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‘Engage the culture,’ Bunkley tells Florida Baptists Published March 17, 2005: TALLAHASSEE (FBW)—As Florida’s political leaders prepare to gather March 17 for the annual Florida Leadership Prayer Breakfast, Florida Baptists’ legislative consultant is urging Christians to be in prayer for the state’s leadership—and to keep their eyes on Tallahassee during the annual legislative session, scheduled to run through May 1.

Photo by Joni B. Hannigan

Children join their families Mar. 12 outside the hospice where Terri Schiavo, a 41-year-old disabled woman resides. Judge George W. Greer has ordered her feeding tube to be removed Mar. 18. The Florida Legislature is working on a bill that might help Terri and others in her situation.

Terri Schiavo’s mom cites power of prayer after denials Attorney surprised by judge’s defiance; Land says disabled woman puts face on pro-life issue Published March 17, 2005: CLEARWATER (FBW)—Mary said it has been a mother’s intuition this week that has kept her off the rollercoaster of emotions surrounding her disabled daughter’s case.
Rally at the Florida Capitol, Pinellas Park prayer vigil draw hundreds of Terri Schiavo supporters Published March 17, 2005: TALLAHASSEE (FBW)-Family and pro-life leaders rallied in support of Terri Schiavo's parents and lawmakers who have stepped up to the plate in seeking ways to prevent the court-ordered death of a 41-year-old disabled Clearwater woman Mar. 18. And Hollywood actor Mel Gibson lent his support via a message read by Terri's brother, Bobby Schindler Jr.
Resort missionary points tourists, athletes to Christ Published March 17, 2005: LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (NAMB)—Derek Spain stands in the driving snow, bracing against the harsh wind and the 15-degree temperature. Strangers ask directions and he gives a greeting, turns, and points them in the right direction.
Adrian Rogers honored for half century of leadership Published March 17, 2005: CORDOVA, Tenn. (BP)—Ginger Hall has been a member of Bellevue Baptist Church for 26 years. She’s spoken to her pastor, Adrian Rogers, and shaken his hand, exactly twice.

Opinion

Editorial

George Felos’ worldview in the Schiavo debate Editorial: [EDITOR"S NOTE: As public attention turns again the predicament of Terri Schiavo – the 41-year-old brain-damaged woman whose husband is seeking her starvation death – I thought it was time to remind our readers of the dangerous worldview which is driving the attempt to euthanize Terri. Below is a reprint of most of my Nov. 13, 2003, editorial published at a time when Terri’s life was in danger, as it is again.

Point of View

‘No need to wonder’ about Calvary Baptist Church’s pro-life commitment Terri Schiavo ‘should matter to us,’ Judge Greer’s new pastor says in Witness exclusive: Her name is Sharon. You don't know her, but God does. She matters to God, she matters to me, and how she is treated should matter to you. She will never engage in stimulating conversation or ponder political debates. She will never read a book or write a paragraph. She will never marry or raise children or even earn her own keep. But she matters.
BREAKPOINT: Preaching hate: The problem of Saudi religious literature Point of View: A recent criminal case in Virginia threw some light on a worrisome aspect of Muslim life in America. Ahmed Omar Abu Ali, a U.S. citizen, was charged with working with al-Qaeda in an attempt to assassinate President Bush. Abu Ali’s family and friends have protested that the accused is a model young man and valedictorian of his high-school class.

Florida

Florida News

‘Engage the culture,’ Bunkley tells Florida Baptists: TALLAHASSEE (FBW)—As Florida’s political leaders prepare to gather March 17 for the annual Florida Leadership Prayer Breakfast, Florida Baptists’ legislative consultant is urging Christians to be in prayer for the state’s leadership—and to keep their eyes on Tallahassee during the annual legislative session, scheduled to run through May 1.
Terri Schiavo’s mom cites power of prayer after denials Attorney surprised by judge’s defiance; Land says disabled woman puts face on pro-life issue: CLEARWATER (FBW)—Mary said it has been a mother’s intuition this week that has kept her off the rollercoaster of emotions surrounding her disabled daughter’s case.
Rally at the Florida Capitol, Pinellas Park prayer vigil draw hundreds of Terri Schiavo supporters: TALLAHASSEE (FBW)-Family and pro-life leaders rallied in support of Terri Schiavo's parents and lawmakers who have stepped up to the plate in seeking ways to prevent the court-ordered death of a 41-year-old disabled Clearwater woman Mar. 18. And Hollywood actor Mel Gibson lent his support via a message read by Terri's brother, Bobby Schindler Jr.
Split decision: Slots lose in Miami-Dade, win in Broward Legislature must regulate Broward slots operations: SOUTH FLORIDA (FBW)—Gambling forces lost one and won one March 8 in the South Florida counties’ referendums on slot machines. Now, attention turns to Tallahassee as the Legislature is required to adopt enabling legislation because voters’ approval of Amendment 4 last November.

Florida News Briefs

BCF annual leadership conference features Tommy Green
Senior Adult Minister’s Conference to be held May 16 in Brandon
Situational leadership conference assists in setting goals
Develop safety and security policies that prevent abuse
Three workshops to train volunteers to teach English overseas

National

National News

Adrian Rogers honored for half century of leadership: CORDOVA, Tenn. (BP)—Ginger Hall has been a member of Bellevue Baptist Church for 26 years. She’s spoken to her pastor, Adrian Rogers, and shaken his hand, exactly twice.
‘Jesus is the One we praise,’ Rogers says in concluding sermon: CORDOVA, Tenn. (BP)—Adrian Rogers spoke of many defining moments in his life during his final message as pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church March 6.
Adrian Rogers: His life and ministry began in Florida
Vines speaks at SWBTS expository preaching workshop: FORT WORTH, Texas (BP)—More than 300 ministers of the Gospel participated in Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s first ever Expository Preaching Workshop Feb. 28-March 1.
Hostage reads Purpose Drive Life to alleged Atlanta courthouse killer: ATLANTA (BP)--Ashley Smith, the Atlanta-area woman taken hostage by the subject of the largest manhunt in Georgia history March 12, calmed the alleged killer by reading an excerpt from The Purpose-Driven Life and talking with him about God. She escaped by persuading him to let her pick up her daughter from an AWANA children's program at a Southern Baptist church.

International News

12-day detention soothed by God’s peace, purpose: WAXAHACHIE, Texas (BP)—During 12 days of being detained in the United Arab Emirates for distributing Bibles, Marie Bush was given no promise for how quickly a higher court would hear the charge for engaging in illegal activity.

Features

Youth News

Youth worship bands help church sharpen discipleship: FORT WORTH, Texas (BP)—As recently as a generation ago, student participation in music ministry at most churches meant singing in the youth choir or playing in a bell choir. Especially gifted students might have had the rare opportunity to play piano or organ for the congregation.
‘True Love Waits’ leaders, Louie Giglio highlight SWBTS youth event: FORT WORTH, Texas (SWBTS)—When Louie Giglio preached at a “One Day” event in Sherman, Texas, last year, 30,000 young people turned out to hear the message. Giglio, director of Passion Conferences and The Passion Network, is coming back to North Texas for Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s annual Youth Ministry Lab April 8-9.

Super Bowl XXXIX

Souper Bowl of Caring raises over $3.75 million: COLUMBIA, SC—At one month after the big game, almost 10,500 congregations and schools have reported raising over $3.75 million through the Souper Bowl of Caring. That number includes 637 Baptist churches reporting $221,906 nationwide and 23 Florida congregations raising $14,339!

Annie Armstrong Offering

Resort missionary points tourists, athletes to Christ: LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (NAMB)—Derek Spain stands in the driving snow, bracing against the harsh wind and the 15-degree temperature. Strangers ask directions and he gives a greeting, turns, and points them in the right direction.
Former school teacher brings hope to Ala. community: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (NAMB)—Grace McGraw ends the tutoring lesson and says goodbye to her young student. She steps outside to get a breath of fresh air and is reminded of where her obedience to God has brought her.

Bible Study

Family Bible Study

March 20: Jesus our sacrifice John 19:28-37; Hebrews 9:22-26: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.
March 27: Jesus our high priest Mark 16:1-7; Hebrews 7:23-28; 9:11-14: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

Explore the Bible

March 20: Demonstrate your trust in God Jeremiah 7:1-15: Steve Smartt is pastor of Moultrie Baptist Church in St. Augustine.
March 27: Celebrate the resurrection John 20:19-29: Steve Smartt is pastor of Moultrie Baptist Church in St. Augustine.