Toll free 800-803-5201 Vol. 184, No. 15 www.thealabamabaptist.org April 11, 2019 Informing. Inspiring. Connecting. INSIDE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION PREVIEW SERIES

Samford’s Beeson Divinity School names new dean: Doug Sweeney Page 13

Pastor in tornado- hit area says God prepared them Road to decades before Pages 8–9

BIRMINGHAMPhoto courtesy of the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau SBC annual meeting returns to Birmingham after ‘goodly number of years’ By Grace Thornton Southern Baptist Convention eteria — a Birmingham staple Canal; Turkey will desert The Alabama Baptist (SBC) annual meeting that where kids got a special tally Britain in the pinch.” t will, in all probability, year it would be almost eight card and could check boxes The U.S. hadn’t entered the be a goodly number of decades before the meeting every time they drank all their conflict yet. Pearl Harbor Day years before the con- would be held in Birmingham milk. After a certain amount was still seven months away. vention comes our way again. they got a ceramic mug as a But it was on everyone’s again.” It would be a “goodly” prize. (Stronger bones, too.) minds. Ronnie Floyd IIf “goodly” means 78, then amount of understatement to With all that going on peo- elected president F.M. Barnes was right on the say things have changed a bit On everyone’s minds ple could use an encouraging of SBC Executive money when he wrote this in in that time. Everyone was having to gathering, Barnes wrote. It Committee 1941. After Barnes and oth- The last time the SBC met grow up a lot in those days. was worth the drive to unite Page 11 ers closed the books on the in Birmingham, Barnes — “Bear this in mind: the around the gospel. then secretary/treasurer of the Germans are still winning the “It is almost impossible for Alabama Baptist State Board war,” editor L.L. Gwaltney many of our business men to of Missions — and others wrote in the convention cov- be away for several days at To watch the videos from this week’s were talking about World War erage issue of The Alabama a time, but from any section issue, visit our YouTube channel II around the dinner table. Baptist. of Alabama they can go and “TAB Media.” If the ads were any indica- “We do not dare a prophecy, spend two days and one night tion, they might have had that but we do guess the follow- in one of the most profitable conversation at a Britling Caf- ing: They will take the Suez (See ‘Contact,’ page 10) PAGE 2 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / APRIL 11, 2019 Night of encouragement “If ye continue in My word, then ... ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31–32

(ISSN 0738-7741; USPS 011-080) and laughter © The Alabama Baptist, Inc. is published weekly except for one week in July and December by The Alabama Baptist, Inc., at 3310 Independence Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209. Phone: 205-870-4720. Statewide phone: 800-803-5201. Website: www.thealabamabaptist.org Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Periodicals postage paid at Hattiesburg, Miss.

ANNUAL TAB SUBSCRIPTION RATES Includes print, digital and full web access

Group Rate per issue — $16.25 (Need at least five in your group to qualify)

Individual — $24.95 per year with 3-year plan

JENNIFER DAVIS RASH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Cynthia Watts Janet Erwin Executive Assistant Executive Editor

Carrie B. McWhorter Debbie Campbell DAVID GARRARD Content Editor Director of Communications Lauren C. Grim Creative Services Bill Gilmore Manager Director of Sales Photos by Travis Frontz NEW GROUND Jessica Ingram Melanie McKinney Production Manager Advertising Manager n March 30, The Alabama Baptist Grace Thornton Pam Holt O(TAB) joined forces with magician Special Sales Assignments Editor David Garrard, gospel trio New Ground, Representative Hannah Muñoz Susan Stevens comedian Mickey Bell and songwriter and Digital Editor Sales Representative comedian Aaron Wilburn at Calvary Bap- James Hammack tist Church, Wetumpka. Digital Services Linda Harrison Manager Financial The evening was made possible by Alfa Administrator Haley Piersol Insurance, Auburn AV, The River and The Digital Services Deb Lowery Baptist Foundation of Alabama. Associate Financial Assistant The purpose of the event was to bring a Sarah Gill Richard Maddox night of laughter and encourage- Customer Relations Computer Services Amy Hacker Correspondents ment to a town that experienced a Customer Relations and Interns damaging tornado in mid-January. NEWS SERVICES Many buildings, churches and Baptist Press (BP), Baptist News Global (BNG), homes sustained damage — some Religion News Service (RNS), Forum 18 (F18), Morning Star News (MS). PASTOR MICKEY BELL were destroyed. POSTMASTER TAB plans to offer the com- Send address changes to: The Alabama Baptist munity of Beauregard a similar 3310 Independence Drive To see photos from this event to help with healing from Birmingham, AL 35209 event as well as the the deadly March 3 tornado that ADDRESS CHANGE Send old and new addresses, previous four events visit ripped through Lee County. and name of church to: TAB also is working out the de- Subscription Department tabonline.org/event. 3310 Independence Drive tails to develop a special concert Birmingham, AL 35209 series similar to the March 30 Allow two weeks. To the best of our knowledge, event so associations and churches all of the ads in The Alabama Baptist represent can bring this fun night of Chris- legitimate companies and offerings. However, one should always exercise normal business tian entertainment to their com- caution in responding to ads. munities. For more information email Full member of Alabama Press Association AARON WILBURN [email protected]. Accredited member of Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability

‘Nation’s Top Regional Wetumpka donations delivered Christian Newspaper’ 1999, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, Thanks to all those who donated to relief efforts in Wetumpka during the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 March 30 concert event. The donations were delivered to the Wetumpka as judged by Associated Church Press, Baptist Communicators Association, Evangelical Press Police Department and Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief on April 5. Association or Religion Communicators Council APRIL 11, 2019 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 3 OPINION

By Jennifer Davis Rash MY President and Editor-in-Chief [email protected] RASHIONALE @RashionalThts Is it really about better communities? Where’s the proof? overing gambling gambling” brings up 800 ar- Media reports indicate the Alabama Attorney General debates in Alabama ticles and “lottery” nearly 1,700. Walker County Sheriff’s Office Steve Marshall says his office through the years shut down the newly established will go after all illegal opera- has been one of our There’s no shortage of operations in its district while tions that local authorities ig- most interesting and gambling-related research nor the Jefferson County Sheriff’s nore. To report gambling halls Ccolorful reporting assignments. reports of court cases confirm- Office so far has not. in your area, call Marshall’s of- ing that machines looking and fice at 334-242-7300. Several staff members have acting like slot machines are Illegal gambling operations in helped with the in-depth re- illegal in Alabama. Calling the Greene County have operated It’s an exhausting battle. Gam- search including exposing an machines “bingo” and having a almost consistently and seem- bling industry leaders are relent- improper assessment touted as small cartoon bingo card on the ingly without question for at less, which indicates there is proof of the positive economic screen does not miraculously least two decades. money to be made — for them, impact of gambling. change the machine from an il- not for the communities they legal version. Law enforcers and elected claim to embrace. After all, if The 2015 Auburn University officials can’t seem to agree the concern were truly about the at Montgomery (AUM) report And yet here we are again on what Alabama law actually communities, wouldn’t those was commissioned by Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Del with illegal operations popping states even though the state same industry leaders be fo- Marsh and prepared by the up — all in hopes this is the Supreme Court ruled clearly in cused on economic development university’s Institute for Ac- year slot machine-style gam- 2014 that electronic bingo gam- and job opportunities with or countability and Government bling becomes legal. bling is illegal under state law. without gambling? Efficiency.

It was The Alabama Baptist RASHIONAL THOUGHTS (TAB) that initially reported how the numbers in the study didn’t add up. Beeson Divinity School’s incoming dean has Baptist roots, The article was released in May 2015 while Alabama leg- also feels at home in school’s academic culture, approach islators were debating several gambling proposals and later imothy George and Beeson In the coming days, you will hear led him to migrate to an evangel- won Alabama Press Associa- TDivinity School are one and much about Doug Sweeney’s sea- ical Lutheran denomination. The tion’s FOI — First Amendment the same for me. soned experience as an academic Alabama Baptist will be sharing Award. As an alumna of Beeson, I leader and his reputation among more about that soon. have had the highest respect for top evangelical scholars. Along with Dr. Sweeney’s The debunked AUM assess- Dean George since first meeting You will discover he is indeed scholarship and leadership quali- ment is only one of many arti- him in 1996. among those who are able to sit ties, he also brings a steady con- cles and editorials on the harms Imagining Beeson without with theologians and thinkers like fidence and peace about himself of gambling published by TAB Dean George leading the school our own beloved Dean George and and the role to which God has staff during the past 25 years. is difficult but I also admire him contribute at a high level. called him at this time. TAB has reported on the count- for determining the right time to He understands the need for less attempts at expanding legal- transition from the dean role to a Getting to know him fundraising and the importance ized gambling in the state and research and faculty position. There’s no question that Dean of relationships when leading the never-ending fight against Beeson’s interdenominational Sweeney will represent Beeson an interdenominational Chris- illegal gambling, and TAB was set up and strength of theologi- well among top evangelical schol- tian seminary that is one of 10 a major player in the defeat of a cal training allows the school to ars, but I also believe he will quick- schools on a Baptist college statewide lottery in 1999. maintain an elite position among ly win the hearts of Beeson and campus in the South. divinity schools. Samford faculty, staff and students Dr. Sweeney is a solid evan- If you search for “gambling” Newly elected dean, Doug as well as churchgoers across the gelical and theologically sound on our website (www.theala- Sweeney, describes Beeson as state and nation. leader who is ready to tell the bamabaptist.org), you will find “the best-conceived and cultivat- Alabama Baptists will want to world why students interested in 6,700 articles. A search for ed divinity school in all of North know more about his previous ex- seminary should consider Bee- “electronic bingo gambling” America” (see story, page 13). perience in Baptist life and what son first. —Jennifer Davis Rash shows 1,300 articles, “electronic PAGE 4 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / APRIL 11, 2019 OPINION

Share your comments, letters to the editor, blog excerpts, social media posts ‘Just Be Kind’ movement is much-needed By Bill King taking place across the country. Bill- the nation and even in different parts There is something incred- Tuskegee-Lee Baptist Association boards and signs have popped up in of the world. ibly reassuring and comfort- was driving north on I-65 when many places. Almost every day we hear of ing ... about confessing the I saw it for the first time — a The small town of Plainfield in horrific acts played out all around Christian faith as Christians Isimple black and white bill- central Indiana claims to have start- us. We stand in need of a revival have confessed it for two board with only three words on ed the movement back in 2015. The of kindness. If we would “Just Be millennia. it. They were big, bold letters that “Just Be Kind” (JBK) group there Kind,” modern problems like bully- Albert Mohler read, “Just Be Kind.” I was imme- began with a group of kids as an ing, road rage, mass shootings, hate- Author, “The Apostles’ diately struck by the simplicity of afterschool club. They made signs, t- fulness and simple rudeness might Creed: Discovering the billboard but even more so by shirts and key chains with the slogan be held a little more in check. Authentic Christianity its message. on them. Jesus told a story about some in an Age of It’s a message that is greatly need- Soon after that humble beginning, mean men, two apathetic men Counterfeits” ed in our society. the JBK movement began to spread and one kind man. The mean men After a little research, I learned to other cities and states. JBK signs robbed and beat a lone traveler and that there is a kindness campaign and apparel have popped up across left him to die. Two men passed by the injured man on the roadside, a priest first and then an assistant to You’ve got to have a Ne- the priest. Both passed by without hemiah moment in your own helping. life to find your mission. Letters to the Editor Pastor Randy Overstreet he promise of millions for a 4. The craving for wealth dis- Finally a man we know as the “Good Samaritan” was moved The Church Tdollar adds up to a first-class, honors God. “The love of money at Liberty Park unadulterated, shady scam on the is a root of all sorts of evil, and with compassion and acted with Alabama people. some by longing for it have kindness. He cared for the man’s Why oppose the lottery? wandered away from the faith” wounds, put him on his own ani- 1. Who can afford to throw (1 Tim. 6:10). mal (which meant he walked), took money down a black hole? Lower As someone said, “Lottery is him to an inn and took care of him. The government may not income citizens spend more on a tax on optimism.” Promoting When he left, he even paid the inn- discriminate against religion lottery than others. Their fuel is false hope, encouraging addic- keeper to take care of the stranger generally or against particu- the prospect of a better life that tion and propping up govern- and promised to come back and pay lar religious denominations. doesn’t come with lotto. ment on a revenue stream that anything else that was owed. Justice Brett Kavanaugh declines yearly. That’s no way to While the first two men went out 2. Lottery produces collateral U.S. Supreme Court damage. Tickets are purchased run a state. of their way to not show kindness, with grocery, rent and utility mon- We’ve no reason to give in yet. the Samaritan went out of his way to ey. The damage? Hungry children, Truth and right can prevail if Al- be kind. May we follow his example homelessness and cold nights. abamians stand fast on the moral and the admonition of modern sign- 3. Local churches and helping high ground. Let your voice be makers and “Just be Kind.” agencies are called on to take up heard. Bitterness eventually the slack. Police investigate more Darryl Wood EDITOR’S NOTE — Bill King destroys you. robberies. Community resources Liberty Baptist Church is associational mission strategist Ed Stetzer go only so far. Chelsea, Ala. (AMS) for Tuskegee-Lee Baptist As- Executive Director of the sociation. Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College Share online or email [email protected] APRIL 11, 2019 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 5 OPINION Time is a great healer but it doesn’t come fast enough. RUSTY SOWELL Pastor, Providence Baptist Church, Opelika, Ala.

Sadly, many people in the Bible in its benefit. But the answer isn’t should be required reading for Belt are haunted by the idea of to invite the unsaved to “belong to every person in ministry and for Christ, while not understanding the church” before they embrace everyone considering ministry. It His love for them. The judgment the gospel. is practical, challenging, theologi- of God lingers in their minds. Brad Buser cally sound and transformational. Photo by Liberty Baptist Church Believing the gospel would allow Co-founder Pastor Clay Hallmark Tim Cox is pastor of Liberty Baptist them to understand that it is the Radius International FBC Lexington, Tenn. Church, Chelsea, and president of the Alabama Baptist State Convention. kindness of God that can actually lead them to repentance (Rom. We see Jesus as a revolution- Even if all humanitarian appeals 2:4). ary, as a healer, as teacher and so were fully funded, it is likely that Blessed to be Dean Inserra much more. No one snapshot of many millions of people would “The Unsaved Christian: His life captures all that He is. The still be left behind. [The 2018 a blessing Reaching Cultural Messiah demonstrates that human World Disasters Report] should Christianity with the Gospel” beings are complex and need to be shake the entire international hu- umerous times each day judged by God in His time. manitarian sector into actively Nthe familiar question Historic norms of “evangelize Pastor David Gray seeking out those left desperate comes my way: “How are the unsaved and disciple those FBC Garrettsville, Ohio and hidden in the shadows. you?” My sincere response is who embrace the gospel of Christ” Elhadj As Sy most often, “Blessed!” are now confused. It is true that, “The 23rd Pastor: Pastoring in Secretary General The world of social media may define “blessed” as suc- in most situations, to evangelize the Spirit of Our Shepherd Lord” International Federation cess when life is good. Good without relationship can be limited by John McCallum is a book that of Red Cross and Red Crescent job? #Blessed. Great family? #Blessed. Financial abun- dance? #Blessed. But for the children of God, to be “blessed” means far more than life is good or suc- cessful by the world’s stan- dards. We are “blessed” in Christ @ronniefloyd fections and gender. Is it time for fighting against have had a strong every moment of every day ... To everyone, thank you for your families to embrace holiness and hold in our environments for gen- even when treading through blessing, encouragement, and purity? erations/centuries. They will not the treacherous waters of life. prayer support. May the will of let go easily. Do not stand down. Not stress or problem free but God be done today. We need God’s Stand FIRM. rather “blessed” in Christ. favor, wisdom, peace, power and @DrMigEchevarria We are “blessed” to be love in every way. Diversity is not just allowing called the very children of God minorities into your spaces; it’s @ERLC (John 1:12; Rom. 8:15–16). empowering minorities to reshape “Christianity’s robust vision of We are “blessed” to live our @WarrenColeSmith them. human dignity is one of the best lives on mission with Jesus ev- Christian apologists have pro- gifts we have to give to the world.” ery day (Matt. 28:18–20). duced an amazing amount of mate- —@dandarling As I watch Alabama Baptists rial in the last few decades tackling @pastoremase serve with gospel intentional- almost every tough question there We have had in the vision of ity I see a “blessed” people is. The answers are out there, but our church since its inception to @Rgallaty being a blessing to others, those answers haven’t always made develop a crisis pregnancy center We haven’t become disciple often in and through difficult it in to Christian discipleship and because of those cross-ethnically in makers until the disciples we’ve circumstances. study. our community who don’t see birth invested in replicate their lives into Through our state missionar- as an option. another person. ies, entities, directors of mis- sions, local pastors and pre- @richardaross cious lay people, the love of In your church, lots of dads who @BethMooreLPM @isaiahyoder18 Christ is impacting lives. love the Lord are heartbroken over Do not give up. We’re not just “Jesus never said these things We are “blessed,” so let’s be online secrets. Some moms are sad struggling against flesh & blood but [loving everybody] would be easy. a blessing to others! over chatroom flirting. Some young against demonic powers & princi- He just said it would work” @bob- —Tim Cox ones are confused about their af- palities. Some of the things we’re goff on the money with that one. PAGE 6 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / APRIL 11, 2019 CHURCH REPORT FOR 2018 Baptisms Cooperative Program Receipts FOR CHURCHES More than 3,200 Alabama Baptist churches report CP receipts, designated offerings, baptisms Alabama Crenshaw Baptism CP Designated Magnolia Springs 2 $8,189.00 $4,261.24 Bethel 2 $1,952.00 $0.00 Miflin 0 $0.00 $1,265.01 Bradleyton 0 $1,800.00 $1,972.54 Mision Hispana de Robertdale 4 $0.00 $0.00 Brantley 0 $2,949.64 $2,524.82 TOP CHURCHES IN BAPTISMS Montgomery Hill 0 $1,875.00 $6,825.00 Calvary 0 $0.00 $0.00 New Horizon 0 $0.00 $0.00 Chapel Hill 8 $2,342.08 $7,050.82 New Life 6 $4,555.00 $5,073.31 Danielville 7 $1,029.72 $16,541.22 1. Willowbrook, Madison...... 191 New Providence 0 $1,800.00 $401.62 Dozier 2 $540.00 $2,648.00 Oasis Church 6 $5,561.39 $2,224.56 Friendship 1 $2,089.00 $1,500.00 2. Redemption Church, Mobile...... 133 Orange Beach First 6 $9,793.00 $9,927.85 Glenwood 1 $0.00 $0.00 3. Triune, Etowah...... 132 Oyster Bay 10 $26,119.70 $15,046.84 Highland Home 2 $0.00 $250.00 Perdido 0 $1,886.19 $6,942.42 Joquin 0 $2,025.00 $2,915.00 4. Restoration Church, Mobile...... 123 Perdido Beach 0 $849.81 $1,961.09 Luverne First 3 $13,417.01 $5,651.18 Pine Grove 5 $15,788.47 $6,806.25 Magnolia 2 $134.74 $174.15 5. Gardendale First, North Jefferson...... 119 Pleasant View 1 $10,105.00 $9,102.95 Mt Zion 6 $13,260.32 $4,606.00 Point Clear First 0 $170.56 $1,770.78 New Ebenezer 11 $4,621.92 $2,133.00 Montgomery First, Montgomery...... 119 Robertsdale First 14 $10,967.48 $22,081.04 New Harmony 0 $600.00 $2,102.00 6. Union #3, Etowah...... 109 Romar Beach 0 $1,000.00 $1,182.00 Oakdale 0 $0.00 $1,500.00 Shell Banks 0 $3,555.98 $6,153.77 Panola 0 $0.00 $0.00 7. Macedonia, Cleburne...... 100 Silverhill First 4 $44,182.19 $18,459.14 Patsburg 0 $800.00 $4,000.00 Southside 3 $17,551.56 $9,735.48 Pleasant Home 0 $1,893.78 $2,020.34 8. Hill Crest, Calhoun...... 97 Spanish Fort First 10 $19,150.02 $3,911.00 Rock Hill 0 $1,489.03 $1,489.03 Spanish Trail 0 $0.00 $1,075.00 Rutledge First 0 $840.00 $1,141.00 9. Cottage Hill, Mobile...... 95 Stapleton 5 $40,031.29 $7,337.45 Siloam 0 $0.00 $0.00 Stockton First 4 $13,366.68 $2,775.00 South Luverne 6 $27,538.47 $7,204.20 10. Shades Mountain, Birmingham...... 87 Styx River 7 $1,885.82 $600.00 Spring Hill South 1 $7,732.00 $900.00 11. Lifepoint Church, Marshall...... 83 Summerdale First 4 $15,057.30 $4,861.00 Union 1 $6,000.00 $1,948.00 Three Rivers 27 $2,770.00 $408.13 Weed 0 $891.24 $2,145.00 12. Emeus, West Cullman...... 78 Trinity 3 $1,200.00 $0.00 Alabama Crenshaw Totals Vernant Park 5 $18,519.18 $3,383.00 53 $93,945.95 $72,416.30 Clements, Limestone...... 78 Whitehouse Fork 0 $1,380.00 $2,600.56 Baldwin Totals 349 $1,277,534.87 $664,530.93 Autauga Baptism CP Designated 13. West Mobile, Mobile...... 68 Autaugaville 4 $41,533.89 $46,505.11 Highland Park, Colbert-Lauderdale...... 68 Barbour Baptism CP Designated Bethel 4 $4,875.43 $75.00 Anderson 0 $0.00 $0.00 Bethesda 1 $1,125.00 $1,920.00 14. 3Circle Church, Baldwin...... 64 Belcher Bethel 0 $0.00 $0.00 Bethlehem 0 $782.00 $2,747.00 Bethlehem 0 $1,245.21 $1,000.00 Big Springs 1 $650.00 $0.00 15. Dawson, Birmingham...... 63 *Calvary 0 $0.00 $0.00 Billingsley 3 $6,712.41 $2,089.57 Christian Grove 0 $500.00 $3,300.00 Boone’s Chapel 27 $24,279.68 $9,696.08 16. Opelika First, Tuskegee Lee...... 61 Clayton 0 $14,607.27 $8,482.31 Calvary 0 $5,694.50 $2,345.43 Clio 1 $381.00 $0.00 Camellia 7 $28,574.34 $15,716.51 17. Hepzibah, Pleasant Grove...... 57 Corinth 0 $0.00 $1,554.00 County Line 0 $7,845.00 $2,000.00 Mount Zion, Calhoun...... 57 Cross Baptist 3 $11,796.00 $13,726.10 Crestview 0 $2,028.78 $100.00 Emmanuel 5 $2,175.96 $213.00 East Memorial 4 $0.00 $0.00 18. Lindsay Lane, Limestone...... 55 Eufaula First 8 $89,021.04 $37,000.48 Evergreen 0 $2,200.00 $2,914.00 Evergreen 2 $6,796.46 $225.00 Fresh Rain 29 $1,800.00 $300.00 Pelham First, Shelby...... 55 La Esperanza 0 $0.00 $0.00 Glynwood 16 $101,298.49 $48,429.25 (d) Lake City 0 $0.00 $0.00 Indian Grave 8 $27,622.41 $9,805.71 19. Colbert Heights First, Colbert-Lauderdale...... 54 Louisville 3 $15,039.14 $4,041.00 Jones 5 $10,800.00 $3,389.80 20. Whitesburg, Madison...... 52 Mt Zion 0 $3,722.24 $2,145.00 Liberty 2 $6,084.48 $1,044.75 Parkview 3 $41,051.65 $18,147.91 Marbury 0 $1,249.14 $373.00 Calvert, Mobile...... 52 Pine Level 4 $6,828.34 $485.00 Milton 0 $958.35 $359.38 Pleasant Hill 3 $300.00 $334.01 New Prospect 1 $695.01 $846.90 21. Eden Westside, St. Clair...... 50 Pleasant Plains 0 $1,361.93 $425.00 New Vision 12 $2,227.56 $7,414.36 Prospect 0 $0.00 $1,000.00 Pine Level First 3 $2,650.80 $2,621.78 22. Vaughn Forest, Montgomery...... 50 Spring Hill 6 $690.00 $669.00 Pleasant Hill 0 $500.00 $390.00 >> NUMBER OF BAPTISMS IN 2018 Sykes Creek 0 $120.00 $0.00 Posey Cross Road First 14 $3,332.85 $4,941.82 23. Lakeview, Tuskegee Lee...... 48 Union 0 $1,686.80 $2,962.08 Prattmont 3 $6,757.18 $8,784.91 Cove Baptist, Madison...... 48 Barbour Totals 38 $197,323.04 $95,709.89 Prattville First 33 $436,905.48 $214,425.22 Primera Iglesia Hispana 0 $390.72 $0.00 Hunter Street, Birmingham...... 48 Bessemer Baptism CP Designated Pueblo De Dios 3 $902.22 $0.00 Believer’s Temple $0.00 $0.00 Unity 2 $5,609.14 $8,045.11 24. Antioch Oxford, Calhoun...... 46 Bellview 6 $19,085.00 $10,154.88 Wadsworth 0 $10,636.10 $3,559.00 Bethel 3 $27,999.96 $10,282.45 White Pond 2 $7,918.17 $9,018.62 25. Seddon, St Clair...... 45 Calvary 0 $0.00 $0.00 Autauga Totals 184 $754,639.13 $409,858.31 The Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham...... 45 Canaan 18 $96,625.57 $68,612.34 Christ Our Hope 0 $300.00 $870.00 Baldwin Baptism CP Designated Valley View, Tuscaloosa...... 45 Christian Walk 0 $0.00 $200.00 3Circle Church 64 $12,000.00 $1,140.00 Concord 3 $21,603.69 $5,780.82 3Circle North $0.00 $0.00 Concord Highland 3 $21,118.00 $5,154.00 Barnwell 3 $5,723.09 $1,580.00 Cornerstone 0 $1,400.00 $225.00 Bay Minette First 4 $123,947.80 $53,881.02 Eastern Shore 24 $140,062.15 $55,461.22 Grace 0 $0.00 $0.00 Cottage Hill 0 $5,095.00 $4,385.00 Bayside 2 $4,709.36 $5,130.71 Eastwood 1 $5,900.83 $2,099.49 Gulf Shores First 31 $124,952.14 $36,753.00 Crossway 0 $7,577.26 $2,205.00 Bethel 8 $9,542.34 $8,579.82 Elberta First $5,634.00 $1,849.00 Hamilton 1 $11,436.14 $3,021.00 Dolomite 0 $0.00 $0.00 Eastern Valley 1 $17,064.67 $9,898.50 Bridgewater Community 1 $2,626.00 $656.00 Exalt $520.00 $130.00 Iglesia Cristiana Dulce Refugio $0.00 $0.00 Bromley 2 $1,850.00 $558.00 Edgewater 0 $3,262.28 $1,986.65 Fairhope Avenue 0 $12,000.00 $5,396.56 Impact $0.00 $0.00 Calvary Bay Minette 0 $1,485.51 $402.96 Ezra 2 $29,397.28 $3,793.00 Fairhope Community 1 $880.00 $5,375.00 Calvary Foley 4 $1,895.00 $6,362.00 Josephine $0.00 $0.00 Fairfield Highlands 0 $28,900.90 $5,354.17 Crossway 1 $4,575.00 $1,410.75 Fairhope First 20 $180,330.59 $87,961.30 Jubilee 22 $120,274.35 $49,802.00 First Missionary 0 $0.00 $0.00 Crosswinds Church 4 $1,079.00 $720.00 Faith Family Fellowship 9 $42,820.16 $28,453.40 Lagoon 7 $2,074.12 $4,865.05 Flint Hill 15 $1,200.00 $4,000.00 Daphne 0 $0.00 $0.00 Fish River 4 $11,499.06 $3,152.00 Lifeway Community $0.00 $0.00 Grace Covenant 0 $0.00 $0.00 Durant Chapel 2 $26,814.55 $17,027.01 Foley First $35,000.04 $21,286.00 Lillian First $0.00 $0.00 Grace Life 33 $48,000.00 $35,080.84 East Pointe 8 $57,656.86 $87,286.15 Friendship 0 $10,316.54 $5,448.00 Loxley First 0 $42,619.62 $12,572.00 Grant St. 0 $3,000.00 $6,799.00 APRIL 11, 2019 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 7 CHURCH REPORT FOR 2018 Hopewell First 0 $850.00 $434.00 Faith 0 $1,286.00 $5,785.00 Mt Mariah $0.00 $0.00 Shiloh 1 $0.00 $0.00 Hueytown 8 $18,806.70 $5,031.00 Four Points 3 $4,450.13 $14,277.70 Mt Zion $0.00 $0.00 Shoal Creek 0 $0.00 $0.00 Integrity Church 0 $0.00 $350.00 Haysop 3 $5,516.50 $2,331.50 Mulga 0 $0.00 $1,981.97 Taits Gap 2 $0.00 $12,000.00 Living Faith 0 $900.00 $1,350.00 Johntown 0 $3,287.85 $1,583.40 New Beginning $0.00 $0.00 Twenty Fifth Avenue $0.00 $0.00 Maytown 3 $34,081.62 $25,172.74 Lowerytown 7 $0.00 $9,059.96 New Birth Christian $0.00 $0.00 Union Grove #1 3 $0.00 $978.88 McCalla First 2 $1,000.00 $1,610.00 Lucile 3 $2,532.00 $2,000.00 New Birth Missionary $0.00 $0.00 Valley Grove $0.00 $2,050.00 New Faith $1,200.00 $120.00 Marvel 5 $0.00 $200.00 New Covenant $0.00 $0.00 Warrior Creek $0.00 $7,500.00 North Highlands 7 $25,112.87 $21,118.96 Mt Carmel 7 $0.00 $5,104.00 New Georgia $6,358.87 $407.00 Warrior River $0.00 $500.00 Pleasant Ridge 10 $62,482.40 $24,083.46 Mt Moriah 0 $232.61 $249.29 New Hope $0.00 $0.00 Welcome #1 $0.00 $1,287.25 Pleasant Valley $0.00 $0.00 Mt Zion 3 $0.00 $0.00 New Life Fellowship $500.00 $0.00 Welcome #2 5 $0.00 $750.00 Raimund Heights 0 $1,800.00 $3,794.82 New Hebron 3 $1,445.84 $760.00 North Clay Baptist 8 $0.00 $4,862.00 Blount Totals 73 $7,283.00 $111,659.29 River Road 0 $1,882.60 $1,120.00 Old Union 0 $0.00 $0.00 NorthPark $29,166.69 $87,411.38 Rock Mountain Lakes 2 $11,857.39 $2,100.00 Pineview 23 $18,104.66 $516.19 Overton First $1,228.00 $1,428.00 Bullock Centennial Baptism CP Designated Seventh Street 2 $1,326.00 $3,874.00 Pondville 0 $1,360.74 $1,455.31 Palmerdale Cross $33,445.24 $9,558.60 Eastside 0 $3,495.76 $2,592.00 Shady Grove $7,232.86 $4,024.49 Randolph 8 $15,895.84 $6,748.37 Philadelphia 0 $2,000.00 $10,250.00 Indian Creek 0 $883.00 $377.00 Southcrest $24,139.04 $5,557.56 Rehobeth 0 $1,245.11 $4,103.19 Pineview $0.00 $0.00 Inverness 0 $2,495.10 $3,325.00 Sylvan Springs First 1 $0.00 $0.00 Schultz Creek 0 $7,405.46 $2,923.00 Pinson First $22,916.63 $23,050.94 Liberty 2 $1,217.00 $300.00 Tannehill Valley 8 $89,549.96 $19,975.61 Shady Grove 0 $2,941.00 $4,356.00 Pioneer $0.00 $1,120.00 Loflin 0 $3,007.00 $0.00 Church at McAdory 11 $72,729.76 $39,270.00 Shady Grove #2 0 $0.00 $0.00 Plainview $1,932.00 $1,955.00 Macedonia 8 $15,616.52 $12,250.14 The Station 5 $3,500.00 $0.00 Six Mile 0 $1,517.45 $1,937.07 Pleasant Grove First 17 $140,678.81 $39,660.35 Midway 0 $2,783.90 $3,700.00 Valley Creek 7 $21,886.26 $7,748.72 Smith Hill 1 $0.00 $500.00 Queenstown $0.00 $0.00 Mt Carmel 0 $4,487.17 $3,295.00 Vineland Park $450.00 $1,325.00 Thomas Mill 0 $1,646.02 $2,246.01 Raleigh Avenue $8,000.00 $16,439.90 Union Springs First 1 $17,709.28 $10,080.00 West Highland $91.92 $2,984.53 West Blocton First 6 $2,800.00 $705.00 Richmond Street $0.00 $0.00 Bullock Centennial Totals Wilkes $0.00 $0.00 Woodstock First 9 $26,135.65 $13,502.66 Ridgecrest 7 $20,589.97 $20,615.00 11 $51,694.73 $35,919.14 World Overcomers CC $0.00 $0.00 Bibb Totals 122 $190,590.77 $132,916.69 River $200.00 $0.00 Bessemer Totals 150 $712,508.99 $345,826.54 Robinwood $0.00 $335.00 Butler Baptism CP Designated Bigbee Baptism CP Designated Rocky Ridge First $1,800.00 $0.00 Antioch East 9 $36,123.85 $17,936.92 Bethel Baptism CP Designated Beulah 0 $0.00 $0.00 Roebuck Plaza First 0 $5,309.43 $3,120.00 Antioch West 1 $1,148.08 $4,264.26 Aimwell 1 $10,212.00 $5,155.00 Christian Valley 3 $1,966.00 $2,890.00 Rose Hill 4 $1,516.72 $4,753.00 Bethel 0 $550.00 $1,069.00 Beaver Creek 0 $1,639.90 $200.00 Clinton First 2 $0.00 $0.00 Ruffner Valley $700.00 $0.00 Bible Baptist 4 $0.00 $0.00 Bethlehem 0 $5,649.00 $7,857.00 Cuba 0 $13,992.01 $16,443.00 Sandusky First $0.00 $2,437.00 Brushey Creek 2 $5,197.36 $1,675.00 Calvary 5 $7,237.39 $8,068.44 Epes 0 $0.00 $500.00 Sardis $0.00 $0.00 Calvary 0 $1,142.88 $2,227.00 Catherine 0 $375.00 $3,275.00 Eutaw 3 $1,700.00 $2,515.64 Shades Crest $11,038.01 $31,379.73 Central 0 $0.00 $0.00 County Line 0 $3,061.57 $4,730.33 Friendship 0 $150.00 $1,200.00 Shades Mountain 87 $860,210.00 $655,170.00 Damascus 2 $313.00 $313.00 Demopolis First 5 $72,390.00 $41,465.66 Gainesville 0 $0.00 $0.00 Shannon First 5 $0.00 $100.00 East Greenville 2 $508.97 $578.35 Dixon’s Mills 0 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Lamkin Memorial 0 $0.00 $0.00 Shelby Crossings $0.00 $0.00 Ebenezer East 0 $483.90 $1,611.95 Fairhaven 14 $23,550.00 $8,760.52 Livingston First 3 $31,368.33 $2,452.42 Sixth Avenue $4,500.00 $5,500.00 Forest Home 0 $6,745.00 $4,265.00 Forest Hill 9 $6,141.00 $550.00 Old Belmont 0 $0.00 $2,250.00 South Park $45.00 $55.00 Garland 0 $0.00 $0.00 Friendship 0 $250.00 $1,517.86 Shorts 0 $0.00 $100.00 South Roebuck 0 $9,999.98 $9,050.14 Georgiana First 0 $11,261.97 $935.23 Hoboken 1 $1,076.00 $11,073.00 Siloam 0 $8,452.93 $7,228.00 South Roebuck CC $0.00 $0.00 Gravel Hill 1 $1,695.50 $1,805.00 Hope 0 $1,377.50 $1,015.70 Sumterville 1 $2,300.00 $5,800.00 Southside $321.92 $5,674.92 Greenville First 2 $47,709.48 $18,333.69 Jefferson 0 $1,000.00 $4,106.50 Ward Baptist Church 0 $1,411.86 $4,032.10 Spirit of Faith $450.00 $900.00 Hopewell 1 $0.00 $5,140.00 Lamison 0 $682.06 $962.13 West Greene 0 $0.00 $0.00 Springdale 0 $4,801.53 $7,831.00 Liberty 0 $3,213.79 $1,250.00 Linden 10 $27,722.95 $27,242.75 York 0 $12,564.56 $9,921.82 St James Baptist $0.00 $0.00 McKenzie 1 $2,000.00 $6,748.30 Myrtlewood 1 $2,080.94 $795.30 Bigbee Totals 12 $73,905.69 $55,332.98 Tapestry Church $50.00 $0.00 Midway 0 $0.00 $0.00 Nanafalia 0 $2,566.75 $730.00 Tarrant First 1 $7,777.00 $2,380.00 Mt Olive East 0 $0.00 $0.00 Nicholsville 0 $2,203.01 $2,143.66 Birmingham Baptism CP Designated The Chapel 0 $3,504.13 $3,475.00 Mt Olive West 0 $0.00 $0.00 Oak Grove 0 $658.89 $928.80 Adamsville 0 $1,926.88 $1,438.06 Brook Hills 45 $50,000.00 $19,650.00 Mt Pisgah 3 $0.00 $0.00 Old Union 1 $400.00 $1,300.00 Agape 0 $0.00 $0.00 Church at GrantsMill $0.00 $850.00 Mt Pleasant 1 $16,504.41 $5,360.00 Pine Hill 3 $15,000.00 $0.00 Agape Cristiana 0 $250.00 $350.00 The Cross $0.00 $0.00 Pleasant Hill 0 $0.00 $0.00 Providence 1 $12,073.29 $10,483.00 Agape Missionary 0 $0.00 $0.00 Thomas First $0.00 $0.00 Sardis 1 $1,826.55 $3,718.66 Rangeline 4 $8,942.14 $5,312.00 Berney Points 0 $0.00 $25.00 True Life 0 $1,200.00 $0.00 Shackleville 4 $3,692.75 $0.00 Sardis 0 $5,579.00 $1,380.00 B’ham Deaf Church 0 $578.45 $1,523.21 Trussville First $795,190.81 $327,346.34 Shiloh 2 $0.00 $0.00 Shiloh 0 $6,812.27 $13,359.30 Birmingham First 5 $96,964.26 $104,310.40 Valley East $0.00 $0.00 Southside 30 $27,000.00 $11,714.00 Sunny South 0 $1,808.01 $6,400.19 Brewster Road 0 $0.00 $1,248.43 Valley View 0 $8,171.02 $6,000.00 Spring Creek 5 $3,952.15 $6,316.38 Sweet Water 2 $17,043.62 $5,352.00 Brewster Road 0 $0.00 $0.00 Valleydale $59,500.00 $108,900.00 Spring Hill 0 $558.78 $968.78 Church At Putnam 1 $0.00 $0.00 Brookwood 4 $3,252.90 $62,035.58 Vestavia Hills 20 $28,076.00 $10,525.00 Welcome 0 $140.00 $485.74 Thomaston 0 $20,664.23 $12,616.71 Cahaba Heights 0 $2,458.41 $2,196.47 Victory Missionary $0.00 $0.00 Butler Totals 71 $171,768.42 $96,716.26 Union Grove 0 $200.00 $1,000.00 Celebration Church 0 $0.00 $0.00 Walkers Chapel $12,859.08 $7,095.34 Vineland 0 $340.67 $281.75 Center Point First 0 $38,667.00 $13,638.10 Walking on Water $0.00 $0.00 Cahaba Baptism CP Designate Wayne 0 $294.72 $492.97 Central $0.00 $0.00 West Point $0.00 $0.00 Calvary 2 $0.00 $0.00 Westside 1 $2,096.00 $817.00 Central Missionary $0.00 $0.00 Westmont 8 $4,300.00 $6,048.72 Ephesus 0 $950.00 $3,450.00 Yellow Bluff 0 $204.08 $612.22 Central Park $2,444.00 $1,380.00 Westwood 0 $7,853.16 $9,201.65 Faith Chapel 0 $1,322.63 $1,805.50 Bethel Totals 59 $262,331.99 $190,984.79 Chalkville First 2 $13,633.73 $17,054.51 Winewood $150.00 $150.00 Friendship 0 $800.00 $235.00 Christ Fellowship 5 $495.48 $28,340.00 Word of Faith $600.00 $600.00 Hopewell 1 $6,642.18 $6,086.00 Bethlehem Baptism CP Designated Christ First Community 4 $25.00 $25.00 Birmingham Totals 371 $3,986,240.83 $2,589,505.44 Medline 0 $0.00 $50.00 Barbara Locklin 0 $1,200.00 $2,410.00 Christ for the Nations $0.00 $0.00 Mt Olive 0 $0.00 $0.00 Eastwood 4 $24,440.15 $22,715.67 Christ Missionary $0.00 $0.00 Blount Baptism CP Designated Newbern 0 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Enon 0 $1,874.33 $7,385.76 Church on the Bluff 3 $16,423.62 $7,640.00 Allgood $0.00 $250.00 Ocmulgee 4 $1,000.00 $0.00 Eureka 0 $1,979.00 $1,566.00 Clearview $0.00 $3,580.00 Antioch $0.00 $0.00 Pine Flat 0 $2,000.00 $6,365.00 Excel 1 $24,992.64 $35,589.53 Covenant Fellowship $0.00 $0.00 Austin Creek 6 $0.00 $4,124.42 Pine Grove 9 $3,521.70 $2,258.30 Fountain 3 $2,501.52 $5,347.51 Crestway $4,643.16 $2,030.00 Bethlehem $0.00 $2,000.00 Pisgah 0 $5,001.30 $8,523.00 Frisco City First 0 $9,348.25 $12,950.10 Dawson 63 $513,036.21 $189,563.03 Bethsadia 0 $0.00 $600.00 Siloam 2 $13,200.00 $3,732.00 Goodway First 0 $7,830.40 $8,615.10 Deerfoot $31,170.70 $18,619.06 Concord $0.00 $0.00 Uniontown Baptist 0 $0.00 $0.00 Little River 0 $2,664.97 $2,288.00 Del Rio $600.00 $600.00 Corinth 0 $0.00 $150.00 Cahaba Totals 18 $35,437.81 $33,504.80 Mexia 7 $43,256.75 $26,032.72 Destiny Covenant $0.00 $0.00 Edgewood $0.00 $1,050.00 Mineola 1 $3,810.36 $9,501.84 Docena 0 $60.00 $60.00 Fridays Crossing Missionary $0.00 $0.00 NOTE: Churches showing a blank response Monroeville First 1 $66,455.15 $29,091.96 East Gardendale 2 $11,497.00 $7,463.00 Friendship #1 $0.00 $0.00 did not send in information. Churches marked Mt Olive 1 $532.00 $3,356.00 East Lake $0.00 $0.00 Harmony $0.00 $0.00 Mt Pleasant 11 $8,735.00 $11,710.41 Eastside 5 $9,910.53 $9,119.00 Hendrix $0.00 $1,500.00 with * have closed or moved out of Baptist life. Oak Grove 2 $6,000.00 $10,332.07 Fairview $150.00 $0.00 High Mound 3 $0.00 $1,500.00 Old Salem 13 $10,710.00 $6,082.00 Fellowship $2,865.03 $0.00 Holly Springs $0.00 $500.00 Peterman First $0.00 $0.00 Forestdale 0 $4,416.86 $1,119.00 Hopewell 2 $0.00 $2,200.00 Philadelphia 0 $143.92 $0.00 Friendship $0.00 $0.00 Jones Chapel $0.00 $800.00 Numbers in this report were Pleasant Hill $2,173.00 $125.00 Fullness Christian $1,200.00 $0.00 Liberty Hill $0.00 $5,000.00 Poplar Springs 4 $5,530.99 $1,778.00 Fultondale First 4 $28,902.95 $2,593.75 Macedonia 2 $4,583.00 $2,300.00 provided by the Alabama Ramah 0 $1,759.95 $4,284.95 Good News $0.00 $0.00 Mountain Grove $0.00 $2,009.75 Rocky Hill $0.00 $804.00 Grace Community $0.00 $0.00 Mt Carmel 1 $0.00 $1,015.00 Baptist State Board of Southside Church 0 $249.96 $3,003.00 Grantswood $3,786.18 $3,337.40 Mt Hebron $0.00 $2,000.00 Springhill 0 $2,448.92 $2,492.00 Greater Grace Missionary $0.00 $0.00 Mt Pleasant Missionary 12 $0.00 0.00 Missions. To contact them, Uriah First 1 $6,585.69 $8,783.68 Green Valley 0 $78,750.00 $60,079.67 Nectar $0.00 $250.00 call 1-800-264-1225. Bethlehem Totals 49 $235,222.95 $216,245.30 Hilldale $0.00 $0.00 New Bethel 4 $0.00 $500.00 Hillview 3 $22,433.08 $19,226.00 New Emmaus $0.00 $1,000.00 Bibb Baptism CP Designated Hoover First 2 $20,049.11 $11,915.26 New Home #1 $0.00 $1,000.00 Antioch 0 $1,501.45 $468.07 Huffman 0 $26,814.76 $43,231.72 New Home Boaz $0.00 $3,200.49 The breakdown of giving by Ashby 4 $9,323.88 $7,068.18 Hughes Memorial 0 $2,409.38 $2,105.00 New Prospect 0 $0.00 $1,000.00 Bethel 0 $0.00 $5,328.00 Hunter Street 48 $403,920.00 $301,511.31 Old Philadelphia $0.00 $0.00 individual churches grouped Bethlehem 0 $500.00 $0.00 Katherwood $2,059.09 $0.00 Oneonta Second $0.00 $2,698.00 by associations will continue Bibbville 0 $3,548.79 $3,972.68 Lake Highland 0 $1,625.00 $2,095.70 Pilgrim Rest $0.00 $0.00 Blocton Third 15 $405.00 $988.00 Lakeside $219,789.56 $132,807.26 Pine Bluff 2 $0.00 $8,878.00 in the next several issues. Brent 3 $24,579.39 $21,420.31 Lakewood 0 $6,235.04 $9,498.49 Pine Grove 8 $0.00 $2,400.00 Cahaba Valley 0 $435.34 $145.80 Leeds Community $87.50 $0.00 Pleasant Hill #1 $0.00 $0.00 Calvary 5 $900.00 $950.00 Leeds First $60,159.10 $53,429.00 Pleasant Valley 4 $0.00 $0.00 Camp Branch $380.00 $0.00 Liberty Park 5 $141,361.82 $6,159.38 Pleasant View 12 $2,700.00 $28,664.28 Centreville 14 $51,214.06 $12,232.00 McElwain 3 $32,661.28 $15,126.00 Robin Hill 5 $0.00 $4,478.22 Community 0 $0.00 $0.00 Mountain Brook 11 $20,000.00 $4,193.67 Roswell Creek $0.00 $1,200.00 Enon 0 $0.00 $0.00 Mt Calvary 0 $9,323.82 $1,570.00 Shady Grove #1 0 $0.00 $1,825.00 Eoline 0 $0.00 $0.00 Mt Hebron 0 $2,263.94 $0.00 Shady Grove #2 1 $0.00 $2,500.00 PAGE 8 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / APRIL 11, 2019 ‘God saw this coming’ Pastor in tornado-hit area says God began preparing them decades before By Grace Thornton of it and drove back to the church The Alabama Baptist basement. o much more — that’s In the end there wasn’t time to what the March 3 tor- register everybody, Sowell said — nadoes were to Rusty church members had to throw open Sowell. So much more the doors and get everyone inside. than he ever could have One tornado dropped, then another Simagined. as more than 80 people huddled He’d heard before that tornadoes there at the church. sound like a freight train, but as he and his wife lay on the floor and an ‘Bonus day’ F-4 storm rolled over their house, it “I had no idea at that point that so was so much louder than a freight many people were gathered at the train could ever be, he said. church,” Sowell said. And it was more deadly than But minutes later as the air Sowell ever could have guessed cleared and the phone calls came, as he wrapped up church services so did information. People had died that morning at Providence Baptist and first responders — including Church, Ope- Sowell’s son — lika, the place were searching he’s served as for the missing. Photo by Grace Thornton Rusty Sowell (right), pastor of Providence Baptist Church, Opelika, talks with pastor for the The church church member David Dismukes about plans for a permanent monument on past 35 years. member who the church lawn to memorialize the 23 people killed by tornadoes March 3. In “Our fire had turned the weeks following the storms the community had these wooden crosses — chief alerted around and constructed and driven down to Lee County by a retired carpenter from Illinois me that there driven back to — as a reminder, but families were beginning to take them home in early April. were some se- the church — rious weather her house was if things had been slightly different. those who lost their lives that day. alerts, so we totally gone. He’s reminded of that daily as A couple of weeks ago, as more opened up the “We know he drives by the 23 white wooden thunderclouds rolled in and rain basement of of several like crosses on the lawn splashed the 23 the church as a that who went of Providence Bap- wooden crosses on shelter for any- home after tist, notes written on “We began to look the lawn, people one who want- the storm and them in marker to back and see the came flooding to the ed to come,” he their properties memorialize loved church’s basement said. were totally de- ones lost in the com- hand of God every again, begging to get People lined stroyed, so we munity. to safety. up. A Provi- Photo by Grace Thornton feel like lives “We realize our step of the way. It’s The trauma is “still dence Baptist Marshall Grimes, one of 23 victims of the were saved that humanity and that so fresh,” Sowell team trained March 3 tornadoes, posted on Facebook day,” Sowell life can change on a just humbling.” said. “Time is a great in disaster re- after the first tornado that he had made said. dime. It has,” Sow- healer but it doesn’t sponse began it through OK. When the second tornado Sowell was ell said. “I’ve seen come fast enough.” hit he didn’t survive. At his funeral fellow Rusty Sowell registering members of the Christian Motorcyclists one of them grown men cry — me pastor, Providence Baptist But where time has people as they — homes all included.” been slow, God has Association led the procession. Church, Opelika entered, includ- around his Providence Baptist been right on time ing one church member who had were destroyed. He says he sees ev- is currently making — to the point that gone home from church with her ery day since March 3 as a “bonus plans for a permanent monument church members are still shaking grandchildren, then thought better day,” one he might never have had on the church lawn to memorialize their heads in disbelief, he said. APRIL 11, 2019 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 9

“It’s been a real dark moment, but there have been glimmers of light all the way through this. God has taken care of us and we’ve tried to do our best to take care of everyone, and I think that’s been a witness to the community of hope and love.”

Rusty Sowell pastor, Providence Baptist Church, Opelika

“Seeing them carry in the body there have been glimmers of light bags, especially the small ones, all the way through this. God has Photo by Grace Thornton is the worst part,” said Dismukes, taken care of us and we’ve tried David Dismukes, a member of Providence Baptist Church, Opelika, who has who along with Sowell to do our best to take been helping with post-storm community ministry, points out the lone brick — also a longtime vol- care of everyone, and I wall still standing at a house hit by one of the March 3 tornadoes. A family was huddled behind that wall praying when the storm hit. All survived. unteer firefighter and think that’s been a wit- hospital chaplain — ness to the community worked at the first re- of hope and love.” Back in 1995 when Hurricane experience running a commercial sponders’ staging area The best way to help Opal’s path traced across Lee cafeteria. the night of the storms. Beauregard in the im- County the church was “dead in the Still another was Toni Long, the Sowell agreed. mediate future is to water” for a few days, Sowell said. Tuskegee-Lee Baptist Association As a chaplain, “when donate to the work be- They didn’t have power and they disaster relief coordinator who we’re called in it’s ing done out of Provi- didn’t have any resources to use to organized relief efforts alongside trauma; it’s tragedy,” he dence Baptist Church, minister in the community. Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief said. “But this one has Opelika (providen- So in the years after, when they leaders. been harder than all of Photo by Grace Thornton cealive.com), or “We had key people in our built the church’s west campus, them.” A sign with Tuskegee-Lee Baptist church that God they built the build- It’s been a tough “#LeeCoStrong” sits Association (tuskeg- brought through the ing with disaster in struggle, he said, but outside the west eelee.org). “We had key people years,” Sowell said. campus of Providence mind. Though it’s the church is learning They are working Another was David Baptist Church, Ope- big enough to house to praise God in the with survivors to de- in our church Dismukes, whose lika — a building church worship services it’s valley and lean into leaders say they believe termine what is not father, Robert, was got other intentional that God brought their faith. was built ‘for such a being covered by in- pastor of Providence features too — like “A lot of people are time as this.’ surance, FEMA, etc., Baptist until he died massive shower and through the years.” still walking around and trying to meet in 1984. Dismukes restroom facilities, shell shocked, thinking they might those needs. Another good option grew up in the com- a large commercial Rusty Sowell wake up and it might be a bad is to help support the work of Ala- munity, served in kitchen and a huge pastor, Providence Baptist dream,” Sowell said. “But it’s not. bama Baptist Disaster Relief by public affairs in the diesel generator. Church, Opelika It’s been a real dark moment but giving to sbdr.org/donate. And now, 24 years army and recently re- after Opal, Sowell tired back to the area. says the church is confident God “He knew how to handle all the saw this coming. media and logistics,” Sowell said. “There was a moment a day As Dismukes drives around the or two into the tornadoes that as area these days people know his clothes were stacked head high and truck. He’s personally visited with the room was filled with supplies, the families of every victim, and as toiletries and water that we looked he goes down the list of crosses he around and said, ‘You know this is can tell their stories. what this building was built for,’” The first, Marshall Grimes, was a he said. “We began to look back member of the Christian Motorcy- and see the hand of God every step clists Association. of the way. It’s just humbling.” “I went back and found him on Facebook and after the first tornado Tell their stories rolled through, he posted on his And God provided the team too, wall that he had made it through Sowell said. just fine,” Dismukes said. One church member runs a truck- The second tornado took his life. ing company and knew how to get Another victim, a small child, things they needed plus how to was missing the night of the torna- organize shipments as they were do and Dismukes was called to join Photo by Grace Thornton Rusty Sowell, pastor of Providence Baptist Church, Opelika, holds a sign with coming in from generous donors a search party. Before he got out a verse he says the church and community clung to in the days following the across the country. the door he got the call that they March 3 tornadoes that destroyed numerous structures and took 23 lives — Another church member had had found the child’s body. each represented by the 23 crosses displayed outside Providence Baptist. PAGE 10 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / APRIL 11, 2019 Contact TAB if you remember stories about the 1941 SBC annual meeting (continued from page 1) sion cause in countries around the religious meetings they have ever world.) attended,” Barnes wrote. They also had the 50th anniver- If you could get away from work sary of the Sunday School Board to you had almost nothing else to celebrate — a publishing ministry worry about by the looks of the started at the 1891 SBC meeting state Baptist paper in the in Birmingham. (It later weeks prior. became LifeWay Area busi- Christian Re- Theology 101 nesses had sources.) BIBLICAL THEOLOGY FOR PEOPLE IN THE PEW what they Also at the thought 1941 con- messengers vention: Insights through questions needed 5,884 — the ads messengers said so. Need ointment for boils attended the meeting at the Munici- A Question about the Worth of Life and itches or medicine for upset pal Auditorium (now called Bout- By Jerry Batson, Th.D. ity on this present earth that will Special to The Alabama Baptist nerves? Birmingham had it. Need well Auditorium). endure through an endless eternity tires, seat covers and slack suits? The Pastors Conference met at ne day Jesus put to His is the human soul. That fact alone Sears, Roebuck and Co. thought First Methodist Church. disciples a two-part should drive up the value we place you might and they had you cov- The convention’s slogan was question: “For what on each life. ered. “A Debtless Denomination by Opro t is it to a man if he Bearing the image and likeness gains the whole world and loses 1945.” That year would mark the of God also puts human life in a his own soul? Or what will a man Much to talk about 100th anniversary of the SBC’s category all by itself. No other of give in exchange for his soul?” When May 14–18 came, many founding. In 1941 they were mak- God’s creatures mirrors His im- (Matt. 16:26) The implication in a slack suit gathered. Messengers ing good progress with just under age. Furthermore, we humans can these questions is that a human had a lot to talk $3 million in debt. experience the life of God as noth- life is more valuable than the about. If you remember ing else of all He created does. At the time the The 2019 Southern attending the 1941 whole world, thus no price would Foreign Mission Baptist Convention SBC annual meet- suf ce as an exchange for a single Loving God Board (now Inter- annual meeting will ing in Birmingham human life. This added value attached to national Mission be held June 11–12 as a child (and Almost every day attests that each human life cannot be found Board [IMB]) had at the Birmingham- maybe drinking many count human life as a cheap in any other creature in all cre- 527 missionaries Jefferson Convention all your milk at commodity as we read or hear ation. When we recognize that a serving around the Complex (BJCC). Britling Cafeteria), about the shocking ease with human life is unique it sets each globe, and a new or if you remember which a life is snuffed out. The person apart as inexpressibly valu- set of missionaries relatives telling you news bombards us with an aw- able. was preparing to set sail from New about their experience at the meet- ful array of shootings, stabbings, As we once again move through York that very week. (In 2019 the ing, we’d love to hear from you. terrorist attacks and abandoned the annual remembrance of Palm IMB has more than 3,600 person- Email news@thealabamabaptist. lifeless bodies in trash bags, in the Sunday and the cross that bore nel serving the Great Commis- org with your stories. woods or beside a road. God’s only Son later in the week, Eternity of the soul we are driven to the conviction What truths undergird the value that a human soul is worth salvag- or worth of a single human life? ing and saving. At least our loving We have often heard about value God thought so. or cost being in direct relation to Christ’s two questions serve as supply and demand. The greater a reminder that the value of the the demand or the more limited whole world does not exceed the the supply serves to drive up the value of a person’s soul and that price. no exchange exists which equals In our better moments we are the worth of a human life. keenly aware that each of us is supplied only one life. Further- Jerry Batson is more, each life is unique. Some- a retired Alabama thing about being one of a kind Baptist pastor who also has served as puts enhanced value upon an associate dean of object. The resultant value of each Photo courtesy of the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau Beeson Divinity life is beyond estimation. School at Samford For the rst time since 1941 the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting Another factor in the worth of University and will be held in Birmingham at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex professor of several (BJCC) on June 11–12. The last time the meeting was in Birmingham — nearly human life is the eternity of the schools of religion eight decades ago — World War II was a current topic of discussion. The U.S. human soul. The only commod- during his career. hadn’t entered the war yet and Pearl Harbor Day was still seven months away. APRIL 11, 2019 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 11

“We’re going to reach the world with ‘Ready all we have and call [the SBC] up to a level that we all need to go to.”

on Ronnie Floyd day one’ President, SBC Executive Committee Longtime pastor, SBC leader Ronnie Floyd tapped to head Executive Committee By Carrie Brown McWhorter Floyd’s “unwavering com- In 2017, Floyd was ap- The Alabama Baptist mitment to prayer” made pointed president of the n unwavering him a good choice for the National Day of Prayer Task commitment position, said Jim Averett, a Force and has overseen the to prayer and a member of Dawson Memo- annual National Day of Astrong biblical rial Baptist Church, Bir- Prayer emphasis in May. worldview are just two of mingham, and an EC trustee. He has written for LifeWay the traits Ronnie Floyd will Christian Resources and au- bring as president of the Ready to lead thored more than 20 books. Southern Baptist Convention “During his time as presi- Floyd served as SBC (SBC) Executive Committee dent of the [SBC], he was president from 2014 to 2016. (EC), according to Alabama faithful to schedule time for At each of the two SBC EC trustees. all attendees to get on their annual meetings at which Floyd, pastor of Cross knees before God to plead Floyd presided an entire eve- Church in northwest Arkan- for God’s guidance and wis- ning session was devoted to sas and a former SBC presi- dom for our denomination. prayer for spiritual awaken- FLOYD dent, was chosen to be the He has so ably served in so ing in America. chief executive of the EC at many leadership positions Ben Kelly, an EC trustee protections in place and be a pastor’s mindset and a love a called meeting in Dallas on that he will be ready on day and member of First Baptist sympathetic to victims,” for local churches, drawing April 2. one to lead,” Averett said. Church, Montgomery, said Kelly said. from his 42 years of pastoral “We’re going to come Floyd, 63, has been pastor he is “excited about Floyd’s Floyd said as much in a experience. and we’re going to reach of Cross Church for 33 years. passion for spreading the Facebook Live session fol- “I will think like a pastor,” the world with all we have His SBC service also gospel, for making sure the lowing the announcement of Floyd said. “I will cham- and call this convention up includes two years as EC EC serves local churches his selection. pion pastors. I believe in the to a level that we all need to trustees chairman and a term and for unifying our conven- church, and I will champion go to,” Floyd told the EC. as SBC Pastors Conference tion.” Great Commission “Please pray for us.” president. the church” as “the body Kelly believes Floyd will Southern Baptists must God has anointed” to ac- provide strong leadership “do everything we can” to complish the Great Commis- on racial reconciliation and help victims and resource sion. sexual abuse in churches — churches to prevent abuse, With only two months two issues that have come to he said. remaining until the 2019 the forefront recently. And as Southern Baptists SBC annual meeting Floyd advance the Great Com- “Under [Floyd’s] lead- invited Southern Baptists to mission among people of ership and J.D. Greear’s “join us in this grand task” all ethnicities, Floyd said, leadership, we will make in Birmingham and, in the the SBC should seek to be sure the victims know we meantime, to “undergird this are deeply concerned about known as “the greatest mul- gathering with prayer like them and let everyone know tigenerational, multiethnic never before.” we are doing the best we can and multilingual denomina- That call to prayer is im- to make sure all churches tion in the United States of portant to Phyllis Ingram, an implement safeguards to America.” protect children and educate Floyd said he will carry EC trustee and member of church staff on how to put out his work at the EC with First, Montgomery. “I believe in the power of fasting, and power will be needed to bring the church to repentance and revival,” Ingram said. “We need a spiritual awak- ening in our nation. I believe he is the man for such a time as this. As God tells us in 2 Chronicles 7:14, if His peo- ple will repent, He will heal our land.” (BP contributed) PAGE 12 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / APRIL 11, 2019 Alabama Baptist STATE BOARD OF MISSIONS

ONEMISSION:TheGreatCommissionONEPROGRAM:TheCooperativeProgramMANYMINISTRIES:GreatCommissionMinistries

Senior Adult EvangelFREE ADMISSION ism

ConferNO REGISTRATION ence Monday, May 6, 2019 Lakeside Baptist Church, 2865 Old Rocky Ridge Road, Birmingham 9:30-3, Lunch on your own : FEATURING

Daven Watkins Roy Hill Tom Richter Bob Smith

For further information, please contact AlabamaAlabama BBaptistaptist Ministry Assistant Lori McGough at STATE BOARD OF MISSIONS This event is made possible by gifts of Alabama 1-800-264-1225, ext. 245 Baptists through the Cooperative Program. APRIL 11, 2019 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 13 National search completed Doug Sweeney named new dean of Beeson Divinity School at Samford University ouglas A. Swee- colleague and leader,” ity, Sweeney served at Yale ney has been George said. University where he was a named the new A world-renowned scholar lecturer in church history Ddean of Beeson of American theologian and historical theology. Divinity School at Samford Jonathan Edwards, Swee- Samford Provost and University in Birmingham ney comes to Beeson from Senior Vice President for effective July 1. Trinity Evangelical Divinity Academic Affairs J. Michael Sweeney is only School in Deer eld, Hardin said, “Dr. Sweeney the second dean Illinois, where he is brings together internation- to serve the inter- the Distinguished ally renowned scholarship, denominational Professor and Chair academic administrative ex- seminary, which of Church History perience and a deep love and was established in and the History of commitment to the Church 1988 with Timo- Christian Thought of Jesus Christ.” Photo courtesy of Beeson Divinity School thy George as the and founding director Samford President An- ford, said, “Dr. Sweeney is teacher, whose ministry founding dean. of the Jonathan Ed- drew Westmoreland said, an excellent choice to build extends into many other Sweeney’s ap- SWEENEY wards Center. “Dr. Sweeney is ideally on the rich theological foun- churches. pointment follows Having served prepared to provide wise, vi- dation that Dean Timothy Sweeney holds degrees a national search to on Trinity’s faculty sionary leadership for Bee- George has provided for this from Vanderbilt Univer- replace George, who is retir- since 1997, Sweeney was son. His commitment to the school. I am so grateful for sity (Ph.D., M.A.), Trinity ing as dean at the end of the the founding director of the relevance and authority of the school’s past and excited Evangelical Divinity School current academic year. Carl F.H. Henry Center for Scripture, his strong record for its future.” (M.A.) and Wheaton Col- “The future of Beeson Di- Theological Understanding of scholarship, his devotion Sweeney is an active lege (B.A.). He and his wife, vinity School is as bright as at Trinity, 2000–2012. He to equipping those called to member of St. Mark Luther- Wilma, have one adult son. the promises of God, and I raised nearly $4 million for ministry and his engaging, an Church, an evangelical “I consider it a ... privilege look forward to welcoming the center among other roles. irenic spirit will serve him Lutheran church af liated to serve as the next dean,” Dr. Sweeney as our friend, Prior to his tenure at Trin- — and Samford — well.” with Lutheran Congrega- Sweeney said. “I have long Gary Fenton, former tions in Mission for Christ, been an admirer of [Dean longtime pastor of Dawson serving as both an elder and George] and think Beeson is HE IS RISEN! Memorial Baptist Church, vice president. A former the best-conceived and culti- Birmingham, and senior Baptist, he is a longtime vated divinity school in all of Now, help us lift up others. advancement of cer at Sam- Sunday School and Bible North America.” (SU, TAB)

This Easter, your gift can help resurrect hope in the form of food, shelter, and spiritual support to those who need it most.

Donate today and help change a life JimmieHaleMission.com PAGE 14 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / APRIL 11, 2019

Software programs can help TAB CLASSIFIEDS

CHURCH POSITIONS and Families. Only candidates keep your church organized called to long term ministry to PASTOR children should send a cover By Grace Thornton Contact to help you orga- offers membership and fi- Wayside Baptist Church is letter and resume to Dr. Ben The Alabama Baptist nize how you keep in touch nancial record keeping and looking for a pastor. Send Hayes at bhayes@fbcdadeville. hurches have a lot resumés to: Chris Baker, 2935 com or P.O. Box 308, Dadev- with members. tools for communicating Campground Road, Alexander ille, AL 36853. to keep up with. Every software package with your congregation. You City, AL 35010 or email resumé Membership rosters, offers different options, and can buy the software to use to [email protected]. PIANIST C Belgreen Baptist Church is giving records, church ac- each one differs in how you without internet access or BIVOCATIONAL PASTOR seeking pianist for Sunday counts — the list goes on pay for it. Some charge a online. It calls itself com- Seventh Street Baptist seeks morning worship. Paid and on. flat fee, others a subscrip- plete, user friendly and low God’s man to serve as a position. Contact matthew_ [email protected]. How does your church tion service. priced. bivocational pastor for a organize everything? Do traditional service. Please send Crawford said he doesn’t resumés to: Pastor Search, BUSINESSES you have a particular kind recommend a particular Cost-effective 513 Seventh Street South, of software you use to keep Churches with fewer than Bessemer, AL 35020. NEED A NEW CHURCH kind of software to church- SIGN? records? If you don’t, are es, since a church’s needs 100 members might find MINISTER OF MUSIC Reliable Sign Services — a there some reasons you can vary based on size of Microsoft Office programs Westview Baptist Church, 809 Christian operated, full service, should con- the church suitable for their needs. Damascus Hwy, Enterprise, AL lighted sign company located in 36330 is prayerfully seeking Pelham, Alabama, for 23 years sider it? and software Though not church-specific, resumes for a part-time minis- — is ready to help you expand Mickey For more costs. they are cost-effective be- ter of music. Please send resu- your church sign ministry. Crawford, an information about “I recom- cause the software comes mé to church address, marked From digital message boards to associate in using technology installed on many comput- ATTN: Personnel Committee. traditional signs, Reliable Signs mend that For additional inquiries call will design, fabricate and install the office of in ministry, contact they look at ers. 334-494-2336. statewide. www.reliablesigns. communica- Haley Piersol, some of these For example, Microsoft com. 1-800-729-6844 or BIVOCATIONAL WORSHIP 205-664-0955. tions and digital services companies Access has free templates LEADER technology associate at The and see what to create a basic Contacts Seeking bivocational worship ELROD MOBILITY — services at database. The customiz- leader. Big Hurricane Baptist GREAT PRICES Alabama Baptist, they have to the Alabama offer,” Craw- able database can include Church, Brookwood, Alabama. Stair-lifts, walk-in tubs, lift- at 205-870-4720 Contact: 205-553-3889. chairs and lightweight take- Baptist State ford said. a photo of each member, apart scooters. Saving people Board of Mis- or hpiersol@ A few op- along with name, address, STUDENT AND MUSIC a lot of money on walk-in tubs, sions, says it’s thealabamabaptist. phone numbers, emails, PASTOR stair-lifts and showers. Our lift- tions are: Mount Gilead Baptist Church chairs and scooters are near worth a look. org. 4ACS membership date and other in Bethel Springs, TN, is seek- internet pricing. A+ rating with “The big- Technologies information. ing a full-time student and BBB. We service Alabama. Another Office pro- music pastor. We are a growing 1-800-682-0658. gest thing to This one’s church with a heart for people keep up with in a church is been around for quite some gram, Microsoft Excel, is a all over the world. Please email STEEPLES, ETC. the people itself,” he said. time and serves nearly spreadsheet program, and your resumé and/or dvd’s to: No job too big or too small. Churches can track a lot 50,000 churches, according spreadsheets can be used [email protected] or mail Call for free on-site con- to: Mount Gilead Baptist Church, sultation.Toll-free 1-888- of things for their member- to its website. to track weekly totals in 6185 Rowsey School Road, 699-9679 or Alabama local ship, including allergies, The company describes giving, worship, Sunday Bethel Springs, TN 38315, 205-699-9679. Ask for Terry prayer requests and back- it as “approachable,” and School attendance, etc., as ATTN: Search Committee. For Barnes, owner. Visit gallery at leedsstainedglass.com. ground checks for student the software offers tools well as to keep track of in- questions call 731-607-1000. ministry workers. like member profiles, giv- dividual giving. YOUTH MINISTER TRAVEL/VACATION ing options and accounting, Farley Community Church in Keeping track Huntsville, Alabama, is seeking LOG CABIN RENTAL child check-in and a vari- a dynamic, spirit-filled person Lake Guntersville area, beauti- Software programs can ety of other resources. You to serve as our full-time youth ful view and fully furnished. also help churches manage can also use it through a minister. Christ-focused disciple- Discounts to ministers. Log on event registration or keep cloud-based platform called ship is at the heart of all of our to www.paradisevista.net to see ministries. A bachelor’s degree pictures. Call for reservations at tabs on who is authorized Realm. from an accredited institu- 205-540-3600. to pick up children from 4Shelby Systems tion or seminary and previous the kids ministry area after Although smaller church- youth ministry experience are GULF SHORES CONDO required. Please submit resumés 1-, 2-, 3-bedroom luxury they’ve been dropped off. es can use it too, Crawford to: [email protected]. beachfront condos and four- “Software designed for says he knows a lot of bedroom beach resort house! these kinds of records can larger churches in Alabama PART-TIME YOUTH Booking with the owner di- MINISTER rectly saves you $$. Call Chris help churches keep track of who choose this software Concord Highland Baptist at 800-713-6435 or email: everything,” Crawford said. and the breadth of resources Church (Bessemer Assn.) is [email protected]. “If you take it off paper it offers. looking for Candidates to re- start our Youth Ministry.Please AFFORDABLE BEACHSIDE and put it into a database, It can provide some of mail resumes to: Youth Search CONDOS there’s security in that. the same integrated tools Committee, Concord Highland Gulf Shores and Orange Only certain people have like member management Baptist Church, 105 Concord Beach, Alabama. Rent direct access.” Highland Drive, Bessemer, AL from Christian family own- and online giving and can 35023. ers. Lowest prices on the Another benefit is that host your church’s website beach for over 25 years! Call many church management too. MINISTER OF CHILDREN & Donna at 251-656-4935, Don FAMILIES at 251-752-2366, Eddie at software options work in 4PowerChurch FBC Dadeville is looking for a 205-556-0368, or visit www. tandem with programs like Often a fit for smaller full-time Minister of Children gulfshorescondos.com. Mailchimp and Constant churches, PowerChurch APRIL 11, 2019 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 15

Health care sharing ministries can save people a significant amount of money. A monthly ‘share’ typically costs hundreds less and the annual deductible thousands less than a comparable Affordable Care Act-compliant insurance plan. Matter of Faith Unsplash.com Crowd-funding health care: Cost and conscience drive health care sharing ministries By Martha Simmons scribed substance, abstain totally HCSMs usually don’t pay for organized in individual churches to Correspondent, The Alabama Baptist from illegal drugs and recreational preventive health care, dental or eye large national organizations. A De- ore than nine years use of marijuana, and abstain from care either. cember 2017 article in “Consumer after the enactment of tobacco use — alcohol is allowed Nearly a million Americans now Reports” reported that the three the Affordable Care but only moderately belong to HCSMs in 29 states in- largest HCSMs — Samaritan Min- MAct (ACA), state and 4Abstain from any sexual activi- cluding Alabama. But the concept is istries, Medi-Share and Christian federal legislators are still kicking ty outside of traditional biblical mar- far from mainstream. Healthcare Ministries — account for around the political football more riage as designed by God between The national Alliance for Health 85 percent of all people involved in commonly known as Obamacare. one man and one woman Care Sharing Ministries notes the health care cost sharing. Meanwhile, regular folks remain 4Agree not to sue Samaritan or great majority — 97 out of 104 cer- “Each ministry operates slightly on the sidelines trying to figure out each other. tified HCSMs — are operated by differently, but in general members how — or even if — they can afford Samaritan applicants must have a Mennonite/OGB (Old German Bap- contribute a set amount — their health insurance. pastor, elder or ac- tist) churches and ‘share’ — every month. If you have For some Christians traditional countability part- “For some Christians associations with a medical issue you get it treated insurance isn’t the answer. Even if ner sign a state- closed member- and afterward submit your bills to they can afford the premiums and ment attesting they traditional insurance isn’t ship. the ministry. deductibles, they may object to their meet the require- In 2016 the Ala- The ministry reimburses you or health insurance carrier covering ments. Participants the answer. ... Whether bama Legislature will pay the health care provider services such as birth control, elec- must submit state- codified an HCSM directly. But there’s no guarantee tive abortions or transgender opera- ments each year for reasons of finance or as a faith-based, that any or all of your costs will be tions. reaffirming they conscience — or both — tax-exempt non- covered,” according to Consumer Whether for reasons of finance or continue to live ac- profit organization Reports. conscience — or both — some peo- cordingly. some people are turning that, among other Some HCSMs direct members to ple are turning to Christian health HCSMs can save things: send a check directly to the individ- care sharing ministries (HCSMs), some people a sig- to Christian health care 4Limits its par- ual needing to pay for medical ser- organizations in which people with nificant amount of ticipants to those vices, while other HCSMs negotiate shared religious or ethical beliefs money. A monthly sharing ministries.” who are of a simi- costs for services with the providers help pay each other’s medical costs. “share” in an lar faith and pay them directly, earning sub- HCSM typically costs hundreds less 4Provides for the financial or stantial discounts for prompt Similiar beliefs and the annual deductible thousands medical needs of a participant payment. Think of it as a sort of crowd- less than a comparable ACA-com- through contributions from one par- funding for health care. But to join pliant insurance plan. But it’s impor- ticipant to another Good track record one of those crowds you’ll need tant to learn exactly what is and isn’t 4Assumes no risk or promise to While most HCSMs maintain a to share similar beliefs, avoid un- covered before signing up for one. pay good track record for making pay- healthy and immoral behavior, and HCSMs usually don’t pay for 4Provides a written monthly ments, it’s important to underscore for the most part possess no pre- chronic or pre-existing conditions statement listing the total dollar the fact that since they are not insur- existing conditions. For instance like diabetes or high blood pressure, amount of qualified needs submitted ance companies they are unregulated Samaritan Ministries, one of the top as required by the ACA. That makes to the HCSM, as well as the partici- and not backed up financially by three HCSMs, requires participants HCSMs a lot less attractive to older pant contributions a state guaranty association. If the to, among other things: adults, who typically suffer more of 4Provides a written statement health care ministry runs into finan- 4Be a professing Christian and these conditions as they age. More- that it is not an insurance company cial problems the participant is still sign a statement of faith over, Medicare-eligible people can and that each participant is “person- responsible for paying his or her 4Attend a Christian church at usually buy additional insurance ally responsible for the payment of own medical bills. least three out of four weeks per coverage — which helps pay the 20 your own medical bills,” even if the Participating in a health care shar- month as health or weather permits percent of costs Medicare doesn’t HCSM folds. ing ministry is always a matter of 4Not abuse any legal or pre- cover. HCSMs range from small groups faith. PAGE 16 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / APRIL 11, 2019

FREE VBS NAMETAGS!

We have FREE name tags available, with TWO options to choose from! These name tags not only fill a practical need for your VBS, but they also help to share with your kids about our ministry to children and families, through a short story printed on the back. Sign up to receive your FREE nametags at alabamachild.org/resources or call (888) 720-8805. Please note that the deadline to request these is May 17!

YOU AND YOUR CHURCH can help children & families across Alabama

Rooted in the love of Christ for over 128 years, our mission to protect, nurture, and restore children and families through Christ-centered services is as strong as ever. Join us this year as we share of lives impacted for their good and His glory! Our complimentary Church Offering Materials serve to help raise awareness within your church about the needs of children andfamilies around our state. With these materials, you can help us reach our 2019 Church Offering goal of $2.8 million. All of our partnering churches will receive this package later this spring. Offering envelopes are not included but can be requested for free, along with additional bulletin inserts and posters at alabamachild.org/offering19 or by calling (888) 720-8805. APRIL 11, 2019 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 17 ‘Still worth it’ Vacation Bible School impacts many lives, continues to win children to Christ By Grace Thornton tool that we’ve been blessed with,” The Alabama Baptist said Edmonds, who oversees state echell Bice says she VBS efforts. doesn’t remember the Holmes agreed it has a rich history name of the man who — and it all started in a bar. Mprayed with her in Virginia Hawes held the first 1977, but she does remember his VBS in a rented beer parlor on face. She was 7 and attending Vaca- New York’s East Side in 1898. In tion Bible School (VBS) at Light- 1900, they tried to move it to a house Baptist Church, Ashville, and church building, then they tried it she remembers that VBS volunteer in a neighborhood to see if they teaching her about the love of Jesus. could get better attendance. “It was a very real moment in By the next year it was a move- my life, and I very much wanted ment — the New York City Baptist Jesus to come into my heart and to Mission Society picked up the live my life for Him,” she said. “I banner and spread VBS. By 1924, always think back to that moment Southern Baptists’ Sunday School in the sanctuary of that little church BGR photo Board had a dedicated department and how wonderful and different I VBS students at Highland Park Baptist Church, Muscle Shoals, gave nearly for VBS. felt. I don’t ever want to forget that $2,000 toward building two wells in Guatemala in 2017. VBS is one of the lead- ing evangelistic and missions efforts coordinated by the local church each year. In 1926 it began publishing mate- moment.” rials to help guide churches as they ‘Forever appreciate’ Worth It: Uncovering How One 421,376 churches held VBS planned, promoted and held VBS. As an adult, Bice — now a mem- Week Can Transform Your Church,” 42,494,059 people enrolled “I would argue that VBS’s his- ber of Evening Star Missionary writes that churches should not con- 465,301 salvation decisions torical longevity proves it is a de- Baptist Church, Pell City — said she sider VBS expendable. happened pendable ministry and a successful will “forever appreciate” the value “VBS is worth it — all the effort, 4835 decisions were made for strategy,” according to Holmes. of VBS and the commitment of vol- all the expense, all the hours, all the vocational ministry It’s an effective way for churches unteers to show her the gospel. tears,” Holmes writes. “Why? Be- 4$7,012,010 given to missions to involve the community and use Kelly Jones, a member of 3Circle cause VBS is the one week that mo- during VBS. the week as a missions tool, Ed- Church, Mobile, agreed. bilizes the entire church to reach the And roughly 10 percent of those monds said. “People around Ala- “I was saved during VBS at age community with the gospel, while national numbers can be attributed bama are learning more and more 10 — 30-plus years ago — when the simultaneously providing a unique consistently to Alabama, said Daniel to think of VBS as missions and gospel was presented by the pastor,” discipleship experience for the indi- Edmonds, director of the office of take it into areas underserved by she said. “I believe in VBS.” vidual child and volunteer.” Sunday School and discipleship for the church.” It’s because of stories like Bice’s Statistics bear that out. In 2017 the Alabama Baptist State Board of For more information about VBS and Jones’ repeated over and over alone, churches reported these stats Missions. training contact Edmonds at 334- that Landry Holmes, author of “It’s to LifeWay Christian Resources: “It’s been a longstanding, great 613-2285. Alabama VBS students impact thousands by funding two wells By Casey Watson That project in Guatemala — and projects. Global Outreach Pastor able to get clean drinking water,” Baptist Global Response so many others — have touched lives John Russell said the church added a Russell said. “And then [as they yrna once walked hours like Myrna’s because Southern Bap- little to the pot so the children could asked] questions and through the over mountainous terrain tists have sacrificed their dollars for fund two complete wells for commu- teaching we had done during the Min Guatemala to collect BGR water projects. Even children nities in need. week, they began to get the big water for herself and her eight have piled their pennies into Vaca- picture. They were very enthusias- children. tion Bible School (VBS) offering Passion for helping tic about their offering.” She had to fight for this one, plates so boys and girls like them Russell said the boys and girls dis- BGR hopes to give that op- basic element of survival, and she can enjoy clean, refreshing water. covered a passion for helping others portunity to more children this had no way to guarantee its level In fact, some VBS events, like after BGR CEO Jeff Palmer made a summer. Those interested can visit of sanitation. According to Baptist the one at Highland Park Baptist personal trip to Highland Park and gobgr.org/VBS or call the BGR Global Response (BGR) person- Church, Muscle Shoals, have given talked to the students about villages office at 866-974-5623 to get nel in the area, her children often impressive amounts to provide com- that desperately needed wells, water more information about how their grew sick because she could only munities with this essential need. systems and water filters. VBS students can show God’s give them contaminated water. Last summer, the roughly 220 “I think, at first, they were a little love to villages in Myrna’s area But then BGR helped fund a students who attended the church’s stunned — particularly our younger and around the world. water system for Myrna’s com- VBS pooled their money to offer ones — because I don’t think they EDITOR’S NOTE — Myrna’s munity. nearly $2,000 toward BGR water had a concept of people not being name changed for privacy reasons. PAGE 18 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / APRIL 11, 2019 NEWS stories you should know 3 National CP giving Born-alive protections exceeds projections stifled in Congress ontributions to Southern Baptist epublicans in the U.S. House national and international mis- of Representatives have initi- Csions and ministries received by the Rated another effort to gain a floor Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) vote on legislation to require health Executive Committee (EC) in care for a baby born alive during an March were 3.85 percent above the abortion. projected budget at the mid-point of Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R- the current fiscal year, according to La.) filed a discharge petition April a news release from the EC. 2 for the Born-Alive Abortion Sur- As of March 31 gifts re- vivors Protection Act, which states ceived by the EC for distribution that a child who survives an abor- through the Cooperative Program tion is a “legal person” deserving (CP) Allocation Budget totaled protection of the same degree of $100,736,376.81, or $29,550.18 care offered “any other baby born above the $100,706,826.63 received alive at the same gestational age.” Photo courtesy of Texas Department of Criminal Justice through the first six months of the Success of the discharge peti- After the U.S. Supreme Court halted the execution of a Texas inmate 2017–2018 fiscal year. The fiscal tion seems unlikely. More than two because his Buddhist chaplain would not be allowed into the execu- year begins on Oct. 1. dozen attempts to bring the bill to a tion chamber, the state has chosen to ban all prison chaplains from its CP allocation receipts for SBC House vote have failed because the execution chamber. The state previously allowed only Christian and Muslim clerics employed with the state into the death chamber. In a work for the month of March to- presiding officer from the Demo- similar case in February the Court declined to stop the execution of taled $15,066,586.47. Designated cratic majority has declined the re- an Alabama prisoner who requested an imam at his execution. (TAB) gifts received in March amounted to quest. Similar efforts in the Senate $25,684,181.99. (BP) also have failed. (BP)

— NEWSBRIEFS — — NEWSBRIEFS — Bluff Springs to honor Davis’ 70 years in Dothan. He served as director of missions for projected the movie to gross approximately $3 of ministry and missions service Columbia (now Southeast Alabama) Baptist As- million. sociation, and he served with the North Ameri- All other movies in the weekend’s top five Homer Davis remembers the second can Mission Board and the Georgia Baptist Mis- showed on at least twice as many screens as the Sunday in April of 1949 like it was sion Board working with church planters. He’s 1,059 that showed yesterday. preached on five continents. “Unplanned.” He was a student at the University And on April 14, Bluff Springs Baptist The opening of Alabama, and he went to a revival service at Church, Ashford — the church that ordained weekend success Calvary Baptist Church, Tusca- him — will celebrate his long legacy of ministry came despite pro- loosa, where John L. Slaughter, with a special service and a lunch. tests and ad bans on then pastor of First Baptist “I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting and think- television networks Church, Birmingham, was and social media, ing about the good things that God has done, Photo by Unplannedfilm.com speaking. combined with an “He shared his testimony and and I’m just blown away,” Davis said. (Grace Thornton) R rating by the Motion Picture Association of it was like the Lord was say- America (MPAA) for some “disturbing/bloody ing, ‘That’s you.’ It was almost ‘Unplanned’ film’s box office success images.” identical to the struggle I had An R rating generally discourages a Chrisian been having,” Davis said. “I DAVIS ‘defies logic,’ Christian critic says audience, said Christian film critic Michael dedicated my life to the minis- “Unplanned,” a film that tells the Foust. The film’s rating was cited by some as try that day.” true story of Abby Johnson’s ascent to evidence of media bias against the movie’s pro- And 70 years later he says he’s “just amazed become one of the youngest Planned life perspective. The film contains no profanity, that God could use a little cotton-picking farm Parenthood clinic directors in America nudity or immodesty. boy to do all that He’s allowed me to do.” and her subsequent conversion to pro-life views, “The movie’s status as a hit defies logic,” Davis has served as pastor of churches in Mis- brought in just under $6.4 million March 29–31. Foust said, noting how supporters of the film sissippi, Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama, It finished No. 4 at the box office, according and pro-life advocates came out in droves for including Bethel Baptist and Ridgecrest Baptist to the website BoxOfficeMojo.com, which had opening weekend. (BP) APRIL 11, 2019 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 19 NEWS

COFFEE ASSOCIATION will be led by DeWitt Cox, associational music 4Coffee Baptist Association’s 27th annual director. Terry Burke is pastor of Mount Vernon Heroes’ Banquet Baptist. James Maples is associational evange- News was hosted by lism director and Lloyd Borden is associational Bethany Baptist missionary. Church, New Brock- TALLAPOOSA ASSOCIATION near you ton, on March 14. 4On March 17, Old Providence Baptist This event is an Church, Goodwater, celebrated 175 years of opportunity to rec- CALHOUN ASSOCIATION service. Former pastor Carlton Amason was the ognize and honor 4Nances Creek Baptist Church, Jackson- Photo courtesy of Coffee Association guest speaker, Lacrecia Jones Thomas sang a those serving our ville, will host a revival April 14–17. Sunday solo and the choir community.4Newbia Baptist Church, Elba, services will be at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., and sang. Calvin Mil- will host its Easter egg hunt April 20 from 11 a.m. Monday through Wednesday services will be at ford presented the to 2 p.m. There will be food, drinks, games and 7 p.m. Eugene Burgess will be the guest evan- church with a cer- more. Will Jordan is pastor. gelist. For more information call 256-310-7216. tificate on behalf Garry Brown is pastor. MONTGOMERY ASSOCIATION of the Alabama CLARKE ASSOCIATION 4Nathan Nowell is the new minister of stu- Baptist Historical 4First Baptist Church, Jackson, will host dents and recreation at Heritage Commission. Old Photo courtesy of Douglas Jones a drama presentation, “Living Last Supper,” on Baptist Church, Montgomery. church photos and April 14 at 6 p.m. They will also present the He previously served as student certificates were on display. drama at First United Methodist Church, Jack- ministry associate at Calvary “It was a wonderful God-filled day,” said son, on April 18 at 6 p.m. Ben Stubblefield is Baptist Church, Dothan. He church member Patricia Jones. “It is amazing to pastor.4Pineview Baptist Church, Thomas- also has served at First Baptist watch what God can do.” ville, will host Jason Crabb in concert April 14 Church, Notasulga; and First Lunch followed the service. The 175th cel- at 6 p.m. Call 334-636-2405 for tickets. Mitch Baptist Church, Dothan. He ebration will continue Aug. 4 with an all-day, Thrower is pastor. holds a degree in ministry studies old-fashioned singing. Clinton Branch is pastor. NOWELL from Auburn University. He is OTHER COOSA RIVER ASSOCIATION married to Sarah. 4Westview Baptist Church, Sylacauga, 4The Johnny Williamson Good Shepherd will host a cruise-in at Noble Park on April 27 LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN ASSOCIATION Foundation will host the 6th annual Legacy of from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is open to classic cars 4Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Collins- Love festival April 20 in Samantha from 11 a.m. and trucks, hot rods, new cars and trucks and ville, will host the annual Lookout Mountain to 4 p.m. Food and family activities will include motorcycles. There will be door prizes, hot Baptist Association Evangelism Rally on April 28 live music, clogging and face painting. A con- dogs and more. For more information call 256- at 5 p.m. The service will feature testimonies from cert featuring 11th Hour will be held immedi- 487-1410 or visit www.wherefriendsbecome- individuals who were led to Christ through the ately following the festival at the Shepherd Hill family.com. Jimmie Roberts Jr. is pastor. evangelistic efforts of others. A combined choir Opry. For more information call 205-872-4719.

— NEWSBRIEFS — Rise in attacks on French churches smashed in a Paris suburb and a statue of Jesus round of power outages in less than a month. reflects ignorance of religion decapitated in an Atlantic seaside resort with After a week with no electricity, water short- the very Christian name of Saint Gilles Croix de ages and food spoilage is a way of life, while Sometimes it’s a cross of human ex- Vie (St. Giles, Cross of Life). hospitals, business- crement smeared on a church wall with The attacks on Catholic churches reflect the es and schools are stolen Communion hosts stuck at the complex role France’s once dominant faith closed. four corners. plays in a society that has changed so much that For the vast ma- Other times a statue of the Virgin Mary lies ignorance of religion — not only Christianity jority of Venezu- shattered on the floor. Now and then a fire but others as well — is widespread. elans, believers and breaks out in a house of prayer. Attacks on other religious sites, especially nonbelievers alike, Roman Catholic churches have increasingly life is strictly about Jewish and Muslim properties, have also risen, Screen capture from CNN come under attack in France, a country so long survival. Yet Bap- identified with but are far fewer than those on Catholic church- es because of their minority status. tists in the devastated nation are looking for and Christianity that it finding ways to share the light of Christ as they used to be called Protestants, who make up only 2 percent of the population, have seen few attacks on their minister to those around them. “the eldest daughter Baptist work is going forward in 23 of the na- of the church.” churches, possibly because they lack many sym- bols distinct to Catholicism. (RNS) tion’s 24 states. At an associational/regional lev- A recent fire at St. el programs have been in place since last year Sulpice, the second- Christ’s light shines amid physical, to help pastoral families with basic pantry items largest church in RNS photo by Laurent Cipriani/AP once a month through The RaVenz Project. Ad- Paris, has shed light spiritual darkness in Venezuela ditional programs are providing food for church on a trend that has become commonplace in Representatives of Baptist Global feeding centers directed to the most vulnerable many smaller towns. Relief (BGR) and the International in the community such as children, pregnant Among attacks on churches in February a Mission Board are seeking ways to and nursing mothers and the elderly. cross of human excrement was found in the help Venezuela as most parts of the To give to help relief efforts in Venezuela go southern city of Nimes, a statue of Mary was country are coping with the nation’s second to gobgr.org. (BP) PAGE 20 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / APRIL 11, 2019 APRIL 11, 2019 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 21 ‘A glimpse of God’ Renowned geneticist encourages strength of faith alongside science n top of his duties Collins is recognized in Collins may be the best has deeply significant ethi- else I know it,’ but also, as the director of faith circles not only for his Protestant diplomat for cal, philosophical, theologi- ‘Look at this glimpse I just the National In- scientific accomplishments bridging the science-faith cal issues,” Collins said. “If got of God’s mind and what O stitutes of Health — among them piloting the divide as Christians wrestle we are made in God’s image, a gift that is.’ So I think (NIH), Francis Collins takes Human Genome Project — with modern technology if we are fearfully and won- Christians bring that sense time to answer letters from but for his seemingly such as CRISPR, the derfully made, as Psalm 139 of curiosity and vision and Christians trying to reconcile unshakable faith in new tool for gene says, are we really ready to awe,” he said. their faith with science. God. editing. take on the role of changing “Whether it’s adding to the At a conference in March That dedication In an interview that?” body of knowledge of how of BioLogos, the nonprofit to Christianity has with Religion News life works ... or whether it’s he founded more than 10 earned him star pow- Service, Collins said Enhance each other more applied and prevents years ago to bridge science er among a segment CRISPR has “moved The scientific and spiritual a child from suffering, that and faith, Collins told an of evangelicals who to the top of the list worldview can enhance each feels like a calling that every audience of 360 scientists, are eager for a more in terms of its ethi- other, he said. Christian deep down experi- nuanced approach to cal consequences, “As a scientist I get a spe- ences, and here is a chance pastors and educators about COLLINS an email he received re- science — one that that is gene editing cial privilege in the moment to play that out in this won- cently from a man in Nigeria accepts the findings in terms of modify- of discovery to say, ‘Oh derful team spirit of scien- named Emanuel. of evolution, for example, ing the germline, the part of wow. Look what I figured tific investigations of nature.” while also regarding the the DNA that gets passed on out and I can tell everyone (RNS) Room for faith Bible as a source of ultimate from parent to child.” Emanuel was raised in a authority. The issue of altering the conservative Christian home, BioLogos takes concrete DNA of an embryo with the but was studying to be a steps to educate evangelicals intention to produce a child nurse and wrestling with about science in a way that with a different DNA struc- whether he could hold on to makes room for their faith. It ture is “crossing a profound- his faith. has recently launched a pod- ly significant line,” Collins Collins told him he didn’t cast and is working on cur- said. need to abandon his faith in ricula for homeschoolers and “It has all kinds of issues order to understand what he Christian schools that are of a practical sort: Can you was learning. scientifically rigorous and do it, can you do it efficient- A renowned geneticist, true to the Christian faith. ly and is it safe? But it also

Looking for the answers to this week’s crossword? Those are now on page 2 so we can make the puzzle clues larger and easier to read. Happy puzzling!

Across 34. Thus you ____ify the word of 9. ____ shall ye say to David. 1. Led the Israelites over the God. (Matt. 15:6) (1 Sam. 18:25) Christian Crossword Jordan river. (Josh. 4:1) 36. One who excels. 10. Your steps will not be ___(ed). By Udena McKee Copyright 1994 ©Barbour Publishing Inc. 6. Queen of the ____. 37. If a man have long ____. (Prov. 4:12) (Matt. 12:42) (1 Cor. 11:14) 14. Where Joseph found his 11. A crown of gold round 38. Past participle of lie. brothers. (Gen. 37:17) ____. (Ex. 25:11) 40. The men of Bethel and 18. Full of sorrow. 12. Disciple and successor ____. (Neh. 7:32) 20. Jonadab told Amnon to of Elijah. (1 Kings 19:16) 42. Where golf ball is placed. pretend to be ____. 13. Marked with bands. 43. Give ____ this day. (Matt. 6:11) (2 Sam. 13:5) 15. Part of the small intestine. 45. City where the Philistines 25. Symbol for calcium. 16. Overdraft. (abbr.) took the ark. (1 Sam. 5:1) 26. United States of America 17. Born in his ____ house. 48. First home of Adam and Eve. (abbr.) (Gen. 14:14) (Gen. 2:8) 28. Job’s friend. (Job 2:11) 19. The ____es saw a man coming 50. A native of Thailand. 30. To fill with joy. forth out of the city. (Judg. 1:24) 52. What hast thou ____? 33. Symbol for argon. 21. ____ thou return unto the (Gen. 4:10) 35. Thou hast not ____ unto men, ground. (Gen. 3:19) 54. A good king of Judah. but unto God. (Acts 5:4) 22. Loose outer garment worn by (2 Chron. 29:1) 37. A tract of open land. ancient Romans. 55. A male cat. 39. Your Father knoweth what 23. He built there an altar, and things ye have ____ of. called the place ____-bethel. Down (Matt. 6:8) (Gen. 35:7) 1. A dress or shirt ruffle. 40. Account of. (abbr.) 24. The Lord your God, ____ it is 2. Shortest book of the 41. Part of the psyche. that fighteth for you. Old Testament. 44. All of a man’s ways ____ (Josh. 23:10) 3. Hannah prayed for a ____. innocent to him. (Prov. 16:2) 25. Spiral or twisted form. (1 Sam. 1:11) 46. Female pronoun. 27. Who heard ____ words of God. 4. To crowd together. 47. Give me children, or else I (Num. 24:4) 5. Indian tribe from western U.S. ____. (Gen. 30:1) 29. Whoso putteth his trust in the 6. His ____ was in his hand. 49. That which was torn by Lord, shall be ____. (1 Sam. 17:40) beasts I brought ____ unto (Prov. 29:25) 7. Her mouth is smoother than thee. (Gen. 31:39) 31. ____ an earring of gold. ____. (Prov. 5:3) 51. Mother. (Prov. 25:12) 8. ____ them to fasten the 53. Before them there were ____ 32. Los Angeles. (abbr.) curtains. (Ex. 26:6) such locusts. (Ex. 10:14) PAGE 22 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / APRIL 11, 2019

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS For April 14 Explore the Bible Bible Studies for Life By Robert E. Jackson, Ph.D. By James Riley Strange, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile Associate Professor of New Testament, Samford University

COMMANDS all hope seems to GOD WON’T FORGIVE THIS SIN probably because Mark 9:14–27 be fading. From Matthew 12:22–32 their own fol- this hopeless and lowers can do Powerless (14–18) faithless mind- Today we begin a seven-week the same (v. 27). Life’s mountaintop experiences set the dad asks series on some of the difficult say- Jesus points out often are followed by valleys. Je- Jesus to help — “If you can.” The ings of Jesus. Most lessons will that if the head demon is casting sus’ transfiguration on the moun- implied skepticism is met with a focus on difficult things Jesus told out his own slaves, then Satan’s tain is followed by the valley of His sharp comeback from Christ that His disciples to do and most of kingdom is about to fall. This disciples’ powerlessness, evidenced everything is possible for the per- those have to do with emotions and statement oozes irony for Satan’s on numerous levels. son who believes. intentions. The first two lessons, kingdom is indeed falling because First and foremost, as representa- Make no mistake this statement however, look at difficult things to of the source of Jesus’ power: the tives of Christ, they are powerless does not mean if you have enough believe. Holy Spirit. Jesus is the Messiah to heal the boy. Next they lack faith any sickness will be healed. These lessons examine the cost who, with the power of the Spirit, control over their emotions as they Far too often this faulty belief of discipleship. We face no famine has tied up the strong man to plun- feud with the religious leaders leads to guilt when a person prays of messages that God intends to der his house. while a father agonizes over his in faith and no healing comes. We prosper Christians. If understood to Willful and persistent suffering child. Ultimately they ask, “Did I fail to believe enough?” mean wealth, health and ease such unbelief leaves no room for fail because they don’t seek the No. Do not miss the point. Jesus ideas leave us with no help during repentance, and forgiveness only source of real power through must be the object of belief; faith in difficulties. A diet of lessons that is absent when repentance is prayer. Jesus sets no limits to the power of emphasize the struggles of obedi- absent. (30–32) Like the disciples far too often God. In other words Jesus is chal- ence will remind us that Jesus calls It is one thing to “speak a word we neglect prayer and thus focus lenging the man to put his faith in us to follow Him despite great cost. against the Son of Man.” In context on things that have no eternal sig- the miracle worker instead of the The work of Christ points this probably refers to engaging in nificance — such as the color of miracle. to the power of God. (22–23) disputes with Jesus, a valued reli- the carpet, the style of music, the With Jesus’ unlimited power all This episode occurs in a series of gious practice. One showed respect order of worship and so forth. Is things are possible. I love the dad’s disputes with religious leaders and to another teacher by arguing about there any wonder why we experi- cry, “I believe, help my unbelief!” Jesus’ own family. Demons (also the correct interpretation of Scrip- ence so little power? Confession of our unbelief is nec- “unclean spirits”) often cause peo- ture, especially when how to live it Hopeless (19–21) essary for moving from faithless- ple to harm themselves. This one out was at stake. The disciples lacked power and ness to belief. causes blindness and muteness. Disputation showed that both were hopeless over this evil spirit. Faithful (25–27) In the Gospels these often stand parties agreed about the goal: living The religious leaders armed with As a crowd rushes together to for ignorance and refusal to pro- as God wants His people to live. their law provided zero hope. In witness the commotion Jesus com- claim the truth — or for proclaim- It is something else to call God’s fact no human intervention could mands the demon to leave and nev- ing what is false. The demoniac is a work the devil’s toil. provide hope for this family. A er return. As the evil spirit leaves foil for the Pharisees of verse 24. Like the crowds we may experi- fundamental problem with both the the boy convulses violently and The crowds who witness the ence doubts. However, to witness people and the disciples is their un- then becomes motionless. In fact miracle express doubt that Jesus God at work in our lives and in the belief. Hope shows up in Jesus who many in the crowd murmur, “He is is the “son of David,” the Messiah world and to see instead the work reprimands them for their unbelief. dead.” Remember Jesus challenges (see Matt. 1:1). The Greek can be of Satan reveals a relationship with As soon as the spirit sees Jesus the boy’s father to believe in Him. translated, “Surely this isn’t the son God demolished by our choice. it causes the boy to roll around and Jesus has been here before with of David, is it?” The Pharisees will Taking into account what Jesus foam at the mouth. Jesus watches Jairus’ daughter. Whether the boy go further than doubt. says elsewhere about the breadth the boy writhing on the ground is dead or not is of no consequence The work of Christ points and depth of God’s mercy and our while He asks the dad, “How long to Jesus because He is the life to the presence of God’s forgiveness of others (Matt. 5:7 has this been happening?” We can giver. Spirit. (24–29) and 6:12; Luke 6:36 and 23:34), understand the hopelessness of this Using resurrection language Beelzebul or “Ba’al-zebul” (“lord here Jesus suggests such a person parent who has watched his boy Mark states Jesus “raised him” of the lofty abode”) was the name refuses to seek forgiveness. C.S. suffer since childhood. and “he stood up.” Not only was of a Canaanite god who was ridi- Lewis said something similar in a Faithless (22–24) the boy healed from the demon, culed as “Beelzebub” or “Ba’al-ze- number of writings (see “The Great Obviously the failure of the dis- but even more importantly he was bub” (“lord of the flies”) in 2 Kings Divorce” and “The Silver Chair”). ciples was another disappointment raised by Jesus to a new life. This 1:2–3:16. The Pharisees pick up the If God takes human will seriously as the father sought healing for his lesson should remind us to put our idea in some Jewish writings that then there must be some who, even child. We sense the anguish in his trust in the faithful Jesus. Belief in Beelzebul is the arch demon. if they were to meet God face to voice as he explains that his boy Jesus, not the miracle, is a neces- Notice that they do not accuse face, would reject Him. has almost died by drowning and sary step as we grow in faithful Jesus of deception. They express Let us be those who see clearly burning. This situation is grave and obedience to Him. no doubt He can cast out demons and proclaim.

The crossword has moved! It can now be found on the page before the Sunday School lessons each week. Happy puzzling! APRIL 11, 2019 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / PAGE 23 Media MOVIES reviews ‘Apollo 11’ is marvelous celebration of God’s creation By Michael Foust documentary, “Dinosaur Correspondent, The Alabama Baptist 13.” pollo 11’s Miller said he wanted to mission to avoid using the popular, the moon famous footage the public was among already had seen, and he the greatest succeeded. Aachievements in world his- For example, the iconic tory, but sadly it wasn’t black-and-white film of captured with today’s high- Armstrong stepping down definition video cameras. the ladder isn’t even in the Instead we’re left only movie. Instead, we watch a with grainy footage show- color film that was recorded ing Neil Armstrong step- inside the lunar lander by ping on the moon and Wal- his crewmate Buzz Aldrin. ter Cronkite describing the action. Never-before-seen Then again ... maybe not. The rest of “Apollo 11” A new documentary, ap- follows a similar pattern propriately named “Apollo as we enjoy never-before- 11” (G), brings that broadcast footage of event 50-year-old mission to life after event. thanks to a newly discov- Instead of grainy televi- ered batch of 65mm film sion footage of the launch and more than 11,000 hours we’re treated to an up-close ‘Apollo 11’ Photo courtesy of Neon of uncataloged audio re- 65mm footage of the rocket cordings — most of which lifting from the pad and Later we watch the as- are learning about it in we’ve never seen or heard. piercing the clouds. That tronauts donning their suits school for the first time. The result is a 90-minute alone is worth the price of and climbing into the cap- It’s inspiring and educa- Meet the movie that approximates admission. sule. tional and it contains a few reviewer modern The The movie ends with the edge-of-your-seat moments Michael Foust covers the film tech- movie also world celebrating their re- that will surprise you. intersection of faith and nology succeeds be- turn. The film celebrates entertainment as a media and makes cause it has It’s the miniscule details achievement, teamwork reviewer for The Alabama you feel no narrator. recorded on once-forgotten and our shared humanity. It Baptist. He also is the like you’re We only footage the day of the also raises a few worldview husband of an amazing living in hear the launch that makes the wife and the father of four questions, led by Buzz Al- young children. 1969. astronauts, documentary entertaining: drin’s pronouncement that It’s the Mis- Americans drinking coffee the mission was a symbol among the sion Con- on the beach, lining up at of the “insatiable curiosity the image of God — that best docu- trol work- concession stands, waking of all mankind to explore gives us the ability to build mentaries ers, and up in a Florida campground the unknown.” rockets and learn more and cramming together on I’ve seen Cronkite. about God’s creation. and — mi- His boom- a hotel balcony — all ready Imago dei Whatever the reason, nus two ing, nostal- to see history being made. But why do we have this “Apollo 11” is worth watch- moments of gic voice The launch happened insatiable desire to explore? coarse lan- sets the when coffee was 5 cents, Perhaps it’s because God ing. guage — is tone. beehive hairstyles were in planted within us a hunger Content warnings: The squeaky- At the and everyone wore crazy- to discover what’s out there. film contains no violence clean for the entire family. beginning of the movie we looking glasses. (Yes, those Perhaps it’s because God’s or sexuality and two coarse “Apollo 11” was directed watch the mammoth Saturn details are in the film too.) universe is so incredible it’s words (a muffled d--n by and edited by Todd Douglas V rocket make its way to the “Apollo 11” is a must-see worth exploring. Collins from space and h-ll Miller, who is best known launchpad on the crawler- film for those who lived Or perhaps it’s because heard in the John Stewart for his work on another transporter. through it and those who we have the imago dei — song “Mother Country”). PAGE 24 / THE ALABAMA BAPTIST / APRIL 11, 2019 ‘Christ in the foreground’ Faith helps Milwaukee Brewers’ pitcher Suter through rough patches By Bill Sorrell again,” Suter said. “Baseball helped Correspondent, The Alabama Baptist me get there. It’s been cool to be a hen teammates learn graduate. There’s not a lot of his- that Brent Suter, a left- tory of Harvard players in the major Scott Paulus/Milwaukee Brewers handed pitcher for the league.” Milwaukee Brewers’ pitcher Brent Suter says tough outings are part of baseball, WMilwaukee Brewers, Suter was part of a playoff team but faith in Christ helps him keep his career and life in perspective. is a Harvard graduate, he says he that in 2018 came within one game gets “that look.” of going to the World Series. more. The last years have been some right-handed batter is his favorite “After a while I’m one of the guys The long months of the major of the better years with my walk pitch.” His curve balls aren’t bad league season are tough, but Suter with Christ,” he said. either, clocking in the 86-to-89 mph says his faith helps him through the range. How rough patches. Off-season pursuits Baseball is a big part of his life “Sometimes the grind of the sea- Suter is active in Baseball Chapel, but Suter keeps it in perspective. to pray: son makes me not give all my effort a half-hour service where players “It takes hard work. You are go- 4 Pray for Brent Suter and for God, but I want to do my best for pray and discuss Scripture. During ing to have tough outings, but you other Christian athletes who God every day. I want to put Christ the off-season he tutors and works want to give your team a chance to strive to live their faith on the in the foreground not the back- with homeless. He also loves music. win every night,” he said. “If you field and in the locker room. ground,” Suter said. He is a songwriter and plays the make the pitches you should come 4 Pray for sports ministries Though Suter became a Christian piano, drums and acoustic guitar. out with at least a couple of wins like Baseball Chapel and the in middle school it was during his But during the season he is very per month. I’ve been very fortunate. Christian outreach they pro- rookie season that his words became competitive. Every bad outing presents a different vide to players, coaches and actions. “Working fast and throwing learning experience. ... We are here sports organizations. (TAB) “I started to walk the walk, trying strikes are good traits of mine,” said trying to give God glory with our ef- to reform my character more and Suter, whose inside fast ball to a forts every day.”

Wikipedia photo Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers Rev. David Miller, Walker Baptist Director of Missions Association OFFICE STAFF Sue Martin Our purpose is to exalt and honor the Lord Jesus as we seek to 230 N Walston Bridge Road Admin. Assistant & Editor encourage and assist the churches of Walker Baptist Association Jasper, AL 35504 in becoming Great Commission churches, Phone (205) 387-1820 winning the lost and making disciples. FAX (205) 387-0641 www.walkerbaptistassociation.com 2019

A Word from Bro. David Finally, warmer weather seems to be coming. I love this time of the year, baseball is in full swing. Whatever your pastime is, I hope you enjoy the beautiful weather we are having. We had a great mission trip to Michigan. I enjoyed the fellowship of our folks. I got to know some of the folks a little better. You will enjoy Bro. Bill & Angela’s comments on the trip in our missions section. July 15-20 is our summer mission trip. Please be signed up by June 1. This will give me time to get everyone assigned to their work and VBS teachers to their age group, as well as, visitation teams. I also need to know if you are planning to join us on the Brazil trip by the end of April .This trip takes a while to put together. You will only need a passport. DEADLINES Brazil as of June no longer requires a Visa. We will be building a church and doing evange- lism on the trip. Marianna, FL April started my fourth year at the WBA .THANK YOU and the LORD for allowing July 15-20, 2019 me to serve alongside such a wonderful group of churches and pastors. Leigh and I have made many new friends along this journey. Please continue to pray for us as we follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit. May God Bless Walker County and send us a revival that will June 6th - Forms and $125 fee due change the whole county. This year we are staying at a church on air mattresses. Bro. David Late signees - Contact the office for availability

There is a need for people willing to fill the following positions: October 2-10,2019  Part-time Pastor’s Ministry Assistant/Financial Secretary Cost $1990  Music Minister/Worship Leader (Bi-vocational)  Youth Minister (Bi-Vocational) June 6th - Forms and $250 Deposit Due  Pianist July 1st - 1/2 of Remaining Balance Due If you are willing to serve in one of these positions, please call the office or email us. August - Remaining Balance Due No VISA is required this year. Missions Moment - WBA Summer Mission Trip

“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:15 It was our joy and honor to participate in the March mission trip to Michigan among 34 members of the Walker Baptist Association representing 9 different churches. We ministered in a variety of ways, including simultaneous revivals in 8 churches, door-to-door evangelism, painting projects, quilting, and food ministry. The Lord did a mighty work and blessed tremendously each day! Through the simultaneous revivals, the altars were filled, 4 came to know the Lord, 1 surrendered to the call of ministry, 1 was baptized, and many rededicated their lives to the Lord. Please remember to pray for Charles Turner, the Director of Missions for the Lindale and Our Prayer Central Associations in Michigan. On Wednesday morning, he gave his powerful testimony, List only 8 short weeks after having a stroke. He challenged us to pray about all things in the Walker Baptist Spirit and to encourage each other in the faith. We were able to be an encouragement to him Churches and the other pastors we served with in Michigan, and we ask that you remember them all in Birthdays Without Pastors Fern Springs your prayers. 1...... Paul Mason Mt. Philadelphia As submitted by Bro. Bill & Angela Ellis, Providence Baptist Church 2...... Mark Lockhart New Bethel 23...... Richard Davis Oakman First ...... Ruby Elliott If your church has a missions story to share, please email Westside [email protected]. Include your contact information please...... Teresa Benson