Can Christians close their eyes to the needs of others and still claim to be fully devoted followers of Jesus? Can Christians observe the strong inflicting pain on the weak and not feel the pain themselves? Can they remain only…
Kenyans hunger for ‘normal life’
NAIROBI, Kenya (BP) — Suitcase in one hand and daughter's hand in another, the young couple picks their way through a charred landscape that just yesterday was a thriving used-clothing market. They slow their pace so the 4-year-old can see…
SECOND OPINION: Tips for successful tax filing
According to some estimates, two out of five Americans procrastinate when it comes to filing their tax returns. But experts agree that early preparation for the upcoming tax season is best. Here are some tips to aid in preparing 2007…
Violence leads to arson massacre in Kenya church
WASHINGTON (ABP) — At least 30 people burned to death in a church in Kenya Jan. 1 after an election dispute touched off ethnic strife, according to multiple news reports. The dead, who had been barricaded inside the church, were…
What remains
The souvenir booklet from the dedication of the building was fittingly lavish for a church edifice which rivaled any house of worship in America. Exactly a century ago, in 1908, the Second Baptist Church of St. Louis, Mo., then the…
CP survey sent to SBC churches
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) — On Friday, Nov. 9, Executive Committee President Morris H. Chapman mailed a letter to every church pastor in the Southern Baptist Convention asking him or her to participate in a Cooperative Program/ Stewardship survey. Chapman said…
OUT LOUD
“Ultimately, it is Muslims who must excise the scourge of radicalism from Islam. From within. We can help by behaving like the generous, just and benevolent society moderate Muslims once considered us to be.” Oliver “Buzz” Thomas The minister and…
Survey studies ministers’ salaries
DALLAS — A question frequently asked by church finance committees, personnel committees, pastors, administrators and search committees is “How does our salary range compare with what other churches are paying?” By the middle of June, 2008 figures for salaries and…
New Hampshire exit-poll statistics muddy picture of religious voters
WASHINGTON (ABP) — In the Jan. 8 New Hampshire primary, each party's newly minted front-runner didn't score as well among voters — religious or otherwise — as they did in the previous week's Iowa caucuses, according to exit-poll data. Hillary…
Vietnamese Baptists to hold first general conference
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (ABP) — Baptists in Vietnam will reach a milestone when they hold their first legal national conference Jan. 10-12. An expected 400 people from 13 southern provinces and cities are expected for the meeting in…
Attempt at dialogue with Muslims inspires further criticism of NAE
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The National Association of Evangelicals is under attack again from some prominent Christian conservatives, this time for its involvement in an attempt at Muslim-Christian dialogue. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Al Mohler, former presidential candidate Gary Bauer…
Christians in Kenya analyze violence, administer aid, as unrest continues
NAIROBI, Kenya (ABP) — Still-simmering violence sparked by disputed elections in Kenya continues to affect Baptist organizations and missionaries in the previously stable nation. Gunfire erupted Jan. 7 in Limuru, a small town less than half a mile from Kenya…