BATTICOLOA, Sri Lanka (ABP) — The spirit of God is washing over areas of Sri Lanka that were hard-hit by the tsunamis, revealing a changed topographical and spiritual terrain, according to a missionary in Sri Lanka. God has arranged “divine…
Bush sworn into second term, vows to spread freedom abroad
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Amid snow and protestors, George W. Bush was sworn into his second term as president Jan. 20, vowing that the United States would “seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and…
Attempt to halt inaugural prayers rejected by Supreme Court
WASHINGTON (ABP) — One of the nation's best-known — and most widely disparaged — crusaders against government-sponsored religion failed in his attempt to prevent prayers by clergy at the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration. Michael Newdow lost his bid to halt…
Federal judge dismisses challenge to law banning gay marriage
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A Florida judge has ruled against the first direct challenge to a federal law banning same-sex marriage. Federal District Judge James Moody of Tampa dismissed a Florida lesbian couple's lawsuit seeking to overturn the federal Defense of…
Virginia, Texas conventions take step toward BWA membership
RICHMOND, Va. (ABP) — Two state Baptist conventions have moved a step closer to full membership in the Baptist World Alliance. The Baptist General Association of Virginia and the Baptist General Convention of Texas were both admitted Jan. 11 into…
Hungarian Baptist Aid carves unique disaster-relief niche
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (ABP) — Americans might not think of Hungarians as being in the forefront of international relief efforts, but a relatively young Hungarian organization is a pacesetter in worldwide disaster relief. Hungarian Baptist Aid was founded in 1996…
Church & People for Jan. 13, 2005
S T A F F • C H A N G E S Dennis Wingate, to Grace Church, Ridgeway, as pastor, effective Feb. 6. Mike Smith, to Mount Vernon Church, Axton, as pastor, effective Feb. 27. John Kuzins, to First…
Center for Baptist Heritage seeking applicants for next class of Fellows
The Center for Baptist Heritage & Studies is seeking applicants for the 2005-06 class of Heritage Fellows. The Heritage Fellows program provides an opportunity for Baptist sophomores and juniors attending Virginia colleges and universities to learn about some aspect of…
Massive response
Virginia Baptists are responding with fervor to the tsunami disaster in South Asia, providing thousands of dollars in relief funds and looking toward cooperating on a short-term project with Baptists in several of India's southern states. Baptists around the nation-including…
BGAV joins North American Baptist Fellowship, is endorsed for BWA membership
By Robert Dilday The Baptist General Association of Virginia has moved a step closer to full membership in the Baptist World Alliance. Last week, the BGAV joined the North American Baptist Fellowship, one of the BWA's regional fellowships. Representatives of…
Billy Kim retires as pastor of Korean megachurch
Korean megachurch pastor and evangelist Billy Kim, outgoing president of the Baptist World Alliance, retired Dec. 19 after 45 years as senior pastor of Suwon Central Baptist Church near Seoul, South Korea. Since becoming pastor of the congregation Jan. 1,…
A tragedy gets personal
Among the tens of thousands who lost their lives when the waves of December's tsunami surged onto Sri Lanka was a cousin of Richmonder Emily Thevathasan, who now hopes to participate in relief efforts on the stricken island. By Shawn…