Baptist Press Stories for Jul. 31 2012 --------------------------------------- ERLC's Land announces retirement effective Oct. 2013 http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38392 600,000-plus ready for Wed.'s 'Chick-fil-A Day' http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38393 Luter: Graham excited about future of SBC http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38389 In London, Ohioans & Ethiopian church partner http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38386 State church amid 'snow-white missions field' http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38388 NAE under fire over contraception funding http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38385 FROM THE STATES: Mo., Ill., Ark. evangelism/missions news http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38391 FIRST-PERSON: Answering questions about Old Testament polygamy http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38387 TECH: An even faster Internet & its impact on churches http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38390 --------------------------------------- ERLC's Land announces retirement effective Oct. 2013 By Tom Strode Jul. 31 2012 http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38392 WASHINGTON (BP) -- Richard Land, who led the transformation of the Southern Baptist Convention's ethics entity during the denomination's conservative resurgence, has announced he will retire next year after a quarter of a century of service as its head. Land's retirement as president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) will be effective Oct. 23, 2013, he announced in a letter today (July 31) to the acting chairman of the entity's board of trustees. His retirement is scheduled to take place 25 years from the date he assumed the ERLC's presidency in 1988. Land, 65, has acted as an outspoken advocate among Southern Baptists for biblical positions on such issues as the sanctity of human life, religious freedom, marriage and race relations. His staunch efforts during his tenure also have made him a leading evangelical Christian voice among social conservatives in this country's escalating cultural battles. Time Magazine named him in 2005 as one of America's 25 most influential evangelicals. "Dr. Land has been a stalwart leader of conservative and Christian causes and has been at the forefront of protecting our liberty in America," said Mat Staver, chairman of Liberty Counsel and dean of the Liberty University Law School. "He will certainly be missed in the role that he has played for many years by those of us who have worked closely with him and those of us who have followed his work. I have a high respect for Dr. Land and believe his legacy will continue to be felt throughout the country." Don Wildmon, founder of the American Family Association, told Baptist Press, "We're all indebted to [Land]. I'd hate to see him go, but if he's going to stay in the wars that's good. We need him." Land made it clear in his letter he is retiring only from the ERLC, "not from the ministry, or from what is popularly called the 'culture war.'" "When God called me into the ministry a half century ago, the burden He placed on my heart was for America," wrote Land, who recently began his 50th year in the gospel ministry. "That call and that burning burden are still there. I believe the 'culture war' is a titanic struggle for our nation's soul and as a minister of Christ's Gospel, I have no right to retire from that struggle." Land chose to announce his retirement nearly 15 months before its effective date to provide "plenty of time for an orderly transition for both the Commission and myself to the next phase of our respective future ministries," he said in his letter to Richard Piles, acting chairman of the ERLC trustees. He described the ERLC's ministry as "critically important for both Christ's church and the nation," saying, "I pledge to do everything in my power to make the transition to new leadership as smooth and seamless as possible." He has received numerous requests through the years regarding opportunities to serve in the public policy, media, ministry and academic fields, Land said. "Until now, I have not felt freedom to consider such opportunities. God has now given me that freedom," wrote Land, who said he already is doing some media and public policy consulting in Washington. He looks forward to working more closely with the Richard Land Center for Cultural Engagement, which is located at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, he said. Land's hiring in 1988 came amid the ongoing effort by Southern Baptist supporters of biblical inerrancy to restore the convention to its theological roots. Conservative trustees of what was then known as the Christian Life Commission (CLC) had a majority after nearly a decade of appointments to the entity's board. The CLC had never had a truly pro-life head since abortion had become a culture-cleaving issue in the 1960s, culminating in the U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions legalizing the procedure for effectively any reason throughout pregnancy. Foy Valentine, a courageous voice on race relations, was firmly entrenched in the pro-choice camp and fought pro-life efforts within the convention. Larry Baker, Valentine's successor after more than a quarter of a century of service, did not promote a pro-choice agenda when he took office in 1987, but he also was not a committed pro-lifer. Baker's tenure lasted only 19 months before he left for a pastorate. Land took office and began turning the entity in a pro-life -– and more conservative –- direction while stabilizing an agency that was in serious financial straits. He maintained the entity's strong stands against racial discrimination, gambling, and drug and alcohol abuse. In the ensuing years, he has acted as a leading voice for Southern Baptists and other evangelicals on not only the various "life" issues but in support of such positions as the accommodation of religious exercise in the public square, combating overseas religious persecution and defending marriage against efforts to legalize same-sex unions. Land served from 2001 until early 2012, with less than a year off, as a member of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. The bipartisan panel of nine members chosen by the president and congressional leaders advises the White House, State Department and Congress on the condition of religious liberty in the world's countries. President George W. Bush appointed Land to his first two terms, and Senate Republican leaders Bill Frist and Mitch McConnell named him to his succeeding three terms. In 1995, he was a key figure in the passage of a resolution on racial reconciliation upon the 150th anniversary of the Southern Baptist Convention. Messengers meeting that year in Atlanta approved a proposal apologizing to and asking forgiveness of African Americans for racism. During his tenure, the ERLC has opened a staffed office in Washington, D.C.; received the religious liberty assignment from the convention; and started a radio program. In his letter, Land said he was 41 years of age when he came to the commission, more than 10 years younger than the next youngest Southern Baptist entity leader and the first "baby boomer" to head a denominational agency. "It has been the honor, privilege, and blessing of a lifetime to serve the Lord, the wonderful people of God called Southern Baptists, and other brothers and sisters in the faith through the ERLC for virtually half of my entire ministry," he wrote. While at the ERLC, Land has written or co-edited eight books, including "The Divided States of America? What Liberals and Conservatives Get Wrong About Faith and Politics." Before becoming the ethics entity's head, Land had served as vice president for academic affairs at Criswell College in Dallas since 1980 and was a strong defender of inerrancy. He had been professor of theology and church history at the school since 1975. Land took a leave of absence from Criswell College for 17 months during 1987-88 to serve as senior adviser to Texas Gov. William Clements on church-state issues, as well as such initiatives as anti-abortion, anti-pornography and anti-drug legislation. He received a doctor of philosophy degree from Oxford University in England, a master of theology from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a bachelor of arts from Princeton University. --30-- Tom Strode is Washington bureau chief for Baptist Press. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter ([URL=http://www.Twitter.com/BaptistPress]@BaptistPress[/URL]), Facebook ([URL=http://Facebook.com/BaptistPress]Facebook.com/BaptistPress [/URL]) and in your email ([URL=http://baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp] baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp[/URL]). The full text of Richard Land's letter to ERLC trustees follows: July 31, 2012 Dr. Richard Piles, Acting Chairman Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission Southern Baptist Convention Dear Brother Piles, Richard Land, D.Phii. (O.COII.), President I have just commenced my 50th year in Christian ministry and I will very soon begin my 25th year as president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. It hardly seems possible. A quarter century! 25 years! 300 months! 9,130 days! When I came to the Commission in 1988 I was, at 41, more than a decade younger than the next youngest entity head and the first baby boomer to lead a Southern Baptist entity. It has been the honor, privilege, and blessing of a lifetime to serve the Lord, the wonderful people of God called Southern Baptists, and other brothers and sisters in the faith through the ERLC for virtually half of my entire ministry. Now, I believe that God has led me to the place where He is releasing me to other places of service in His Kingdom. Consequently, I am announcing my retirement from the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, effective October 23, 2013 which will mark the completion of 25 years of service to the day since I assumed office October 23, 1988. Let me be clear, I am retiring from the ERLC, not from the ministry, or from what is popularly called the "culture war." When God called me into His ministry a half century ago, He put no time limit on that service. It was, and is, a lifetime calling. As my pastor said a few weeks ago, "when God puts His hand on you, He never does let go." I will do my best to continue to serve my Savior and His church wherever and however He leads. When God called me into the ministry a half century ago, the burden He placed on my heart was for America. That call and that burning burden are still there. I believe the "culture war" is a titanic spiritual struggle for our nation's soul and as a minister of Christ's Gospel, I have no right to retire from that struggle. I am looking forward. My denominational service, while always close to my heart, has to some degree inevitably limited my participation in the culture war's political debates. I have had numerous inquiries over the years about other places and means of service including public policy and media opportunities as well and ministry and academic pursuits. Until now, I have not felt freedom to consider such opportunities. God has now given me that freedom. I am announcing my retirement from the ERLC now so that there will be plenty of time for an orderly transition for both the Commission and myself to the next phase of our respective future ministries. I believe that the ERLC's ministry is critically important for both Christ's church and the nation and I pledge to do everything in my power to make the transition to new leadership as smooth and seamless as possible. I am already doing some media and public policy consulting in Washington and recently I have been made aware of other future possibilities in these areas. Also, I am looking forward to working ever more closely with the Richard Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth in the months and years ahead. I am truly excited about the many things the Lord is already doing there under the very capable leadership of the center's director, Dr. Craig Mitchell. I will do my very best to be open to God's will for my future ministry service, wherever and whatever it may be. Like Abraham, I go forth "not knowing" yet where God will lead just knowing that wherever it is I will follow His direction (Hebrews 11 :8). As I said earlier, I am leaving the ERLC, not the ministry. My Heavenly Father's call was for the rest of my life. The closing words of one of my favorite poems (Robert Frost, "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening") best describe my commitment to continue to follow God's call on my life: "The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep." In His Kingdom's Service, Richard Land, President -- End of story -- 600,000-plus ready for Wed.'s 'Chick-fil-A Day' By Michael Foust Jul. 31 2012 http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38393 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) -- Chick-fil-A's 1,600 restaurants better be ready Wednesday for extra business. [IMGONLY=33164@right@350]More than 600,000 people have signed up on Facebook to take part in Wednesday's Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day, an event that has no official ties to the company. It was launched about 10 days ago by radio host and former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, who wanted to support the restaurant in light of the pushback it has received after Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy made [URL=http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38271]comments[/URL] supporting the biblical definition of marriage. Some gay groups have called for a boycott, and the mayors of two major cities -- Boston and Chicago -- implied they wanted to block construction of new restaurants in their city, only to back down. Although gay groups, some media members and a few politicians have turned the issue into a debate over gay marriage, Huckabee, speaking on his radio program Tuesday (July 31), said it's not. (More information on the event is available at [URL=http://www.ISupportChickFilA.com]www.ISupportChickFilA.com[/URL].) "The whole thing has never been about whether you support or whether you oppose same-sex marriage. It's a much bigger issue than that," Huckabee said. The issue, Huckabee said, is about free speech and religious liberty. Chick-fil-A's critics have participated in "hate speech and economic bullying," he said. The Chick-fil-A president's personal beliefs, Huckabee said, reflect the beliefs of many Americans. "I just didn't know that people who are Christian, who have [a Christian] worldview, had been disenfranchised," Huckabee said. Chick-fil-A, Huckabee noted, has not been accused of discriminating against its customers or employees. R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, wrote a commentary for CNN.com, defending the company and saying the controversy is indicative of a larger issue. "The controversy over Chick-fil-A is a clear sign that religious liberty is at risk and that this nation has reached the brink of tyrannical intolerance from at least some of our elected leaders," Mohler said. Speaking of Chicago politicians who made comments opposing the company, Mohler asked, "Are they audacious enough to deliver that same message to the churches, mosques and synagogues of their city that also oppose same-sex marriage? What do they do with the fact that their own state does not allow same-sex marriages? "This country is deeply divided over the issue of same-sex marriage, and the controversy over Chick-fil-A is an ominous sign that many of the proponents of same-sex marriage are quite willing to violate religious liberty and to use any and all means to silence and punish any individual or organization that holds the contrary view -- a view sustained by the voters in 29 states by constitutional amendments." Fox News commentator Todd Starnes also spoke up for Chick-fil-A. "There's something unsettling about the public flogging of Chick-fil-A," Starnes wrote on his blog July 31, targeting government officials who seem intent "on destroying a privately owned American company simply because of the owner's personal opinions. … Chick-fil-A's only crime is being a family-owned company that ascribes to the teachings of the Holy Bible -- a belief that marriage is a union between one man and one woman." --30-- Michael Foust is associate editor of Baptist Press. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter ([URL=http://www.Twitter.com/BaptistPress]@BaptistPress[/URL]), Facebook ([URL=http://Facebook.com/BaptistPress]Facebook.com/BaptistPress [/URL]) and in your email ([URL=http://baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp] baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp[/URL]). -- End of story -- Luter: Graham excited about future of SBC By Diana Chandler Jul. 31 2012 http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38389 MONTREAT, N.C. (BP) -- Billy Graham established a precedent early in his ministry during America's days of racial segregation by only proceeding with a crusade if blacks and whites could sit together in the audience. Graham's standard resonated with Fred Luter during a July 26 visit with the evangelist at his home in Montreat, N.C. Graham applauded Luter's election as the first African American president of the Southern Baptist Convention. "Dr. Graham was really excited about the future of the Southern Baptist Convention, and he was real excited that the convention had elected an African American president," Luter said. "He's always been one who believed in the different ethnic groups. There was a time when he wouldn't even have his crusades in a town if other ethnic groups were not included. He wanted to make it inclusive, so he was really excited about [the election]." While race relations was not the main topic of the informal meeting, Luter said Graham did mention his support of racial equality in South Africa. "[We talked about] when he went to Africa to help end Apartheid there and how he got a chance to meet Nelson Mandela," Luter recounted. "He even mentioned the fact that [Mandela] just made a birthday. He said, 'He's 94 and I'm 93. He's got one year ahead of me.'" Luter, who preached at nearby LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center, visited Graham as the guest of Don Wilton, pastor of First Baptist Church in Spartanburg, S.C., where Graham is a member. Luter and his wife Elizabeth spent 45 minutes with Graham, Wilton and family members. "First of all I was just kind of amazed that when I walked in the house … he was sitting at the kitchen table, and it was like you were walking on Mt. Sinai and there's Moses just sitting there," Luter said. "You know it was just incredible. [He had] just beautiful white hair and just sitting there with family members and friends around. It was just really a surreal moment for me." Graham remembered meeting Luter during the March 2006 Celebration of Hope crusade in New Orleans. "Bro. Wilton said, 'Dr. Graham, I have the president of the Southern Baptist Convention,' and Dr. Graham just said, 'Oh yeah, I know Fred.' He was very personable," Luter said. "I sat down next to him and he congratulated me on being elected as president of the Southern Baptist Convention and of course, from that point on, I just … raved about him and what a fan I've been of his for years." Luter said Graham's mind is still clear and full of details. Graham autographed for the Luters a copy of his latest book, "Nearing Home," and spoke of growing old. "He talked about … how much he missed his wife Ruth and how difficult it was growing old," Luter said. "He never thought he would grow this old, but he's sharp. His mind is still sharp. I was just amazed at how mentally focused he was." --30-- Diana Chandler is Baptist Press' staff writer. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter ([URL=http://www.Twitter.com/BaptistPress]@BaptistPress[/URL]), Facebook ([URL=http://Facebook.com/BaptistPress]Facebook.com/BaptistPress [/URL]) and in your email ([URL=http://baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp] baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp[/URL]). -- End of story -- In London, Ohioans & Ethiopian church partner By Tim Ellsworth Jul. 31 2012 http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38386 EDITOR'S NOTE: Tim Ellsworth, editor of BP Sports and director of news and media relations at Union University, is in London to cover the 2012 Olympics in tandem with Baptist Press' London bureau. Baptist Press will publish features about Christian athletes in the Olympics, recap results of their competition and cover Baptist initiatives to share the Gospel during the Summer Games and among Londoners' rich cultural milieu. LONDON (BP) -- An email about a mission trip to London during the Olympics captured Terri Frasure's heart. Upon receiving the notice from the Ohio Woman's Missionary Union, "all I could think about was what a perfect opportunity to reach the nations," said Frasure, a member of First Baptist Church in South Lebanon, Ohio. "I could not get it out of my heart, that God had commanded us to go to all nations and to teach the Gospel." Frasure is one of 11 volunteers from churches in the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio ministering in London as the city hosts the Olympics. They are part of a team who came with More Than Gold, a Christian organization seeking to help churches in the United Kingdom engage with the 2012 Olympics, according to its website. Frasure and her team are working with the Ethiopian Christian Fellowship Church to share the Gospel with people near King's Cross, one of London's biggest travel hubs. The Ethiopian church is using its building as a hospitality center during the Olympics, offering people free cake, tea and coffee and an opportunity for visitors to watch the Summer Games on TV. "When they come to take part in that, we sit down and try to talk to them a little bit," Frasure said. "We really try our best to look for an opportunity to share Jesus Christ with them." The Ethiopian church members are passionate about sharing the Gospel with everyone, not just Ethiopians, Frasure noted. They are going into the streets to meet people, she said, "almost begging them to come" to the hospitality center so they can witness to them. Girma Bishaw, pastor of the Ethiopian church, said the Ohio team has been a tremendous help. "Recently the Lord had been calling us to kind of come out of our own boxes and to reach out for other people," Bishaw said. "At this time in our journey, for them to come alongside us and to come out and reach other people with the Gospel is very, very encouraging for our church people." In addition to their work with the Ethiopian church, some of the Ohio volunteers spent a few days holding a kids' club in Stratford, another part of the city. Ben Shelton, a member of First Baptist Church in Garrettsville, Ohio, said the outreach was similar to Vacation Bible School. Through it, his team was able to engage Muslims and some kids who were unchurched. "This is the first time I've done any kind of international ministry like this," Shelton said. "I think God has really been showing us and helping us every bit of the way." Frasure encountered one couple from Spain who were in London to learn English. The woman knew a little bit about Jesus, but the man had never heard Jesus' name before. "They listened very intently," Frasure said. "They didn't make a profession for Christ because they were in such a hurry. But we were able to leave information with them so that they can read further with that." Frasure met another woman from the Ukraine, in London for the Olympics who likewise was open to conversation. "She was very open to what I had to say about the Gospel, but she wasn't ready to make that kind of commitment," Frasure said. "She really believes in the works part -- if she does enough good things, then she will get to heaven." For Frasure, the trip is the culmination of months of prayer and anticipation. "God just put it in my heart in such a great way that I may never have another opportunity like this, where all the nations are coming together, and that He would send me there to help reach those nations," Frasure said. "It was a real burden to my heart. He just opened the door for the nations to come to us as we're witnessing." --30— Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter ([URL=http://www.Twitter.com/BaptistPress]@BaptistPress[/URL]), Facebook ([URL=http://Facebook.com/BaptistPress]Facebook.com/BaptistPress [/URL]) and in your email ([URL=http://baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp] baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp[/URL]). -- End of story -- State church amid 'snow-white missions field' By Ava Thomas Jul. 31 2012 http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38388 EDITOR'S NOTE: Baptist Press' London bureau, in tandem with Tim Ellsworth, editor of BP Sports and director of news and media relations at Union University, will be providing coverage of London Olympics. Baptist Press will publish features about Christian athletes in the Olympics, recap results of their competition and cover initiatives to share the Gospel during the Summer Games and within the U.K.'s cultural milieu. REDHILL, England (BP) -- Snow is not a common sight in southern England, but it dusts the town's old stone church more frequently than it once did. Lizzie Baker is getting accustomed to seeing it blanket the town from time to time, much like political correctness. "There are growing dangers of having to water down your faith to be acceptable in this culture," said Baker, a youth worker at Holy Trinity Church in Redhill, U.K. "It's a postmodern society. There is no truth. 'Whatever you believe, that's fine' -- that's the pervasive thought." But it's another thought entirely that keeps the youth worker venturing out every week to nearby schools to talk to teenagers. "We know we have a God who is God over all," she said. And she'd like for these students to meet Him. In some respects, the spiritual landscape of England doesn't look too different from that of the States, Baker said. British people put great stock in security -- money, family, cars and houses. "It's really hard for people to see that they need God when they have built such self-sufficiency," she said. But one factor is different from the U.S. There's no separation of church and state. This is seen as a blessing by some and as a curse by others, Baker said. She chooses to see it as a blessing. With the Church of England's government ties comes a state requirement that schools teach religion, and that allows Baker access to classrooms and assemblies. She teaches the Gospel message, the tenets of the faith, and sometimes holds reflection times for the student body with prayer and devotionals. The arrangement comes with the catch that other religions, not just Christianity, can be taught, which "is really, really hard, because then you are just one voice amongst many," Baker said. "You have to caveat everything you say with 'as a Christian I believe,' or 'as the Bible says.'" But it opens doors to talk to teenagers, so she considers it an opportunity. She looks similarly at the Church of England congregation where she serves. She grew up in a Baptist church, a "free" church, and there she chose to follow Christ. The Church of England has a certain beauty to Baker: It’s a field snowy-white unto harvest. And it comes in all brands and styles across its 16,000 congregations -- from liturgical to charismatic, contemporary to traditional. British folks often attend their local Church of England as a cultural institution, a place legally and sentimentally part of their community and family. Weddings, funerals, the baptisms of their children -- all are theirs by law, regardless of their personal spiritual state. It's a ripe mission field that's shown much fruit, Baker said. She has seen people come for sentiment or cultural reasons to a state-provided church, and there they find Jesus. One couple, for instance, who came to the church in order to use it for their wedding later accepted Christ as a result of visiting and become active members of the body. The vicar, or parish priest, at her church often speaks to the congregation about the liturgy and doctrine ingrained in the Church of England, explaining its personal spiritual relevance and connection to Christ. "When you go back to the real history of the church, there's such a beautiful foundation there," Baker said. "It's just wonderful, and I love that." The most important thing is simply for the leaders to love Jesus, she said. "The Church of England has its roots deep, but the government is moving further and further from the truth, walking away from our Christian heritage. We need a boldness and conviction to stand up for the truth and not water down the Gospel," Baker said. --30-- Ava Thomas is a writer/editor for the International Mission Board based in Europe. To download a copy of the WMU International Mission Study on London in which this article appears, visit http://www.newsfromeurasia.com/?p=629. -- End of story -- NAE under fire over contraception funding By Erin Roach Jul. 31 2012 http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38385 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) -- The National Association of Evangelicals is under fire for receiving $1 million from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unmarried Pregnancy, an organization which promotes contraception for the unmarried. Marvin Olasky, editor in chief of WORLD Magazine, broke the news and has written several articles regarding the controversy. "The National Campaign is zealous," Olasky wrote July 14. "When conservatives this year tried to reduce funding for Planned Parenthood and similar groups, the lead story on the Campaign's newsletter began, 'The U.S. House of Representatives recently voted to increase teen and unplanned pregnancy.' "It's hard to imagine two stranger organizational bedfellows," Olasky added. "Yet since 2008 the Campaign has partially funded the NAE." The funding came in the form of a multi-year grant that supported the NAE's "Generation Forum" project, and the grant was the largest given by the National Campaign to any organization in 2008, 2009 or 2010, according to Olasky's examination of IRS disclosure forms. The NAE's annual budget is $1 million. In an email to Baptist Press July 30, NAE communications director Sarah Kropp said current funding from the National Campaign expires at the end of 2012 and, "The NAE does not have plans to seek further funding from the National Campaign." Among Olasky's main concerns is that during the past decade the National Campaign received nearly $50 million from the Hewlett Foundation, one of the nation's largest abortion and contraception supporters, and last year the National Campaign received more than $5 million worth of shares in Berkshire Hathaway, one of the world's leading abortion funders. Another concern Olasky raised is that the NAE gave $10,000 to the Relevate Group's Q Gathering where young evangelicals met in April to hear speakers address topics including abortion reduction. Along with the money, the NAE pushed to have the National Campaign's Sarah Brown included in a Q panel and Brown ended up dominating the discussion, Olasky said. "Brown argued that churches should promote contraceptive use by their unmarried singles," Olasky wrote. During the panel discussion, Brown reportedly said she wished people in their 20s would have fewer sexual partners but the role of marriage is decreasing in modern culture and it's inevitable that unmarried evangelicals are going to have sex. Abortions, she said, could be reduced if contraceptives were used more widely. In 2010, the NAE used some of its National Campaign grant money "to commission a Gallup poll with a key question worded to make it seem that 90 percent of evangelicals favor contraception generally -- and the Campaign then trumpeted that finding," Olasky wrote. NAE President Leith Anderson acknowledged to Olasky the association's involvement with the National Campaign but also cited a 2010 NAE board resolution which says, "The Church is understandably reluctant to recommend contraception for unmarried sexual partners, given that it cannot condone extramarital sex. However, it is even more tragic when unmarried individuals compound one sin by conceiving and then destroying the precious gift of life." In an email to Olasky, Anderson wrote, "Evangelicals are conflicted about contraceptives outside of marriage because we never want to promote or condone sexual immorality. But we are told that contraceptives can reduce abortions and we want to stop abortions." Olasky's July 28 analysis of the matter included a reference to author John Piper's statement that, "Abortion is caused by illicit sex the way stealing is caused by unemployment. We don't give the unemployed person money so he won't steal. We help him see that work is better, and then help him find it." What churches say on the issue of sex before marriage does matter, Olasky wrote in June. "Does God put us in a box where the only way to avoid one sin is to commit or condone another? That's not what the Bible teaches," he said. For its part, the NAE, in a statement on its website, wrote, "Does NAE promote biblical sex in biblical marriage? Yes. Has NAE endorsed contraception for unmarried Christians? No." "Several sources have mistakenly claimed that the National Association of Evangelicals endorses or promotes the use of contraception by unmarried Christian young adults. No. NAE has never done so," the statement said. "NAE promotes, endorses and teaches the biblical standard of God's gift of sex only within marriage between one man and one woman. "To address abortion among evangelicals, the NAE commissioned research by Gallup and Grey Matter to find out what is happening. Financial assistance for this research, for a staff member and for publication of Theology of Sex came from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. "The National Campaign and the NAE share a goal of reducing the number of abortions in the United States. Under this goal, the NAE has partnered with the National Campaign. The NAE does not agree with every position or goal of the National Campaign. "To learn more about the NAE's promotion of biblical values and work to reduce the high rate of sex and abortions among unmarried evangelicals go to NAEgeneration.com. Especially, read and encourage others to read Theology of Sex," the NAE said. Pastors who wrote to WORLD Magazine in late June and early July, Olasky said, overwhelmingly were against churches promoting contraceptive use among unmarried adults. To combat the problems that lead to premarital sex even among evangelicals, pastors recommended, among other things, fighting the recent tendency to marry later. Olasky quoted University of Texas sociologist Mark Regnerus, who said, "Most young Americans no longer think of marriage as a formative institution, but rather as the institution they enter once they think they are fully formed." "My takeaway: When we face difficult problems, we can choose to follow the world's prescription, or God's," Olasky wrote. "If the NAE speaks with worldly wisdom in the name of evangelicals, it undermines pastors, parents, and young adults striving to do what's right. The Holy Spirit is real and can change people: Giving in to the contraceptive lobby is like saying the Holy Spirit is powerless to help us obey God." --30-- Erin Roach is assistant editor of Baptist Press. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter ([URL=http://www.Twitter.com/BaptistPress]@BaptistPress[/URL]), Facebook ([URL=http://Facebook.com/BaptistPress]Facebook.com/BaptistPress [/URL]) and in your email ([URL=http://baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp] baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp[/URL]). -- End of story -- FROM THE STATES: Mo., Ill., Ark. evangelism/missions news By Staff Jul. 31 2012 http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38391 EDITOR'S NOTE: From the States, published each Tuesday by Baptist Press, relays news and feature stories from state Baptist papers and other publications on initiatives by Baptist churches, associations and state conventions in evangelism, church planting and Great Commission outreach, including partnership missions. Reports about churches, associations and state conventions responding to the International Mission Board's call to embrace the world's 3,800 unengaged, unreached people groups also are included in From the States, along with reports about church, associational and state convention initiatives in conjunction with the North American Mission Board's call to Southern Baptist churches to broaden their efforts in starting new churches and satellite campuses. The items appear in Baptist Press as originally published. Today's From the States features items from: The Pathway (Missouri) Illinois Baptist Arkansas Baptist News Trips to Africa amaze Rock Church By Susan Mires ST. LOUIS (The Pathway) -– Preaching in a remote area of northwest Kenya, where warring tribes convened and even broke into fights in the middle of the service, Pastor Timothy Cowin urged the people to follow the Prince of Peace. "At that sermon, I proclaimed that Jesus came with open hands and kept his hands open to the end," Cowin recalled. "I asked them to join the tribe of the open hand and follow Jesus." The message was translated into the Swahili, Turkana and Pecot languages and at the invitation, hundreds of people came forward to make decisions for Christ. Cowin laid hands on and prayed for each person in line. From a St. Louis suburb, members of The Rock Church had journeyed to Kenya. The church had prayed for years to partner with a specific location for missions. When Karen Smith joined the church and began describing their personal ministry "Getting The Word Out" in Kenya, they knew they had found their calling. "We felt like in today's age, the church in America, because of how we've been blessed, can go on mission anywhere in the world," Pastor Cowin said. Cowin went on the first trip to Kenya in 2009. In addition to peace rallies, they got to know Andrew and Sarah Kendagor, who cared for orphans in their tiny home. Karen Smith prayed for an opportunity and was able to take 5-year-old Esther back to St. Louis. Doctors at Children's Hospital at Barnes removed a large tumor from her neck. The Rock Church then built Esther House, where the Kendagors are now able to care for orphans in better conditions. The Kendagors' son, Peter, came to St. Louis with a family member who was receiving treatment for leukemia. While in St. Louis, he joined The Rock, was ordained in ministry and now serves as a church planting catalyst in Kenya. About 15 members of The Rock have visited Kenya on numerous mission trips. They've prayed and provided money for Esther House and other projects. Cowin went on the latest trip in January. "When I went back, I had heard about some people in remote areas of Uganda who had turned to the Lord and requested we go over there," he said. Peter Kendagor introduced him to a man named Clement. The man described how he used to be known as Michael, a violent, drunken man that many believed to be demon possessed. He walked from Uganda to Kenya and attended the peace rally to get free food. He stood in line to receive a Bible and when Cowin laid hands on him, he felt a power fall over him and he has never been the same. Michael changed his name to Clement and has started five churches in Uganda. "I didn't even know until three years later what God was doing," Cowin said with amazement. Another man saved at the rally walked away and started singing. Today, his songs are heard all over Kenya Christian radio. The Rock Church is amazed at how their prayers for a mission partner have been answered. "We felt privileged that God wanted to do something among these people and blessed. He's chosen us to be part of it," Cowin said. Another mission trip is planned for this fall. The Rock is raising money for motorcycles for church planters to use to visit churches. In addition to the Kenyan partnership, the church, which used to be Rock Hill Baptist Church, has a Japanese congregation meeting at its facility and is working with an Indonesian pastor. They also partnered with a church that was closing and have a campus in Soulard. Cowin said missions is a mindset. "God has raised up people in our church for particular ministries and people rally around them to do what God has called them do," he said. --30-- This article first appeared in The Pathway, newsjournal of the Missouri Baptist Convention (mbcpathway.org). Susan Mires is a contributing writer for The Pathway. ********** Volunteers share the Gospel in Haiti's voodoo culture By Meredith Flynn HAITI (Illinois Baptist) -- Dan Gerard was hardly home from his first trip to Haiti before he started planning to go back. The plight of the impoverished country stayed with Gerard, a member of Living Faith Baptist in Sherman, Ill., after he first visited in the summer of 2011. He returned in November with a mission: to help others in Illinois find ways to serve in Haiti, a spiritually dark country that has seen the light of the Gospel in the years since a devastating earthquake destroyed large parts of it. Earlier this summer, Gerard took his third trip to Haiti, this time leading six young adults to minister in an area where 80 percent of the people adhere to voodoo practices and beliefs. It was a different experience from Gerard's other trips, which focused on rebuilding after the earthquake. "It's nice to use work projects as a medium to witness to people, but I felt like God was calling us to go over there and meet people and be very deliberate about witnessing to them." The team provided Vacation Bible School for 250 children who have never experienced it and also did hut-to-hut evangelism. They partnered with Pastor Evens, a Haitian minister who has declared war on the voodoo beliefs that are so prevalent in his country. "We had 24 children come forward [to follow Christ], and you wouldn't think that sounds like a lot, but one of the things Pastor Evens preached is that if you're going to follow the Lord, you have to give up all your other beliefs," Gerard said. "He made that very evident. You need to turn away from all of your other false gods, your voodoo and your other idols. [It was] overwhelming to see that many children come forward." Gerard will head back to Haiti this fall with a team that hopes to help build a school for 200 students. The building will also serve as a church. The project will build on relationships Gerard and other Illinois volunteers have formed over the past two years. Partnership is key to all these endeavors, he said. "It's not as effective when you go in, work and then leave. I think it's important that we make that decision to stand by them…and help them grow in their ministry." For more missions opportunities, go to www.IBSA.org/Missions. --30-- This article originally appeared in the Illinois Baptist (ibsa.org/illinoisbaptist), newsjournal of the Illinois Baptist State Association. Meredith Flynn is associate editor of the Illinois Baptist. ********** Baptist Home teens touch lives of children in Brazil By Stella Prather FLORIANOPOLIS, Brazil (ABCHomes) -- Squatting down in the entryway, Jade Wise extends her arms and motions for the nearby preschooler to give her a hug. The 5-year-old is not so sure about the strange visitor and shyly lowers his head. Sneaking a quick look upward, a grin slowly creeps across his face and the brown-eyed youngster makes a made dash into the teens' open arms. He returns the hug, hops down and runs inside the group home as his friends take turns receiving embraces from Wise and her friends. Hugs were in abundance recently at the Vinde a Mim Orphanage (Let the Children Come Unto Me Orphanage), a group home for children ages 6-12 in an urban and poor area of Florianopolis, Brazil. Outside the group home, giggles and laughter fill the courtyard – enclosed with a towering fence topped with electrical wire - as the Brazilian children and a group of Arkansas teens began blowing and chasing bubbles. An older group of boys enjoy a hacky sack game. "These kids are precious," said Wise, adding that while they 'don't really understand" our language, "It's so fun to love on them." Before leaving the home, Jade and her friend Krissy Eastridge taught their new 5-year-old friend to sing "Jesus Loves Me" in English. "It was so fun hearing him sing," said Krissy. "The look on his face was awesome." Jade and Krissy were among eight residents of the Arkansas Baptist Home for Children in Monticello that traveled to the southeastern Brazilian city June 15-25 to take part in a 10-day mission trip. The first-ever overseas mission trip for any group of ABCHomes residents was funded by several generous ABCHomes donors. The Baptist Home residents, along with 11 ABCHomes staff and representatives, ministered alongside Southern Baptist International Mission Board missionaries Ron and Alana Greenwich. Ron, who grew up at the Baptist Home, has ministered in the South American country for 28 years. "I am so thankful … for the group from Arkansas, especially those from the Baptist Home which is part of my past, for coming to Brazil to minister with us (Alana and I)," shared Greenwich. "I feel so very close to this group just because of our connection to the Baptist Home." It was a "privilege," he said to host this group and to "watch them interact with little children who have even less than they do." During their trek to Brazil, the mission team spent two days ministering at a public school-in a Florianopolis favela - the generally used term for a shantytown in Brazil. This very poor, violent community is plagued with drug problems and domestic violence. Many residents' only means of making a living is by collecting trash and sorting through it to find recyclable items that can be sold. At the school, several Baptist home team members were allowed to lead a Bible study and share their testimonies in four classes. Others helped the Brazilian children make crafts and balloon animals. Next door at a community center first started by the Greenwich's, other team members led area teenagers in recreational and sporting events. American football and baseball were a big hit among the Brazilians. Each teen was presented with a Slipdisc•, a Frisbee-type disc with the gospel message in Portuguese on the underside decal. Noting that soccer is king in Brazil, team member Dave Bostian, said, the Brazilian kids enjoyed learning about the American games. "They didn't quite understand the idea of running around the baseball diamond, but they sure did like to like to slam the ball," said Bostian. Lucia Perry, wife of ABCHomes executive director David Perry, was among the group who traveled to Brazil. Lucia said one thing she noticed during a visit to the homes of two women living in the favela was the hospitality among those who had so little. "At each home, they wanted to offer us food and coffee," shared Lucia. "I was touched by these wonderful ladies." The team also visited two low-come day care centers where they led backyard-Bible-type clubs and recreational activities. Four ABCHomes leaders shared about the history, program and funding of ABCHomes with a group who oversee Brazilian residential group/foster care-type homes. At another orphanage for infants and toddlers up to 3-years-old, team members painted a bedroom and dining area. When team members learned there were three infants onsite, they jumped at the chance to cuddle and rock the precious little ones. After cuddling 18-month-old Alexander, team member Robin Caldwell, noted, "When he said 'mamaaaa', I felt maternal instincts taking over." Caldwell, an ABCHomes executive board member, jokingly said her husband could surly get used to baby boy around the house. Each of the Baptist Home residents said they won't soon forget the experiences and opportunities to minister they had the opportunity to be a part of during the mission trip. "I can't event put into words what it meant for me to come on this trip," shared Jake Roberts, 18. "I'll never forget it." Noting the living conditions of the favela children she observed on the trip, Caitlyn Bradley said, "We (Americans) get more and more things all the time and all we do is take and take. I was so inspired by the joy on the faces of these kids who really don't have much." Team member Erica Wise called the trip an "incredible blessing. "I will never forget holding two of the most precious gifts God could create. It was so hard saying by to these precious babies." Krissy called the trip "life changing." Noting some challenges she has faced, she said, " We have so much and these kids don't. I know God is taking care of me. And He sent me here … Just to see the changes on a child's face when I picked him up was worth it all. " Recalling her experiences on the trip and her time spent at the Baptist Home, Cynthia Skattebo, said, "It is crazy how much we take for granted. We don't appreciate what we have, but being here I can see how much I have … It was an amazing trip." --30-- This article appeared in the Arkansas Baptist News (arkansasbaptist.org), newsjournal of the Arkansas Baptist Convention. Stella Prather is communications director of ABCHomes, Arkansas Baptist Children's Homes. -- End of story -- FIRST-PERSON: Answering questions about Old Testament polygamy By Gregory Thornbury Jul. 31 2012 http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38387 JACKSON, Tenn. (BP) -- In the middle of ongoing cultural convulsions over the definition of marriage, I have found one question increasingly on the minds of many people: "Didn't God in the Old Testament allow for polygamy? If that is true, then how can you say that marriage is defined as being only between one man and one woman?" The truth is that the story of polygamy in the Old Testament is, well, a problem. Although monogamy was clearly God's intent from the beginning, the picture blurs pretty quickly after Adam and Eve's first sin and expulsion from the Garden. By Genesis 4, you have Cain's son Lamech taking two wives. The patriarchs Abraham and Jacob themselves had multiple wives and concubines. Technically, the practice was polygyny. In other words, men could have more than one wife, but not the other way around (polyandry). Moses had two wives as well. The Mosaic Law likewise accommodated the practice of marrying more than one wife, including captured prisoners from foreign conquests (Deuteronomy 21:1-17). It also made provisions for continuing the family line by marrying a brother's wife if he died without producing heirs (Deut. 25:5-12). And the stories keep coming: Gideon, one of Israel's champions, had many wives; Elkanah, a presumably godly man and the father of Samuel, had two wives. Other "love stories" in the Bible are similarly plagued. Queen Esther was undoubtedly part of a harem. The picture gets even dicier when one considers the practice of the kings of Israel. King David, the "man after God's own heart," had eight wives. In 2 Samuel 12 when the prophet Nathan confronts David over his sin with Bathsheba, we read: "This is what the Lord God of Israel says: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I have given you your master's house and your master's wives into your bosom ... and I gave you the house of Israel and Judah, and as if this wasn't enough, I would have given you even more." David's son, Solomon, however, went overboard, flouting a stipulation in Deuteronomy 17 that kings not accumulate "too many" wives. For the record, Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. How does one respond to this situation? The answer begins by seeing that God always points His creation back to the primacy and perfection of the original design. Next, you have to read every book to the end -- especially if it is the biblical context. And if you read the stories about the characters referenced above, you'll quickly find that polygamy was an unmitigated sociological disaster that created heartbreak and sowed familial discord. By the time of the writing of Malachi, God's command to a thoroughly chastised nation was clear: covenantal monogamy was to be the norm. Further, through the ministry of Jesus, we see God "reset the clock" so to speak to the original goodness of monogamous marital union -- pointing forward to a new society and a new way. He also enacted new provisions to protect women and raise their standing in society. Jesus showed a world that had distorted the meaning of marriage back to the beauty of "the man being joined to his wife, and two will become one flesh." The nouns Jesus used are singular here, folks. He showed that there is a way to go back to our "origin story" in the Garden -- where one husband is joined to one wife -- a relationship Saint Augustine once called, "the basic bond of society." --30-- Gregory Alan Thornbury is dean of the school of theology and missions at Union University in Jackson, Tenn. This column first appeared at the blog of BibleMesh, online at biblemesh.com/blog. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter ([URL=http://www.Twitter.com/BaptistPress]@BaptistPress[/URL]), Facebook ([URL=http://Facebook.com/BaptistPress]Facebook.com/BaptistPress [/URL]) and in your email ([URL=http://baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp] baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp[/URL]). -- End of story -- TECH: An even faster Internet & its impact on churches By Aaron Linne Jul. 31 2012 http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38390 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) -- Amidst all the technology changes happening in 2012 -- from Windows 8 to the new iPhone this fall -- the biggest one is happening more discreetly, without you even knowing it. It will change the way we interact with the Internet and, thus, the whole world. Your broadband connection is getting even faster. Ridiculously fast. The Internet started out at 56 kilobits per second. In other words, it took time just to push a small bit of data over the wire. The Internet was not built for movies, music or even eBooks. It was meant for simple, small things. But now? Now, in 2012, our Internet service providers are pushing forward our connections at an unprecedented rate. In June, Verizon started rolling out its new top-tier service, FiOS Quantum. This connection brings 300 megabits per second download speeds to the common household. (By comparison, 300 megabits per second is 307,200 kilobits.) In July, Comcast began offering the same level of service with their Xfinity Platinum Internet offering. Do you remember when you first heard that people were storing full length movies on their hard drives? Do you remember how huge the file sizes for HD movies were, and how it seemed like it would take up crazy amounts of space to try and save one of them -- let alone the time it would take to download one? A 5GB HD movie, at these new speeds, can be downloaded in little more than two minutes. And then, in July, as we tried to come to grips with what people might be able to do with 300 megabits per second, Google trumped everyone. Google announced they are becoming an internet and cable provider. Starting in Kansas City, Kan., and Kansas City, Mo., Google will be providing 1 gigabit per second internet. (One gigabit is 1,024 megabits.) That HD movie download time that seemed so impressive in the last paragraph? Try downloading it in 5 seconds. For only $70 a month. In my career, I've worked with really large files. I used to be a video editor, and working with all the source files for a huge HD project, I may have been looking at 100 GB of data or so. Downloading that at what will soon be the new normal would have taken less than 2 minutes. This flow of data is inconceivable. There may be no real practical application of this event that can be understood today. Yes, our videos will be faster, our connections will be stronger, and the lag time in video games will be non-existent. That's all the stuff that we know today -- this change will open up the dreams of tomorrow. Just like churches 10 years ago would never have been able to dream of satellite churches that stream a pastor's sermon live -- like we can do today -- our imaginations have yet to catch up with what this may mean. Instead of one HD stream being sent out of your campus, could you have dozens? Hundreds? Is this pipe big enough to stream not video, but a hologram? What if, instead of just streaming the pastor across town, you were streaming the whole congregation? You could turn your head to the right, change a filter in your glasses, and be talking to someone a state away -- like they were right there. And once this kind of free-flowing, rushing river of data heads across the world -- there could be no stopping a great and beautiful message of grace, hope and love. There is no telling what the world will look like just a few short months from now, as our Internet providers compete to up the ante on what data can do. There will be no telling what new collaborations, new learnings, new dangers and new worlds will be facing in two years. At the 2016 Olympics, just four years after the most immersive digital experience that's ever been offered through the 2012 Olympics, how different our world will be -- all because of data. Thank you, July 2012, for setting up our future. --30-- Aaron Linne is executive producer of digital marketing for the B&H Publishing Group of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. He writes a monthly technology column for Baptist Press. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter ([URL=http://www.Twitter.com/BaptistPress]@BaptistPress[/URL]), Facebook ([URL=http://Facebook.com/BaptistPress]Facebook.com/BaptistPress [/URL]) and in your email ([URL=http://baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp] baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp[/URL]). -- End of story -- Copyright (c) 2013 Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press 901 Commerce Street Nashville, TN 37203 Tel: 615.244.2355 Fax: 615.782.8736 email: bpress@sbc.net