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Florida churches celebrate senior adults More than a preacher, JAX pastor ministers ‘every Sunday’ to nursing home residents Published April 21, 2005: JACKSONVILLE (FBW)—Nursing home personnel and residents filed down a ramp leading to the cafeteria. Two men, with the help of nursing home personnel, led residents to their tables. Some smiled as they sat on their walkers while others shrunk into their wheelchairs as 40 voices sang a cappella.

Photo by Doug Waters

Woodrow Connors, 92, seeks to share a special cross with all whom he meets.

Carpenter says cross ministry critical Published April 21, 2005: JACKSONVILLE (FBW)—To say that he carries his cross is an understatement. The fact is he dangles several small, wooden “mirror” crosses over his walker, distributing them—along with a hearty smile and the Good News—to all who are fortunate enough to cross paths with him.
Statewide baptisms see one percent increase in 2004 Hayes Wicker’s call for 100,000 baptisms parallels that of SBC president Bobby Welch Published April 21, 2005: JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Church never played a role in Tina Chick’s life while she was growing up in the blue grass of Kentucky. But when she and husband Mark were married, they yearned for something different for their family and made a commitment at his hometown church. “I joined thinking I’ll follow God, so I was baptized, but I never grew in my faith.”
Florida House overwhelmingly adopts abortion clinic regs Report finds Republicans, Democrats receive large donations from gambling interests Published April 19, 2005: TALLAHASSEE (FBW) – Florida’s 68 abortion clinics are one step closer to being required to operate according to health and safety standards required of other medical facilities in the state after the Florida House of Representatives easily adopted the “Women’s Health and Safety Act” (HB 1041) April 13.

Opinion

Guest Editorial

Stretching forward from your church to 'Judea' Guest Editorial: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—If we are going to fulfill the challenge given to us by the resurrected Lord, we must commit to reaching Judea. This is not an option but a mandate. It is a mandate given to the local church. Thus, it is essential that each church think seriously about its strategy to reach Judea. You are probably beginning to suspect that you will need partners for such an ambitious goal. You are correct!

Point of View

BREAKPOINT: Save the humans: Bring balance to environmentalism Point of View: Over the past couple of years, evangelicals have taken an increased interest in the environment. You may have read about some of the meetings that have been held recently in Washington. This is a good thing, because evangelicals have often forgotten that we have a stewardship responsibility for all of God's creation. That means the air we breathe, the water we drink, the wilderness areas we all enjoy. I applaud some of the evangelical leaders who have been pricking our consciences-and some who have been setting good examples by driving fuel-efficient vehicles.
Terri Schiavo and the ‘gray and muddy’ vs. ‘black and white’ Point of View: I can still hear my granny say, “Woe unto you doctors and lawyers.” Confusing Christ’s antagonists, the “doctors of the law” (Pharisees) with medical physicians and the “lawyers” (scribes) with modern-day barristers, granny turned our Lord’s “woes” upon Israel’s religious leaders into a divine denunciation of present-day “pill peddlers” and “pettifoggers.” Though granny reserved her scriptural-twisted anathema for the most uncaring physicians and unscrupulous attorneys, there’s still no justification for her misinterpretation and misuse of the words of the Master. Nevertheless, when I heard of Terri Schiavo’s death, granny’s words started ringing in my ears.
Before you tie the knot, tie up financial loose ends Point of View: It’s been said that good marriages have few surprises after the “I do’s.” As unromantic as it might sound, finances are a necessary facet for a strong marital relationship. What should a couple know about each other financially before saying “I do?”

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor: Letters to the Editor may not reflect the views or opinions of the Witness. Letters may be mailed, faxed or submitted using our online form. Only letters marked clearly for publication, signed with address will be considered for use. Letters are subject to editing. Please limit letters to 250 words.

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Florida

Florida News

Florida House overwhelmingly adopts abortion clinic regs Report finds Republicans, Democrats receive large donations from gambling interests: TALLAHASSEE (FBW) – Florida’s 68 abortion clinics are one step closer to being required to operate according to health and safety standards required of other medical facilities in the state after the Florida House of Representatives easily adopted the “Women’s Health and Safety Act” (HB 1041) April 13.
Florida churches celebrate senior adults More than a preacher, JAX pastor ministers ‘every Sunday’ to nursing home residents: JACKSONVILLE (FBW)—Nursing home personnel and residents filed down a ramp leading to the cafeteria. Two men, with the help of nursing home personnel, led residents to their tables. Some smiled as they sat on their walkers while others shrunk into their wheelchairs as 40 voices sang a cappella.
Carpenter says cross ministry critical: JACKSONVILLE (FBW)—To say that he carries his cross is an understatement. The fact is he dangles several small, wooden “mirror” crosses over his walker, distributing them—along with a hearty smile and the Good News—to all who are fortunate enough to cross paths with him.
Statewide baptisms see one percent increase in 2004 Hayes Wicker’s call for 100,000 baptisms parallels that of SBC president Bobby Welch: JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Church never played a role in Tina Chick’s life while she was growing up in the blue grass of Kentucky. But when she and husband Mark were married, they yearned for something different for their family and made a commitment at his hometown church. “I joined thinking I’ll follow God, so I was baptized, but I never grew in my faith.”
Home from Iraq: The Nov. 11 issue of the Witness featured an article about a JAG (Judge Advocate General) officer, *Robert Brick, who served with the U.S. Navy in Iraq and has written letters home the Witness has periodically published. He wrote this just before his return from Iraq. *Name changed for security reasons.
BCF seeks retired ministers to reside in newly completed Shepherds’ Cottages: GRACEVILLE (BCF)—The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) in Graceville is celebrating the completion of the first four of its long awaited Shepherds’ Cottages by seeking the community’s first residents.
Seven of eight Florida same-sex marriage lawsuits withdrawn: ORLANDO (BP)-All but one of the lawsuits challenging Florida's ban on "gay marriage" have been withdrawn by homosexual activists, the pro-family legal group Liberty Counsel said April 7.
Harvest revivals prove effective in reaching lost: JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Florida Baptist churches are demonstrating that evangelistic revivals are still an effective method of reaching the spiritually lost as they report professions of faith from individuals of all ages during “Consumed With Hope” harvest revivals.
Olive Baptist Church establishes faculty mission grant at NOBTS: NEW ORLEANS (NOBTS)—New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary President Chuck Kelley believes mission involvement will heighten and enrich the teaching ministry of every seminary professor. A new grant from Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola will help send NOBTS faculty members on international mission trips.
West Bay Baptist opens its facilities to other churches for ‘Soaring Summer 2005 Outreach’: PANAMA CITY (FBW)—West Bay Baptist Church in Panama City is opening its facilities to other churches throughout the southeast for the June and July “Soaring Summer 2005 Outreach.”
NAMB appoints missionaries: ALPHARETTA, Ga. (NAMB)—Three missionaries with ties to Florida have been appointed by the North American Mission Board.

Florida News Briefs

Former senator John Grant elected chairman of the America's Board
Senior Adult Minister’s Conference in Brandon May 16
Sunday School directors to meet May 20-21 in Kissimmee
FAITH Clinic at FBC, Perry May 16-19
Learn to develop safety, security policies that prevent the abuse of minors

Baptism Report

SBC baptisms up in ’04, among several ACP gains: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—Recently compiled statistics for the Southern Baptist Convention in 2004 show a reversal in recent downward trends in key categories such as baptisms and membership. These are “encouraging signs that the denomination may be heading in the right direction,” said LifeWay Christian Resources President James T. Draper Jr.
Statewide baptisms see one percent increase in 2004 Hayes Wicker’s call for 100,000 baptisms parallels that of SBC president Bobby Welch: JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Church never played a role in Tina Chick’s life while she was growing up in the blue grass of Kentucky. But when she and husband Mark were married, they yearned for something different for their family and made a commitment at his hometown church. “I joined thinking I’ll follow God, so I was baptized, but I never grew in my faith.”
Evangelistic think tank instills practical insights, passion for soul winning: JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—A group of Florida Baptist pastors whose churches lead the state in baptizing new believers met March 31 to analyze their evangelistic efforts and determine how they can encourage fellow churches.
96-year-old baptized on Easter: DELRAY BEACH (FBW)—Dora Schwem, 96, was one of five baptized on Easter at First Baptist Church, Delray Beach. She made a profession of faith during a recent revival, after a personal visit by interim pastor Andrew M. Hall and evangelist Van Capps.

National

National News

Disabled fear Schiavo death may hasten euthanasia Joni Eareckson Tada: Terri's death will 'adversely impact' thousands: WASHINGTON(BP)-Disabled Americans feel vulnerable in the wake of Terri Schiavo's death and need societal and legal changes if their lives are going to be protected, leaders of two disability organizations said.
MARRIAGE DIGEST: Canadian political scandal could prevent 'gay marriage' vote; U.S. Senate considers amendment: OTTAWA (BP)-A Canadian political scandal involving the governing Liberal Party could directly impact the push to legalize same-sex "marriage."

Seminary News

Southwestern trustees elect three deans, 17 new faculty: FORT WORTH, Texas (BP)-Trustees of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary elected three deans and 17 new faculty members during their April 4-5 meeting at the Fort Worth, Texas, campus.

National News Briefs

Jerusalem ‘gay pride’ festival sparks opposition: JERUSALEM (BP)—Leaders of three major world religions are uniting in Jerusalem against what one New York rabbi has called “a spiritual rape” of the Holy Land—a homosexual pride festival expected to draw thousands of people from around the world in August.
Homosexual group gives Feinstein ‘pink brick’: SAN FRANCISCO (BP)—Many homosexuals feel that California Sen. Dianne Feinstein has let them down, and they’re letting her know it.
South Carolina marriage amendment passes: NASHVILLE (BP)-A state constitutional marriage amendment passed a Senate committee in South Carolina April 5 on a 16-2 vote. It previously passed the House and will go to voters in 2006.

Features

Bible Study

Family Bible Study

May 1: Seek God's Purpose Genesis 12:1-7, 10-18: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.
May 8: Believe God Genesis 17:15-19; 18:10-15; 21:1-5: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

Explore the Bible

May 1: Heed God's Word Jeremiah 36:1-4, 14-16, 22-25, 29-30a: Steve Smartt is pastor of Moultrie Baptist Church in St. Augustine.
MAY 8: Persevere in Serving the Lord Jeremiah 37:13b-17; 38:3-6, 17-18: Steve Smartt is pastor of Moultrie Baptist Church in St. Augustine.