Front Page

Parental notice, abortion clinic regs go to gov. Slot machines bills stall in Legislature Published May 12, 2005: TALLAHASSEE (FBW) – In the frenetic final days of the 2005 Legislature, even while many of the governor’s legislative priorities – and those of the Legislature’s leadership – were left unresolved, pro-family forces won several major victories.

FBC photo by Vanessa Garcia Rodriguez

Joseph Gaston, associate, Florida Baptist Convention, Haitian Church Development, prays with DeLouis LaBranche, director of missions, Confraternite Missionnaire Baptiste Haitienne (CMBH), who traveled from Haiti to attended the April 21-23 Language Conference at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center.

Language conference focuses on building Kingdom families Published May 12, 2005: EUSTIS (FBC)—In resonant tones of Spanish, French, Korean, Portuguese and other languages, 375 Florida Baptists representing the denomination’s 616 language congregations heard messages on the theme “Kingdom Families” during the April 21-23 Language Conference at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center.
President Bush ties prayer to ‘responsibility’ at National Day of Prayer’s fifth observance at the White House Published May 12, 2005: WASHINGTON (BP)–The National Day of Prayer is an occasion for Americans to “ask that our nation, our leaders and our people use the freedom we have been given wisely,” President Bush said May 5 at the White House.

Opinion

Editorial

‘Holy huddles,’ ‘cursing darkness’ not options in Tallahassee, either Editorial: Last week, while seeking support of the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes Mother’s Day Offering (to which you may still contribute), I argued against “holy huddles” and “cursing the darkness” when Christians consider their options in responding to our society’s treatment of children. While we may want to ignore the problems and it may feel good – temporarily – to criticize the way things are, I noted that these are not proper Christian responses to societal evils.

Point of View

The Jeremiah factor: The call to preach Point of View: Most people are searching for significance. They have a desire to make a difference and feel the need to leave a legacy.
BREAKPOINT: Feng Shui at Mickey's house: Cosmic forces at Disney World Point of View: The Walt Disney Company has unveiled its plans for its new theme park in Hong Kong—a perfect reproduction of Disneyland—well, not exactly “a perfect reproduction.” Changes had to be made after Disney consulted with a feng shui master. The front page of the New York Times business section reports that a specific redesign was necessary to form a perfect twelve-degree angle “to ensure prosperity.” Another walkway is being redesigned to create an angle that will keep positive chi, that is, “life energy,” from flowing into the sea. In addition, “Disney burns incense ritually as each building is finished,” and it “picked a lucky day” for the opening.
Too eager to deal out death and judgment Point of View: Would you be presumptuous enough to think you can know the condition of another person’s heart? The prophet Jeremiah tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). This being true, how could we begin to even suggest that we know the heart of another when we can’t even know our own?

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.

Florida

Florida News

Parental notice, abortion clinic regs go to governor Slot machines bills stall in Legislature: TALLAHASSEE (FBW) – In the frenetic final days of the 2005 Legislature, even while many of the governor’s legislative priorities – and those of the Legislature’s leadership – were left unresolved, pro-family forces won several major victories.
Language conference focuses on building Kingdom families: EUSTIS (FBC)—In resonant tones of Spanish, French, Korean, Portuguese and other languages, 375 Florida Baptists representing the denomination’s 616 language congregations heard messages on the theme “Kingdom Families” during the April 21-23 Language Conference at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center.
BCF professor’s legacy impacted Kingdom: GRACEVILLE (BCF)–Thirty-six year Baptist College of Florida (BCF) professor Jerry “J.W.” Lee, 72, died April 23 in Graceville following a two-year battle with cancer.
Spanish studies ministry diplomas awarded: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Seminary Extension, a ministry of the six Southern Baptist seminaries, has awarded four Spanish-speaking students diplomas in pastoral ministries – the entity’s first such diplomas for coursework taught entirely in Spanish.
Blind, visually-impaired celebrants mark fellowship’s 30th annual retreat in ‘ethnically diverse’ environment: EUSTIS (FBC)—The barrier of being a blind person in a sighted church is a difficult hurdle for Kori King to overcome at times—if and when she finds transportation to attend the meetings.

Florida News Briefs

FAITH Clinic at First, Perry May 16-19
Solutions: E/S Conference emphasizes improving church outreach

Florida Focus

Florida Focus: A one-time announcement of special events is a free service provided by the Witness to Florida Baptist churches. Please send materials at least three weeks before the date of the event, to Florida Baptist Witness, 1230 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207, fax 904-346-0696 or submitted using our online form. Items received after deadline may appear in our exclusive on-line version.

National

National News

President Bush ties prayer to ‘responsibility’ at National Day of Prayer’s fifth observance at the White House: WASHINGTON (BP)–The National Day of Prayer is an occasion for Americans to “ask that our nation, our leaders and our people use the freedom we have been given wisely,” President Bush said May 5 at the White House.
House passes bill protecting parents rights on abortion: WASHINGTON (BP)–The U.S. House of Representatives easily approved a bill to prevent interstate abortions on minors without parental notice April 27.

Features

Media Montage

Movies & TV exert ‘evil’ influence: Movies and television programs have become purveyors of immorality, blasphemy, and rebellion and influenced too many viewers to mimic the evil they see on the screen.

Bible Study

Family Bible Study

MAY 15: AVOID SIN'S CONSEQUENCES GENESIS 19:12-13, 15-17, 23-29: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.
MAY 22: DECIDE TO OBEY GOD GENESIS 22:1-14: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

Explore the Bible

MAY 15: DODGE DISASTER JEREMIAH 44:2-10, 18, 28: Steve Smartt is pastor of Moultrie Baptist Church in St. Augustine.
MAY 22: AVOID ARROGANCE JEREMIAH 50:11-13, 24-25, 29-32: Steve Smartt is pastor of Moultrie Baptist Church in St. Augustine.