In the Witness this week

IMB photo by Steve Evans

Flags representing the nations signal the start of an appointment service Jan. 30 at Westside Baptist Church in Gainesville. Thirty-six new missionaries will join more than 5,300 Southern Baptist workers currently serving around the globe through the International Mission Board.

International Mission Board appoints 36 Published February 7, 2008: GAINESVILLE (BP)—John and Elizabeth Kea have learned to never say never.
Florida Marriage amendment certified for November ballot Final push brings in 92,000 petitions JAMES A. SMITH SR. Executive Editor Published February 7, 2008: TALLAHASSEE (FBW)—A constitutional amendment to protect traditional marriage will be on the November ballot because supporters gathered 92,000 extra petitions in about two weeks after learning a computer glitch had dropped the previous
High Court hears arguments in Seminole compact case JAMES A. SMITH SR. Executive Editor Published February 7, 2008: TALLAHASSEE (FBW)—The Florida Supreme Court heard oral arguments Jan. 30 in a high profile legal showdown between the legislature and governor concerning whether Gov. Charlie Crist's recent gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida is an unconstitutional enactment of legislation without authorization of the Legislature.
Florida's 2007 CP shortfall reflects country's 'economic crunch,' Sullivan says 2008 budget cuts forecasted BARBARA DENMAN Florida Baptist Convention Published February 7, 2008: JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Florida Baptists' giving through the Cooperative Program increased in 2007 when compared to year 2006, but for the first time since 1991 fell short of the year's budget requirements.

Opinion

Editorial

Sub-standard science standards, still JAMES A. SMITH SR. Executive Editor: In spite of growing concern and opposition, Florida education leaders are on the brink of requiring an evolution-as-dogma approach to teaching origins in public schools in the Sunshine State. Fortunately, there's still time to change the outcome on this critical matter.

Point of View

Thread of cooperation underpins missions, education JOHN SULLIVAN Executive director-treasurer, Florida Baptist Convention: The thread of cooperation always has been an identifiable fiber of Baptist life.
Exposing the flaws of evolutionary theory FREDDY DAVIS Special to Florida Baptist Witness: As I read the news, I often see stories about the latest discoveries in science. In fact, many news services have entire sections devoted to science and technology.
Fraudulent fundraisers: Exploiting America's veterans CHARLES COLSON Breakpoint: Have you received one of those letters in the mail—asking you to send money to help wounded veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan?

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the editor Published February 7, 2008: 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

International Mission Board appoints 36: GAINESVILLE (BP)—John and Elizabeth Kea have learned to never say never.
Florida Marriage amendment certified for November ballot Final push brings in 92,000 petitions: TALLAHASSEE (FBW)—A constitutional amendment to protect traditional marriage will be on the November ballot because supporters gathered 92,000 extra petitions in about two weeks after learning a computer glitch had dropped the previous
High Court hears arguments in Seminole compact case: TALLAHASSEE (FBW)—The Florida Supreme Court heard oral arguments Jan. 30 in a high profile legal showdown between the legislature and governor concerning whether Gov. Charlie Crist's recent gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida is an unconstitutional enactment of legislation without authorization of the Legislature.
Florida's 2007 CP shortfall reflects country's 'economic crunch,' Sullivan says 2008 budget cuts forecasted: JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Florida Baptists' giving through the Cooperative Program increased in 2007 when compared to year 2006, but for the first time since 1991 fell short of the year's budget requirements.
Slots pull 63% of Miami vote: MIAMI (BP)—Voters in Miami-Dade County approved the first-ever installation of Las Vegas-style slot machines in the jurisdiction Jan. 29, awarding gambling promoters 63 percent of the vote.
Four generations of family serve together in World Changers: OCALA (FBC)—"Better Together" could easily be the mantra for the four generations of the Bobby Peebles family in Marion County. They all live within two miles of each other; attend the same church and serve as role models to each other.
Florida Baptist missions opportunities
Belvedere Baptist Church hosts first annual missions
Longtime music minister honored at Belvedere Baptist in West Palm Beach

Florida News Briefs

Jim Henry to speak at Senior Conclave
National Bivocationals to meet in April
BCF Hosts EMERGE2 worship training

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

Evangelism

'Memorize to Evangelize' founder hides Word in heart: FRANKLIN, Tenn. (BP)—"A lot of people will say, 'This guy knows the whole Bible.'

International News

Narobi's children pray for peace in war-riddled slum
Kenyan pastors tell of surviving violence, assisting displaced: RIFT VALLEY, Kenya (BP)—The run-down minibus taxi rattles diligently up the rocky, potholed road. Inside, the mood is somber and tense. No one dares talk. All are too busy looking out the window for would-be attackers.

Missions News

IMB trustees hear doors are opening to Gospel: GAINESVILLE (BP)—International Mission Board trustees appointed 36 missionaries to be heralds of the Gospel during their Jan. 28-30 meeting in Gainesville.
Burleson resigns after offering 'olive branch' IMB trustee chairman says board acted incorrectly in suspending trustee; board rejects 'statement of apology'

Features

Sports Ministry

Tomlinson thanks God & mom for award Dungy gives invitation at AIA breakfast, credits 'God's hand' for keeping him in the game: PHOENIX (BP)—San Diego Chargers record-setting running back LaDainian Tomlinson thanked God and his mom.
Evans applies lessons learned at First Baptist West Palm Beach to Super Bowl game: PHOENIX (BP)—New England Patriots' running back Heath Evans grew up in the youth programs at First Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, which he still attends with his wife and children.
'Day of Champions' at church draws NFL players, rappers, 500 kids & parents: PHOENIX (BP)—Combining one of the world's most renown sporting events with a heart for ministry to the local community, North Phoenix Baptist Church hosted a "Day of Champions" Feb. 2.

Bible Study

Family Bible Study

February 10: The Message Galatians 1:6-9, 11-12; 3:1-9: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.
February 17: The Messenger Luke 10:1-12, 16: Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

Explore the Bible

February 10: The Lord Will Provide Genesis 22: Mark Rathel is professor of theology at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.
February 17: Seeking God's Guidance Genesis 24: Mark Rathel is professor of theology at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.