In the Witness this week

Sullivan suffers ‘mild heart attack’
Published May 11, 2006

JACKSONVILLE (FBW) – John Sullivan, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention, “experienced a mild heart attack” in the early morning hours of May 8 in his Jacksonville home, according to an e-mail to Florida Baptist Convention employees.

SBC President Bobby Welch ends two-month N.C. tour
Published May 11, 2006

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (BP)–Bobby Welch praised North Carolina Baptists at the conclusion of two months of travel across state for the “‘Everyone Can!’ Kingdom Challenge,” calling Southern Baptists to witness to, win and baptize one million people in a year.

How should Christians respond to The Da Vinci Code?
Published May 11, 2006

GRACEVILLE (FBW)–Dan Brown’s phenomenal best-seller is a fictional book. Why should Christians be concerned about a book of fiction? First, although written as a fictional novel, Dan Brown claims he based his book on factual data. Second, history reveals the power of novels to shape culture. Third, Brown’s novel will lead many people to adopt the position that the novel’s unhistorical premises about Jesus are correct. According to Lee Strobel, a recent survey revealed that one out of three Canadian readers believes that descendants of Jesus live on earth today. Further, George Barna’s research reveals the shocking influence of the book. Barna commented, “After all, 53% of a national sample of adults who have read The Da Vinci Code from cover to cover stated that the book had been helpful in their “personal spiritual growth and understanding.’”

Opinion

Editorial

‘Children are a gift of the Lord’
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor

Indeed, children are a blessing. Unfortunately, the Pslamist’s declaration (Ps. 127:3) frequently is not cherished or practiced by some parents and other adults. That’s where the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes comes in; and so do we through the annual Mother’s Day Offering. The goal for this year’s offering is $1.3 million.

Point of View

BREAKPOINT: Clash of civilizations: Revisit the radical Islamic worldview
CHARLES COLSON
Breakpoint

During the Cold War, there was a great clash of civilizations – communism vs. Western liberal democracy. And it threatened to destroy us in a nuclear holocaust. I was in the White House during those years. I can tell you, it was terrifying getting those daily briefings from the military. But the danger that we face from radical Islam today is even greater than the Cold War.

Tampa ‘testibytes’ show mission spirit
MARK COPPENGER
Baptist Press

Each of the 45 appointees was allotted 125 words of testimony. Once the individual or couple had said their piece, the spotlight dimmed and then reappeared on the opposite side of the stage, ready for another 125 words from a new speaker. They called these mini-statements “testibytes.” Delivered from memory, these snapshots of call and vision, spoken mainly by husbands and wives standing side by side, reflected the spirit of Isaiah: “Here am I, Lord. Send me.”

God’s mercy for mothers, thanks for a heartbeat
JONI B. HANNIGAN
Managing Editor

The thump of the heartbeat monitor eased in and out, speeding up and slowing down, but steady all the same. Hearts in our throats, we listened while little Joey swam around – in our imaginations doing flips and having a grand ole time inside his mama’s tummy.

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor
Published May 11, 2006

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.

Cartoon

Cartoon
JOE McKEEVER

Florida

Florida News

Sullivan suffers ‘mild heart attack’

JACKSONVILLE (FBW) – John Sullivan, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention, “experienced a mild heart attack” in the early morning hours of May 8 in his Jacksonville home, according to an e-mail to Florida Baptist Convention employees.

SBC President Bobby Welch ends two-month N.C. tour

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (BP)–Bobby Welch praised North Carolina Baptists at the conclusion of two months of travel across state for the “‘Everyone Can!’ Kingdom Challenge,” calling Southern Baptists to witness to, win and baptize one million people in a year.

First Person: FBCH changes lives, rescues children from drugs, abuse
Point of View

As Robert settled into his new, temporary home at Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, he began to experience a lot of the things he had been denied for so long: a loving, stable Christian home with people who cared about him – a clean, safe environment where he got nutritious meals, clean clothes, good medical care, positive reinforcement, counseling, and spiritual education.

Vazquez readies for retirement
FBC Photo

Tallahassee prays
National Day of Prayer in Florida's capital

Gov. Bush gathers with NFL players, others in Tallahassee for National Day of Prayer May 4

Florida News Briefs

Palm Beach relents on proposed amendment to limit church size

Sunday School Conferences in May

Special Education Retreat in June

Disaster relief training sessions offered regionally through June

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

Discussion over education resolution back in the media

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–The Baptist tug of war over education is back in the media.

Texas pastor proposes ‘principled dissent’

FORT WORTH, Texas (BP)–A proposed resolution “On Baptist Dissent” generated a measure of that dynamic in an article in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Missions News

NAMB trustees urged to find ‘clear, confident choice’ for president; new missionaries, chaplains approved
Jacksonville pastor, Tim Patterson, elected as first vice-chairman of board of trustees

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (BP)--Trustees of the North American Mission Board met May 2, their first meeting since the resignation of NAMB President Bob Reccord. The board approved 74 new missionaries and 63 SBC–endorsed chaplains, elected new officers and approved a resolution expressing appreciation for Reccord’s term of service.

IMB missionaries to return to West Africa after clarifying commitment

RICHMOND, Va. (BP)–Southern Baptist missionaries Wyman and Michelle Dobbs will be allowed to return to their work in West Africa after telling the International Mission Board’s overseas leadership they are committed to following the IMB's five levels of partnership and planting indigenous Baptist churches.

Features

SBC Annual Meeting Preview

SBC meeting a refocus on evangelism, ‘Everyone can’
Co-pastor FBC Daytona Beach to deliver theme interpretation

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)—With the focus on evangelism and the goal of winning and baptizing one million people in a year, Southern Baptists will gather at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., June 13-14, for their annual meeting.

Crossover Triad 2006

GREENSBORO (BP/FBW) – During “Crossover Triad” June 10-11, hundreds of Southern Baptists will hit the tri-city area of Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point to share the Gospel.

Floridians appointed, nominated to SBC posts

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)—Two Floridians have been appointed by Southern Baptist Con­ven­tion President Bobby Welch to serve on the SBC’s Committee on Committees which will assemble in Greensboro, N.C., just prior to the SBC’s June 13-14 annual meeting.

Immigration issue might surface

GREENSBORO (BP)– The extent to which immigration will be a topic during the Southern Baptist Convention is unknown. Much depends in part on what the 10-member Resolutions Committee decides to recommend to messengers – and what any proposed resolution on immigration might say. There also might be motions from the floor.

2006 SBC Annual Meeting Schedule

2006 Pastors’ Conference Schedule

Interior designer to address ministers’ wives in Greensboro

GREENSBORO (FBW/BP)–Lauren Fletcher of Ridgewood Baptist Church in Orange Park is corresponding secretary/ treasurer of the Ministers’ Wives Luncheon June 13 in Greensboro where a “high tea’ will feature sought-after American interior designer, Georg Andersen. Though his portfolio includes projects in some of the world’s most expensive homes and hotels, and despite the fact that his work has been featured in Architectural Digest and Interior Design magazines, Andersen is a humble man who consistently and publicly gives all the credit to God.

Traylor, Wicker prepare for Wives’ Session at SBC

GREENSBORO (FBW)–Liz Traylor, whose husband, Ted, pastors Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, will participate in a panel discussion June 12 during the Pastors’ Wives Conference, “Depression and Pastors’ Wives.” The panel discussion was included in this year’s conference because of the response by last year’s participants to a survey of their needs. Conference participants listed depression as their number-one concern.

Younger Leaders Summit II slated for Greensboro

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)—What began in Nashville at the 2005 Southern Baptist Convention will continue in Greensboro when the Younger Leaders Summit II convenes at 10 p.m. Monday, June 12, following the annual Pastors’ Conference–and will conclude by 10:45 p.m.

‘Partnering for Kingdom Purposes’ to be DOM's theme

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)--“Partnering for Kingdom Purposes” will be the theme for the Southern Baptist Conference of Associational Directors of Missions’ June 11-12 annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C.

Hispanic fellowship to join Crossover, discuss challenges

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)--“Facing the Challenges of the 21st Century” will be the theme of the National Fellowship of Hispanic Baptist Churches’ 19th annual meeting, June 10-11 in Greensboro, N.C.

Hispanic church planting to be highlighted June 11

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)--The Southern Baptist Convention’s Ninth Annual Hispanic Church Planting Celebration will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, June 11, in Pleasant Garden, N.C., prior to the June 13-14 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Greensboro.

African American meeting to explore key concerns

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)--“Critical Issues” for African Americans in Southern Baptist life will be addressed during the 13th annual meeting of what now is known as the National African American Fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Servants Network to highlight SBC race relations pioneers

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)--“Pioneers in Progress: Past, Present and Future” will be the theme of the Black Southern Baptist Denominational Servants Network June 11 meeting in Greensboro, N.C.

Evangelists focus on taking Gospel ‘Into All the World’

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)--The urgency of preaching the Gospel to all nations will be a rallying cry for the Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists June 9-11 as they focus on “Going Into All the World.”

Messianic fellowship’s theme: ‘Bear Fruit –- Build Up the Saints’

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)--Rabbi Sam Nadler, president of Word of Messiah Ministries, and Ed Stetzer, research team director and missiologist at the North American Mission Board, will be the featured speakers at the Southern Baptist Messianic Fellowship’s June 9-11 meeting in Greensboro, N.C.

Mark Dever to address Founders breakfast

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)--Mark Dever, pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., will be the featured speaker at the Founders Fellowship Breakfast at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 13, during the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C.

Brig. Gen. Douglas Carver to address SBC chaplains

ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP)--Brig. Gen. Douglas Carver, U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Chaplains, will address the annual Southern Baptist chaplains’ luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Monday, June 12, at the Sheraton Hotel in Greensboro, N.C.

WMU missions celebration to launch ‘Live the Call’

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)--Woman’s Missionary Union will launch its new two-year emphasis, “Live the Call,” as part of the worship, interactive breakout sessions, and fellowship planned for this year’s annual Missions Celebration, June 11–12 at the Sheraton Greensboro Hotel at Four Seasons in Greensboro, N.C.

MBTS: ‘Building a Foundation’ to be MBTS luncheon theme

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)--Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary will host its annual alumni luncheon at noon Wednesday, June 14, during the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C.

SEBTS: Akin to address SEBTS luncheon

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)--Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary President Daniel Akin will address the seminary’s annual Alumni and Friends National Luncheon Wednesday, June 14, at the Sheraton Greensboro during the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting.

GGBTS: Iorg to address Golden Gate luncheon

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)--Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary’s president, Jeff Iorg, will be the featured speaker at the annual Alumni and Friends Luncheon held in conjunction with the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting.

SWBTS: Pattersons to host Southwestern luncheon

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)--Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary's National Alumni Luncheon will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, in Guilford Ballrooms A and B of the Sheraton Four-Seasons Hotel in Greensboro, N.C.

SBTS: Mohler to address luncheon

GREENSBORO, N.C. (BP)--The annual luncheon sponsored by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary during the Southern Baptist Convention will be held at 12:30 p.m. June 14, in the Imperial Ballroom on level one of the Sheraton Four-Seasons in Greensboro, N.C.

Media Montage

How should Christians respond to The Da Vinci Code?

GRACEVILLE (FBW)–Dan Brown’s phenomenal best-seller is a fictional book. Why should Christians be concerned about a book of fiction? First, although written as a fictional novel, Dan Brown claims he based his book on factual data. Second, history reveals the power of novels to shape culture. Third, Brown’s novel will lead many people to adopt the position that the novel’s unhistorical premises about Jesus are correct. According to Lee Strobel, a recent survey revealed that one out of three Canadian readers believes that descendants of Jesus live on earth today. Further, George Barna’s research reveals the shocking influence of the book. Barna commented, “After all, 53% of a national sample of adults who have read The Da Vinci Code from cover to cover stated that the book had been helpful in their “personal spiritual growth and understanding.’”

National apologist: Prepare, leverage The Da Vinci Code dialogue to share truth

GALLATIN, Tenn. (BP)–Christians should take advantage of the opportunity paid for by Hollywood to engage the culture about the Bible, Mike Licona, a leading expert in defending Christianity, said.

Bible Study

Family Bible Study

May 14: Hannah: Determined Devotion
1 Samuel 1:1-2, 6-7, 10-13, 15-18, 27-2:2

Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

May 21: Lydia: Willing Service
Acts 16:11-15, 40; Philippians 1:3-11

Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

Explore the Bible

May 14: Accept God’s Free Offer
Isaiah 54:1–57:21

Troy Bush is the minister of evangelism and missions at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola.

May 21: Get Real
Isaiah 58:1–66:24; Micah 6:6-8

Troy Bush is the minister of evangelism and missions at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola.