing the designations a brie ng with reporters Brown- the State Department has nally “When a country is placed on fruitfulness and that religious Pompeo said in a written state- added that country to the list of a list of ‘countries of particular freedom would advance across ment, “In far too many places the world’s worst violators,” US- concern,’ the hope is that these the world.” across the globe, individuals con- CIRF Chairman Tenzin Dorjee countries would reform and tinue to face harassment, arrests said in a written statement. progress beyond that negative Entities of concern or even death for simply living The CPC designations — actu- designation,” Moore said. “Un- Pompeo also named several their lives in accordance with ally made Nov. 28 by Pompeo — fortunately such rarely happens. “entities of particular concern” their beliefs. The United States also included nine of the coun- Therefore we have cause for (EPCs), all of which are Islamic will not stand by as spectators in tries named in December 2017 great celebration in Uzbekistan terrorist groups: al-Nusra Front the face of such oppression.” by then-Secretary of State Rex doing just that this year. in Syria; al-Qaeda in the Arabian Under federal law, the presi- Tillerson: Burma (Myanmar), “There is no doubt that a sig- Peninsula; al-Qaeda; al-Shabab dent has various means for penal- China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, ni cant reason for this is Ambas- in East Africa; Boko Haram in izing countries put on the CPC Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan sador Sam Brownback’s tireless West Africa; the Houthis in Ye- list. In the latest designations, and Turkmenistan. and careful work toward broad men; Islamic State of Iraq and sanctions were placed on Burma, Syria (ISIS); ISIS-Khorasan in China, Eritrea, Iran, North Ko- Afghanistan and Pakistan; and rea and Sudan, Brownback said. the Taliban. Sanctions were waived, however, It was the inaugural use of the for Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Ta- EPC classi cation established by jikistan and Turkmenistan, he Congress through the 2016 Frank said. (BP)

Advertise in The Alabama Baptist Contact Bill Gilmore at 1-800-803-5201, ext. 107 or [email protected]. PAGE 14 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / JANUARY 10, 2019

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS For January 13

Explore the Bible By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D. Bible Studies for Life By Jim Barnette, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile Samford University and Brookwood Baptist Church, Mountain Brook

RECONCILED bowed before Esau as they met him. First he WHEN RACES COLLIDE two warring factions has been broken down Genesis 33:1–15 presented Bilhah and Zilpah and their four Ephesians 2:11–22 by the Christ who was redeeming Jews and boys. Then he presented Leah and her seven Gentiles and bringing them together into Put Aside your Pride (1–4) boys. Last he presented Rachel with her This timely lesson focuses on how we can one body, the Church. Paul says of Christ, Reconciliation with Esau had become a baby Joseph. Esau had been introduced to live in peace with God and with each other. “in His flesh He has made both groups into necessity for Jacob. As he had grown in the Israel and the genesis of the chosen people. Note that the word “peace” occurs four one, and has broken down the dividing wall, grace and knowledge of the Lord, his con- Esau’s second question paved the way times in this passage (verses 14, 15 and 17). that is, the hostility between us.” “In His science would not allow him to bypass an for reconciliation. He asked: “What do you Without Christ, our differences flesh” is a reference to the incarnate state attempt at reconciliation. Repairing his rela- mean by all this company that I met?” Ja- of our Lord and to the physical death He tionship with Esau was a spiritual necessity. can divide us. (11–12) cob responded: “To find favor in the sight Paul calls upon his Gentile readers to experienced on behalf of Jews and Gen- Now as the crippled patriarch lifted his of my Lord.” Etiquette in patriarchal times tiles. It was through that death that the wall sleepless eyes he saw Esau and his 400 men keep on remembering (present tense in required Esau refuse the gift and Jacob in- Greek) their hopeless condition before they of hostility and separation was removed. coming with him. Jacob frantically arranged sist he accept it. The fact that Esau accepted Consequently He has created “in Himself his family to meet Esau. By putting Rachel, were reconciled to God. As in Ephesians it and did not reciprocate reveals that this 2:1–3, he describes their life apart from one new humanity in place of the two, thus his favorite wife, and Joseph, his favorite was not a mere exchange of civilities but making peace.” Thus He has reconciled God. They were known as the “uncircumci- son, behind the other family members, he evidence that the old score was settled. This “both groups to God in one body through sion,” a term of contempt used by Jews in created a new problem in his home. This was no cheap forgiveness. It had cost Jacob. the cross.” The word “reconcile” implies referring to Gentiles. It was equivalent to favoritism toward Joseph fueled an intense Jacob had not been ready to see Esau’s a previous state of hostility and estrange- being called pagans. At that time they were hatred for the younger brother. face until he had first seen God’s face. Ja- ment between two parties. In reconciliation without any relation to Jesus the Messiah. Though limping Jacob preceded his cob’s reconciliation with God preceded and the hostility and estrangement are removed four wives and 12 children in a courtly made possible his reconciliation with Esau. As Gentiles they were outsiders regard- and peace results. Paul says the hostility be- greeting ceremony, bowing himself to the God’s crippling of Jacob preceded his rec- ing the chosen people of God. As a result tween Jew and Gentile has been put to death ground seven times as he approached Esau. onciliation with Esau. God’s blessing upon they had no share in the promises of God through the cross. Ironically his bowing was the reverse of the Jacob preceded Esau’s forgiveness. The that had been made to the covenant people Israel. Without the promises for the future All believers are one in Christ — blessing he had stolen from Esau. Isaac had principle of God first, man second is written and we should act like it. (19–22) the Gentiles had no hope, no expectation re- blessed Jacob: “Be Lord over your brothers throughout Scripture (see Matt. 22:37–39). In these last four verses in chapter 2 garding the coming of the Messiah. In other and may your mother’s sons bow down to Agree on Limits (12–15) Paul wants his Gentile Christian friends to words they were without God in the world. you” (Gen. 27:29a). Jacob’s bowing before Esau desired for Jacob and his family to understand their new status in Christ. He Theirs was a hopeless condition with no Esau expressed his sorrow over his shameful return with him to Seir, but Jacob politely uses three figures to express this elevation knowledge of the living and true God who theft of his father’s blessing. Having been refused, using the travel-weariness of his of Gentile Christians to a position equal in broken by the Lord, Jacob humbled himself children and livestock as an excuse. Seir, has provided salvation for all in His Son, privilege and blessing with Jewish believ- and put aside his pride. however, was outside of the promised land. Jesus Christ. But now that the once-hopeless ers. The three figures are a commonwealth, Be Genuine (5–11) The Lord’s word to Jacob at Bethel was that Gentiles have become Christians life has family and a building. Unbelieving Gentiles Esau ran to meet Jacob, threw his arms he would bring him back to “the land” (Gen. changed for them. Formerly they had been are described as being aliens and strangers around him and kissed him. Esau never 28:15). Moreover, God’s chosen people at a distance from God. Now because of the to the commonwealth of Israel. In Christ mentioned the past. Jacob had prayed the were to remain separate from people who sacrificial death of Christ they enjoy a near- that terminology no longer applies to the day before for God to protect him and his were not people of faith. ness to God. Gentiles. They are now fellow citizens with family from Esau. Here was the answer to Jacob gently disengaged himself from Christ treats us equally and gives us the people of God in the Church. In addition his prayer. God had changed Esau’s heart. Esau. He told Esau he would move to Seir all access to the Father. (13–18) they are members of the household of God. Esau’s first words were a question: “Who at the pace of the livestock and the children. The Jews of that day had divided the They can address God as Father. Other be- are these with you?” Jacob replied: “The But Jacob traveled to Succoth and built world into two groups, Jew and Gentile. The lievers are their brothers and sisters. This is children whom God has graciously given himself a house. It is hard to understand his differences between them seemed irreconcil- family terminology. Finally, together all of your servant.” Jacob then presented his move to Succoth with God’s clear call to able. There was much hatred on the part of God’s people are a holy temple for the Lord wives in ascending order of their social return to Bethel. This disobedience will cost each for the other. The Apostle Paul declares in which we all dwell in the presence of the status and affection. Each wife and child his family dearly. that the wall of separation between these Lord who unites us.

Across 26. ____ vera lotion. 2. ____ to reign over (1 Chron. 15:20) Christian Crossword 1. ____, come forth, 28. A family’s dwelling Israel. (1 Kings 16:23) 35. Postpone. By Deborah Justice Copyright 1994 ©Barbour Publishing Inc. and flee. (Zech. 2:6) place. 3. Haman the ____(s). 38. Greek word meaning 3. ____, a prophetess. 29. Book between Jonah (Esther 8:3) “love.” (Luke 2:36) and Nahum. (abbr.) 4. Jonah, Micah, ____. 39. Thou art my ____. 6. But a faithful man who 30. Missionary kid. (abbr.) 5. And Dimonah, and (Heb. 1:5) can ____? 31. Ex officio. (abbr.) ____. (Josh. 15:22) 43. A prefix meaning (Prov. 20:6) 32. For the Lord God is a 6. ____ my sheep. “jointly.” 10. Alpha and ____. ____. (Ps. 84:11) (John 21:16) 44. Go to the ____, thou (Rev. 1:8) 34. This ____ that. 7. That is to be ruler in sluggard. (Prov. 6:6) 12. To put into action. 36. Not applicable. (abbr.) ____. (Mic. 5:2) 45. We ____ going to 14. Jacob’s brother. 37. And love unto all the 8. Box of ointment of spike attend church on (Gen. 27:6) ____. (Eph. 1:15) ____. (Mark 14:3) Sunday. 15. Bathsheba’s first 40. A brief sleep. 9. Dutch. (abbr.) 46. ____ brought me up husband. (2 Sam. 11:3) 41. ____ ye therefore, 13. For my son ____. also out of a horrible pit. 16. Make thee ____ ark. and teach. (Matt. 28:19) (Philemon 10) (Ps. 40:2) (Gen. 6:14) 42. The howling thereof 21. It is time to ____ the 17. To make a mistake. unto ____. (Isa. 15:8) Lord. (Hos. 10:12) 18. Spanish for “yes.” 43. Come into the land of 22. Thomas. (nickname) 19. And the Lord shall ____. (Lev. 14:34) 24. Midday. ____ thee. 46. Jump on one foot. 25. Joshaviah, the sons of (Isa. 58:11) 47. No report. (abbr.) ____. 20. Male parent. (plural) 48. To express in words. (1 Chron. 11:46) 22. Short for Timothy. 49. Opposite of 46 Down. 26. Movement. 23. And he went out to 50. Strive to ____ in. 27. To leave out. meet ____. (Luke 13:24) 28. Thus the ____ and (2 Chron. 15:2) the earth were finished. 24. In no way. Down (Gen. 2:1) 25. A son of Benjamin. 1. In my Father’s ____. 33. Shemiramoth, and (Gen. 46:21) (John 14:2) Jehiel and ____. JANUARY 10, 2019 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 15

MOVIE Mediareviews Tebow brothers produce upcoming film, ‘Run the Race’; in theaters Feb. 22 ake McEntire was a discussed the story — a lot — movie-minded student at while in school. Dallas Baptist University “After a few years of him tell- in 2004 when he felt God ing me the story over and over and leading him to write a film over again I finally said, ‘Jake, I Jscript. Thanks to prodding from a don’t want to hear this story again. few friends — and lots of prayer If you don’t write it down, no one — McEntire finally did so. will ever see this movie. I believe McEntire’s 14-year-old screen- in you. I believe that people will play becomes reality Feb. 22 when see this movie.’ And so he started “Run the Race” is released in writing,” Brunson said. theaters. Former NFL and college football player Tim Tebow and his Turning point brother Robby served as executive Still it took more than a de- producers, while Chris Dowling cade to get it made into a movie. (“Where Hope Grows”) directed it. McEntire and Brunson spent their The WTA Group, a company that time collecting endorsements for helped make “I Can Only Imag- the screenplay. ine,” also was involved. The turning point came when The faith-based story follows the Tebows read the script and the lives of two teenage brothers got involved. Brunson knew them who are chasing their high school from his days at First Baptist athletic dreams after the death of Church, Jacksonville, Florida, their mother and where his father, abandonment by Mac Brunson their father. When (now an Alabama yet another trag- Baptist), was pas- TAB ARruntheracemovie.com edy strikes the tor. Trey Brunson ‘Run the Race’ boys must rely was on staff at the on one another church and had large aspect of this movie that it’s OK to have big goals and who need to hear the gospel.” and decide if the frequent interac- definitely related there.” big dreams, but it’s important to It likely isn’t the last movie Christian faith tions with Robby The film stars Tanner Stine put yourself in a scenario where from McEntire, who says God they were taught during Fellow- (“NCIS”) as one of the brothers, people support you and have gave him a passion for filmmak- as children — ship of Christian Zach; Evan Hofer (“Kickin’ It”) as your back. You don’t have to do it ing, including for acting. the faith of their Athlete meet- the other brother, Dave; Mykelti alone. And I think sometimes we “We [humanity] are story- mother — is real. ings. He showed Williamson (“Forrest Gump”) as can get in a very lonely place in driven people,” said McEntire, a “This is a story Robby a concept the brothers’ coach; and Frances our lives.” member of The Village Church, that God put on trailer. Fisher (“Unforgiven”) as their sur- It is the Tebows’ first venture Flower Mound, Texas. “God did my heart,” McEn- “I immediately rogate mother. into filmmaking. It likely won’t be that for a reason. The majority tire said. “I want started to fall their last movie. of the time [in the Bible] Jesus people who watch in love with the The storyline “Moving forward I think both is talking in stories. He’s telling the film just to story,” Robby Zach is a high school quar- of us definitely stories to prove run after God and run after Jesus a Tebow said. “And a couple months terback with dreams of playing want to be a part His point, to win little bit more than they did the day later we met in Los Angeles and college football when an injury of more things that For more people’s hearts, to derails his plans, leading him to before.” read the script, and it was one of impact and tell a information, visit get them to under- the few times in my life where question his purpose in life and story, and that can stand.” RunTheRaceMovie. Collecting endorsements immediately I just fell in love and the existence of God. Meanwhile, be inspirational,” Movies, McEn- com. The film was endorsed by J.D. felt called. It impacted my heart in his brother and his girlfriend — Robby Tebow said. tire said, are a Greear, president of the Southern a way where I just felt God calling both Christians — try to pull him “But we also want unique way to Baptist Convention and pastor of me to be a part of this and to help back to his faith. Dave is a former them to be good communicate the The Summit Church in Raleigh- tell the story.” high school athlete who saw his movies. It was about telling a sto- gospel to those who may never Durham, North Carolina; Russell The fictional story isn’t based own athletic dreams derailed with ry, but making a good movie too.” attend church. But movies can im- Moore, president of the Ethics & on the lives of the Tebows. Nev- a head injury. pact Christians too. Religious Liberty Commission; ertheless, Tim and Robby felt a The movie includes a gospel ‘Honest movie’ “Fifteen-year-olds now watch- Gary Cook, chancellor of Dallas connection to the brother-centric message, but also several other Brunson, who is communica- ing the movie could be impacted Baptist University; and Jimmy story. themes that filmmakers hope can tions director at Southeast Chris- to run after Christ. And then Draper, former president of Life- “There were a lot of things spark discussions. Among them: tian Church in Louisville, Ken- when they turn 50 they’re show- Way Christian Resources. Life- about it that resonated,” Robby the bond between siblings and tucky, said he hopes churches get ing their kids, they’re showing Way will release curriculum based Tebow said. family members, the need to sup- behind the movie. He also hopes their grandkids perhaps and say- on the film. “Whether your brother agrees port and love one another during many nonbelievers watch it. ing, ‘Check this movie out. This Trey Brunson, a friend of with you or not they have your hard times and the importance of “I think it’s an honest movie,” one moved me.’ And if you tell a McEntire’s, is an executive pro- back. You can be in a foxhole or individual spiritual growth. Brunson said. “I want there to be good enough story, it’ll still hold ducer too. The two met during a you can be in a corner, and you “I hope people are encouraged Christians to take up that call, to up. ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ still spiritual formation class at Dallas know that person is going to come and inspired,” Robby Tebow said. be Dave, to run the race and chase holds up today and it was made in Baptist. Brunson said McEntire out fighting with you. There’s a “We serve a very big God, and after those people in your life 1946.” (BP) PAGE 16 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / JANUARY 10, 2019 Small church big dreams Tennessee church gives budget surplus to fund a year of missions IMB photos First Baptist Church, Andersonville, Tennessee, has committed to raise few years ago Steve Lakin’s Lakin, pastor of First Baptist Church, An- what it takes to fund one IMB missionary couple’s work each year. One church budget had a line of dersonville, Tennessee. way they do this is through a missions market put on by church members. numbers his heart couldn’t One of the elders grinned and said he reconcile. was sure God had ways in mind to spend “I was meeting with the that money. Lakin agreed. year of the surplus the church took an ad- but Andersonville is a small town. But God Aelder leadership here at the church, and as “That thought just kept reverberating in ditional $90,000 out of its budget that year can take small things and do great things I was looking through our financial report I my head for the next several days,” he said. to “adopt” Kyle and Amber Wilkens, IMB with them, and through our giving to the saw we had a large surplus left over,” said And as it did those extra dollars fueled big missionaries to East Asia. And in the years IMB we see how God is using us.” dreams, dreams that didn’t end with that since the church has set aside one Sunday It’s caused a cultural shift, he said. year’s surplus. a year as “sacrificial Sunday,” the day the Through that direct connection to the The little church of 125 decided to step congregation raises the entire $90,000 to Wilkenses missions has come alive. The How out and commit to something radical — to give the IMB with the Wilkenses’ costs in church knew their gifts mattered, but this raise money equivalent to what it takes mind. put faces to the money they sent to the to pray: to fund one International Mission Board IMB, and now the congregation prays spe- (IMB) missionary couple’s work, not just Motivated to give radically cifically, sends care packages and actively 4Pray for churches to envision that year but in the years to come. “Every year without fail we’ve either goes on mission too, Lakin said. how their gifts to missions organiza- “We got in touch with the IMB and gotten the $90,000 or gone above it,” Lakin “It has dramatically changed our view of tions directly power the gospel go- shared what was on our heart, and they said. “We became motivated and moved the gospel and the way we see missions,” ing out to unreached people groups connected us with a couple who was get- to give radically to see the advancement explained Lakin. “People sometimes say, across the world. ting ready to go to the field who could be of the gospel, and we began to see giving ‘It can’t be done in our church.’ But if God 4 Pray that more and more con- the ‘face’ of the need for us,” Lakin said. generously as our responsibility.” can do this with us, then He can do it with gregations will rise up as sacrificial In the past First, Andersonville, had As a result the church saw God do phe- you.” (Missions Mosaic, IMB) supporters. given generously to the Lottie Moon nomenal things, he reported. “We’re just (Source: IMB, Missions Mosaic) Christmas Offering, faithfully passing a small church; we’re not huge,” Lakin EDITOR’S NOTE — Names have been the $10,000 mark every year. But in the pointed out. “We may be a ‘First Baptist,’ changed for security reasons.

First Baptist Church, Andersonville, Tennessee Coosa River Baptist Association Sixty Six Churches Serving the Lord in Talladega County

P. O. Box 516 Randy Hagan, Talladega, AL 35161 Associational Missionary Phone: (256) 362-7173 Ricky Milford, Fax: (256) 268-8803 Hearing-Impaired Missionary www.crba.org Linda Cotton, Ministry Assistant Sandy Locke, January 10, 2019 Financial Ministry Assistant

Happy New Year!

To be Southern Baptist is to For the past two years, I have together in associational Please pray for these churches that are cooperate. It has been so from the been deeply encouraged and ministries. But let us think without a pastor. Also pray for their beginning. We cooperate to send energized by our association- prayerfully together over the Pastor Search Committee: missionaries, to plant churches, wide worship services at our course of this new year as to how Jenifer, Lincoln, Mountain View, to provide disaster relief. We annual meeting, and I commend the Lord might be leading us into Russell Chapel, Talladega Springs, give to the Cooperative Program, Randy Hagan for this formatting a season of even greater Southside and Village Street and we send messengers to change. As I left each of those cooperation: joining together cooperate at meetings on the services, my ears ringing from more frequently to worship our Mrs. Debra Thompson, wife of Rev. Donnie Thompson of Westside Baptist local, state, the Lord with brothers and sisters in Church, passed away on December 16, and national fullness of Christ from our sister churches, 2018. Keep her family in your prayers. levels. But worship in and working shoulder to shoulder as we begin song and as sister churches to see Christ’s Harold Griffitt, Truckers Chapel a new year, my heart kingdom advance through our minister, as he recovers from bypass surgery on December 5. may we be full from area and to the ends of the earth. challenged the Mrs. Lorie Duncan, wife of former to grow both in our preaching of the Word, I was Rev. Robert Klotz, pastor Rev. Jeff Duncan, as she understanding of cooperation, compelled with a desire to “do Talladega First Baptist Church, continues to fight cancer. Brother Jeff and in the practical ways in that more often.” The churches of Coosa River Moderator now serves Calvary Baptist Church in Oxford. which our churches cooperate the Coosa River Baptist with one another. Association work very well

Executive Committee Meeting Music Minister Needed

Southside: Rev. Craig Little has The Executive Committee will meet Lincoln Baptist Church in Lincoln, resigned as pastor of Southside Baptist for their quarterly meeting on Alabama is seeking a part-time music Church. He began Youth Minister at Thursday, January 17 at the Coosa director to lead blended worship Eden Westside Baptist Church in Pell River office at 6 P.M. The committee services. Please email resumes to January 10, 2019 City. Please pray for this church as they is composed of all association officers, [email protected]. Or, mail Financial Accountability Team meeting begin to search for the pastor that God the pastors of the churches, and an resumes to Music Director Search is preparing for them. elected lay representative of each Committee, Lincoln Baptist Church, January 14 church. The committee will discuss PO Box 182, Lincoln, AL 35096. Early Bird VBS Clinic for church Missions Celebration financial reports for the 4th quarter of pastors, 10:30 AM. Lunch provided. 2018. Please add this important Samford’s Ministry Training Plans are being made for the 2019 meeting to your calendar. Institute January 17 Missions Celebration. It will take place Executive Committee Meeting at 6 PM on Monday, February 18 at Hepzibah Financial Team Meeting The spring semester will begin on January 22 Baptist Church at 6:30 PM. We will hear Tuesday, January 22 at 6 PM. Dr. Bill from those who have taken missions The Financial Team will meet on Spring classes begin for Samford’s Pruitt will teach Introduction to New Ministry Training Institute trips in the previous year. Thursday, January 10 at the Coosa Testament beginning on January 22. River office at 9 AM to prepare for the Rev. Robert Klotz will teach upcoming Executive Committee February 8-9 Introduction to Old Testament Bivocational Minister Spouse Retreat at Meeting. All team members should be beginning on March 26. Shocco Springs present for this important meeting. All students should register online at www.samford.edu/go/mti. Payment February 11 To the following Coosa River pastors, VBS Early Bird Clinics will also be received online. Early Bird VBS Clinic for VBS ministers, staff members and spouses: Directors, Coosa River office, 6 P.M. Jan 10-Rachel Crowe, Hepzibah Our VBS Director, Tommy Strickland, Christmas Backpacks Jan 11-Stephanie Roberson, Mt. has scheduled two early bird clinics February 18 Vernon; Marie Cardwell, Mountain for the new year. A early bird clinic Alabama WMU recently notified us Missions Celebration at Hepzibah View; Emily Davis, Westside will introduce the new VBS theme for that they received 9,441 backpacks this Baptist Church at 6:30 PM Jan 13-Kyle Culver, Talladega Springs 2019, In the Wild. year for distribution along the Jan 14-Randy Dobbs, Pleasant Grove; The conference for church pastors Mississippi River region. That is and Terri Ferguson, Talladega Creek; will be held on Monday, January 14, increase of 2,383 over last year! Praise Publication Deadline Barry Owens, Ridgeview 2019 at 10:30 AM. the Lord! Jan 15-Bobby Freeman, CrossPointe Lunch will be served Coosa River Association The Messenger is published on the second Jan 16-Joe Pomeroy, Hepzibah; J. W. following the clinic. received 263 backpacks at our and fourth Thursday of each month. Do you Garrett, Stemley; June Thompson, A conference for collection site. 163 of these have an announcement or event that you Brecon FBC VBS Directors will came from Coosa River churches would like to have covered in an upcoming Jan 18-Rachel Van Gieson, Chandler be held on Monday, and 100 came from churches in edition of The Messenger? Contact Linda at Springs February 11, 2019 at three other associations. the Coosa River office by the first or third Jan 19-Chad Bell, Sycamore; Charlotte 6 PM. This Thank you for being the Monday of each month. Vanzant, Fayetteville conference will include a meal. Both Phone: (256) 362-7173 hands and feet of Jesus to children who Fax: (256) 268-8803 Jan 21-Anne Churchwell, Mt. Sharon; of these clinics will be held at the live in areas where poverty is E-mail: [email protected] Debbie Blackburn, Talladega FBC Coosa River Association office. widespread. Weaver Library Hours: Church E---Mail Addresses Sun.: 8:45--10:30 a.m. Robert Klotz—————-—[email protected] 5:00—6:00 p.m. Rachel Pickering————[email protected] Debbie Blackburn—–[email protected] Mon.-Fri.: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Judy Gaither———-——[email protected] Wed.: 5:00—7:30 p.m. KOINONIA Jenifer Peters———— [email protected] Weaver Library——–—[email protected] FBC • P. O. Box 696 • 216 North Street East • Talladega, AL 35161 • 256-362-8081 • www.fbctalladega.com January 10, 2019

FBC, you exceeded our goal for the Lottie Moon Offering!

Thank you for giving. There’s no greater gift than the gospel!

Operation Christmas Child in 2019! “Items of the Month” January Birth Announcement Harmonicas (found at Dollar Stores) & tooth brushes in packs. Zayden Michael Phlaum Drop off bins for OCC will be located in the Welcome Center area January 4, 2019 and the Thomas Chapel Hallway.

parents: Brianna & Jeremy Phlaum Quarterly Business Meeting

grandparents: Sunday, January 20 * 5:00 pm Wayne & Mary Ann Crowe The Baptist Foundation of Alabama Scholarship Application Process is NOW OPEN The application process for scholarships for the 2019-2020 academic year is open and will close March 31. Applications are accepted online only and can be accessed at http://tbfa.org/scholarships/.

Martha Reese Scholarship applications may be picked up in the church office and returned to the church office by March 31.

Counters Prayer Partners Heather Klotz, Ann Thrower Randy Martin Darlo Hartdegen Deacon of the Week John Locklin Serving Rainbow Church Workers Kay Gurley Greeters You Judy Williams Jerry & Ramona Bonner Amanda Fuller, Judy Mock This Sunshine Class Volunteers

Janie Germany Available Sunday in the Nursery Sunday AM—Andrea Montgomery Ushers Welcome Center area. Mandy Armbrester Chesley Smith, David Street PM—Judy Gaither Ray Studdard, Wayne Crowe

Nursery Greeter Van Driver Chris Campbell Bob Schrier

Parking Ministry Welcome Center Bernie Davis, Charles Montgomery Linda & Neal Rodgers

Our Weekly Schedule THE RECORD SPEAKS THE RECORD SPEAKS

Sunday, January 13 Sunday 12-30-2018 Week 52 Sunday 1-6-2019 Week 1 Building & Grounds Committee ...... am 8:15 Sunday School Enrollment ...... 255 Sunday School Enrollment ...... 255 Sunday School ...... 9:15 Sunday School Attendance ...... 92 Sunday School Attendance...... 141 Morning Worship Service ...... 10:30 Stewardship Committee ...... pm 4:00 Weekly Budget Requested…...…...……..$8,653.85 Weekly Budget Requested…...…...……..$8,653.85

Evening Worship Service ...... 5:00 Weekly Unified Budget Receipts…...... $9,347.00 Weekly Unified Budget Receipts…...... $ Deacon’s Meeting ...... 6:00 Budget Receipts to Date………..…….$475,149,55 Budget Receipts to Date………..…….$ Together in Faith.………....……………...... $230.00 Together in Faith.………....……………...... $ Together in Faith to Date……….……..$317,508.00 Together in Faith to Date……….…….. $ Tuesday, January 15 Women’s Bible Study ...... am 9:30

Wednesday, January 16 THE RECORD SPEAKS Family Night Supper ...... 5:15 Wednesday, January 16 Mid-Week Service ...... 6:00 Sunday 12-23-2018 Week 51 TeamKid ...... 6:00 Youth Worship...... 6:00 Smoked Pork Chops Sunday School Enrollment ...... 255 Adult Choir Rehearsal ...... 7:00 Broccoli Casserole Sunday School Attendance ...... 143 Sweet Corn Weekly Budget Requested…...…...……..$8,653.85 Thursday, January 17 Weekly Unified Budget Receipts…...... $25,309.00 Dr. Ricker Prayer Group ...... am 10:00 $5.00 per person. Budget Receipts to Date………..…….$465,802.55 For reservations call the church office by Together in Faith.………....…………...... $3,480.00 9:00 am Tuesdays. Together in Faith to Date……….……..$317,278.00