Training Update

BCM HOSTS INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CONFERENCE

—A conference designed to help churches establish a ministry to international students will be held May 14-15 at South Orlando Baptist Church. The “Advancing Your Borders” International Student Ministry Conference will offer related seminars on how to: use conversational English as a ministry tool, finance an international ministry, plan an event or retreat and secure the support of campus administration. Friday’s keynote speaker will be Afshin Ziafat, a nationally known speaker who left his Muslim family to follow his Christian faith.
The conference begins Friday at 5 p.m. and concludes Saturday evening. Registration cost is $10. Participants are responsible for food and lodging. For more information or to register contact the Tampa Area Baptist Collegiate Ministries office at 813-988-6487.

DEVELOPING CHURCH POLICIES TO PREVENT ABUSE OF MINORS

—Reduce the possibility of the physical or sexual abuse of a minor in your church and learn to develop and implement policies for safety, security and legal matters in your ministry during the “Protecting Our Future Conference,” May 15 at Pine Summit Baptist Church in Pensacola. The conference will be led by Walter West, associate pastor for education and administration, Anastasia Baptist Church in St. Augustine. West has implemented similar policies in his church and has helped other churches develop their own policies in this area.
The conference is from 9 a.m. to noon. Early registration cost is $10 if received by May 7. Late registration is $15. Associational directors of missions and church development directors can attend the conference free of charge. Register online at www.flbaptist.org/go?ProtectingOu51504; via fax with credit card information at 904-396-6470; or mail registration form with check for full amount to: Florida Baptist Convention, Sunday School Department, 1230 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL. 32207. For more information contact the department at 800-226-8584, ext. 8218.

FOUR-TRACK TRAINING CONFERENCE OFFERS WORKSHOPS TO JAIL AND PRISON MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS

—Ken Ellis, a member of the Chaplaincy Evangelism Team of the North American Mission Board, will serve as keynote speaker at the second annual Criminal Justice Conference for volunteers and chaplains in local jail and state prison settings May 21-22 at Lake Yale Conference Center. The two-day conference offers the choice of four concentrated study tracks designed for new and veteran jail/prison ministry volunteers, volunteers ministering to at-risk youth and career chaplains. After completing all workshops in the “Basic Track” for new volunteers, persons new to jail/prison ministry will receive a certificate of completion.
The conference begins Friday at 2 p.m. and concludes Saturday after lunch. The cost to attend the conference is $50 per person, double occupancy, $67 per person, single occupancy, and $28 for commuters, meals and conference only; Registration deadline is May 14. A $5 late fee will apply. For more information, contact the Church and Community Department, 800-226-8584, Ext. 8251 or e-mail: volunteers@flbaptist.org.

SPECIAL EDucation RETREAT TO FEATURE DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE LEARNING

—Developmentally-challenged persons from churches across Florida can participate in developmentally appropriate learning and worship activities during the 24th annual Special Education Retreat June 18-19 at Lake Yale Conference Center in Leesburg. With the theme, “Rickshaw Rally—Racing to the Son,” the retreat will provide worship, Bible study, craft activities, music, recreation and a talent show. Curriculum for the campers is based on this year’s Vacation Bible School materials. The meeting will also offer a special workshop for parents and workers with developments handicapped, taught by Carlton McDaniel, a special education consultant for LifeWay Christian Resources.
Cost for the overnight event is $60 per person, and includes one-night’s lodging, three meals and all retreat costs. The meeting begins Friday at 1 p.m. and concludes with lunch on Saturday. Registration and medical forms may be secured by contacting the Sunday School Department at 1-800-226-8584, ext. 8218, by writing the department at 1230 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207, or by sending an e-mail to gdickey@flbaptist.org.
Register early. Space is limited to a maximum of 400 persons. Medical forms, sent with registration materials, are required for each camper. Church groups must bring one sponsor or parent for each three (or fewer) campers. Accommodations at Lake Yale are double rooms with private bath. All retreat functions will take place in the Maguire Auditorium building.