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Florida Baptists asked to pray for their summer missionaries serving across the globe

JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Involvement in collegiate missions has come full circle for David and Tami Wood.

In the summer of 1988 just a few months before they were married he represented Florida Baptists as a summer missionary to Israel, while she served in Indiana. It was an experience they often would reflect upon when contemplating God’s call on their lives.

Missions in Eastern Europe focus of Camp WorldLight

JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Openings are still available for girls entering third through twelfth grades to attend Camp WorldLight this summer. The theme of this year’s camp, “Standout” will focus on missions in Eastern

‘E-quip’ on-line learning community activated

JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—A new on-line learning emphasis “E-quip” now offers more than 100 training opportunities through video training seminars for churches and church leaders. The videos can be accessed anytime and anywhere, including iPhones, iPads and most Android devices.

Pastors react with sadness, outrage to Obama’s gay marriage stance

JACKSONVILLE (FBW) – Whether through social media, blogs or in comments to Florida Baptist Witness, Florida Baptist pastors reacted with a mix of sadness and outrage to President Barack Obama’s endorsement of gay marriage. While some explicitly said they could not vote for the president in light of his announcement, many also urged prayer for Obama.

Plant City, Pensacola teens take top honors in state Bible Drill event

APOPKA (FBW)—Scores of youth and children, along with their parents and supporters, gathered at Trinity Baptist Church in Apopka April 21 for the state finals of Bible Drills. The drillers showcased their Bible skills in the culmination of dozens of church and associational events in March and April.

Children’s Bible Drills were held at the Baptist College of Florida in Graceville April 14, and also at Trinity Baptist April 21. Those with perfect, or nearly perfect, scores also participated in the Children’s Super Drills at both locations.

Florida Baptist retiree honored by Baptist communicators

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (FBC)—Longtime Florida Baptist communicator Ty Wood was inducted as a lifetime member of Baptist Communicator’s Association during the organization’s 2012 Wilmer C. Fields Awards banquet April 13 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Fort Meade centenarian tells of growing up in early 20th century Florida

FORT MEADE (FBW)—Velma Howell, a member of First Baptist Church in Fort Meade since 1941, celebrated her 100th birthday April 17. The stories of her lifetime, generously told to anyone who asks, give a glimpse of Florida in early 20th century.

Howell was born in north Alabama, and her father moved the family of nine to Fort Meade in 1918 to escape winter cold. Her father and two brothers drove south in their Model T Ford, a trip that took seven days. Her mother, expecting their tenth child, and five daughters rode down on the train, the “old Smokey Joe.” Arriving around 9 p.m. Nov. 18, Howell, who was six years old at the time, said she was surprised to see people in the streets of Fort Meade, shouting and dancing.

Cuban Baptists need musical instruments for church plants

HAVANA, Cuba (FBC)—When was the last time you cleaned out your attic or garage and found your kids’ unused musical instrument—the one they had to have for band classes but haven’t touched in the past decade? Or discovered that saxophone that you promised to pick up again—one day?

Jacksonville Baptists respond to proposed gay rights ordinance

JACKSONVILLE (FBW) - A bill before the Jacksonville City Council granting civil rights protections for sexual orientation and gender identity is generating opposition from most Southern Baptists in the local association, while two pastors have endorsed the measure.

Annual Church Profiles reflect stagnant growth for 2011

JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—With one out of six Florida Baptist churches failing to submit a statistical summary for the 2010-2011 church year, the Florida Baptist Convention showed little collective growth in the 12 months of Baptist life.

A total of 457 congregations—or 15.6 percent of Florida Baptists’ 2,922 congregations—did not provide an Annual Church Profile to the Florida Baptist Convention despite repeated efforts to collect the information.

Commentary/Opinion/Staff Blog
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Editorial: The president’s outrageous argument for gay marriage
It’s difficult to know the most outrageous aspect of President Barack Obama’s May 9 announcement that his “constantly evolving” position on gay marriage had ended in support for the immoral practice. Read More...
DIANA DAVIS
Author
Point of View: End-of-school party with purpose
Hundreds of children at a school near your church are ready to celebrate summer vacation. What an opportunity! Plan a gigantic end-of-school party with an outreach purpose. Read More...
Eric Metaxas
BreakPoint
Point of View: Chuck’s gift to us—‘Loving God’
By now you’ve surely heard that Chuck Colson went to be with the Lord April 21. Those of us who knew him are sad, thankful, and hopeful: sad that he is gone; thankful to have known him; and hopeful that we will be reunited with him one Read More...
R. ALBERT MOHLER Jr.
AlbertMohler.com
Point of View: Evolution’s End? President Obama Calls for Same-Sex Marriage
Is President Obama’s “evolution” on same sex marriage finally complete? His call for the legalization of same-sex marriage yesterday is an historic and tragic milestone. An incumbent President of the United States has now called for a Read More...
DAVE RAMSEY
www.davesays.org
Point of View: Dave Says
Dave Says is a column featuring the financial advice of nationally syndicated radio host Dave Ramsey, the Dave Says column is filled with timely, relevant questions and answers taken from actual calls on Ramsey's radio program, The Dave Read More...
DANNY SLAVICH
Special to Florida Baptist Witness
Point of View: Why I’m committed to preaching expositionally
I am absolutely convinced that expository preaching is the best way to approach the most sacred task of pastoral ministry. The best definition of expository preaching I have heard came from Mark Dever, pastor of Capitol Hill Read More...
STAFF 
Letters to the Editor
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. Read More...
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor
Editorial: Truly ‘pro-life’ – temporally and eternally
Speaking of some of his pro-life congressional colleagues, liberal U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), an openly homosexual congressman who announced his retirement from Congress in November, once famously (or infamously) said pro-lifers Read More...
Florida Baptists asked to pray for their summer missionaries serving across the globe
JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Involvement in collegiate missions has come full circle for David and Tami Wood. In the summer of 1988 just a few months before they were Read More Missions in Eastern Europe focus of Camp WorldLight
JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Openings are still available for girls entering third through twelfth grades to attend Camp WorldLight this summer. The theme of this year’s camp, “Standout” will focus on Read More ‘E-quip’ on-line learning community activated
JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—A new on-line learning emphasis “E-quip” now offers more than 100 training opportunities through video training seminars for churches and church leaders. The videos can be Read More Plant City, Pensacola teens take top honors in state Bible Drill event
APOPKA (FBW)—Scores of youth and children, along with their parents and supporters, gathered at Trinity Baptist Church in Apopka April 21 for the state finals of Bible Drills. Read More Florida Baptist retiree honored by Baptist communicators
FORT WORTH, TEXAS (FBC)—Longtime Florida Baptist communicator Ty Wood was inducted as a lifetime member of Baptist Communicator’s Association during the organization’s 2012 Wilmer C. Fields Awards Read More Fort Meade centenarian tells of growing up in early 20th century Florida
FORT MEADE (FBW)—Velma Howell, a member of First Baptist Church in Fort Meade since 1941, celebrated her 100th birthday April 17. The stories of her lifetime, generously told Read More Cuban Baptists need musical instruments for church plants
HAVANA, Cuba (FBC)—When was the last time you cleaned out your attic or garage and found your kids’ unused musical instrument—the one they had to have for band classes but haven’t touched in the Read More Annual Church Profiles reflect stagnant growth for 2011
JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—With one out of six Florida Baptist churches failing to submit a statistical summary for the 2010-2011 church year, the Florida Baptist Convention showed Read More
New ‘descriptor’ & historic election ahead for New Orleans SBC
NEW ORLEANS (BP)—The recommendation of “Great Commission Baptists” as a descriptive name and the prospective election of the first ever African American president are on the Read More Seminary gatherings slated for June 20
NEW ORLEANS (BP)—For New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, it will be a campus picnic. For the other five seminaries of the Southern Baptist Convention, it will be a convention center setting. Read More NAMB luncheon June 18 in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS (BP)—The North American Mission Board is seeking to show Southern Baptists how to be involved in penetrating lostness across North America, as NAMB plans for the Southern Baptist Read More Evangelists to proclaim Gospel’s power
NEW ORLEANS (BP)—Messengers arriving in advance of the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting in New Orleans are invited to worship at a June 17 service hosted by the Conference of Southern Read More SBC meeting smartphone app launches
NEW ORLEANS (BP)—For the first time, messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting this year can stay up to date with an SBC Annual Meeting smartphone app, which will include more Read More Ethnic groups ready for 2012 Crossover, fellowship meetings & New Orleans SBC
NEW ORLEANS (BP)—In and around New Orleans prior to the June 19-20 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting, Southern Baptists who identify with various ethnic groups will come together over a Read More Homosexuality major theme of CBF-sponsored meeting
DECATUR, Ga. (BP)—Despite conference organizers’ best attempts to keep the Baptist Conference on Sexuality & Covenant focused on broader issues April 19-21, the conversation often centered on the Read More 2012 VBS uses aviation to teach about ‘God’s awesome power’
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—Nearly 4,000 people attended Vacation Bible School preview events this winter to prepare for “Amazing Wonders Aviation: Encountering God’s Awesome Power. Read More
ANNIE: Where it goes, what it does, and the difference it makes
While waiting in the checkout line, I examined the worn dollar bill in my hand. Someone had written “new in North Dakota” across the top. Since I was in Georgia, I began Read More Missionaries say ‘thanks’ for gifts
Southern Baptists continually pray for, participate in, and give generously to North American mission efforts. Read what some of the Week of Prayer missionaries have to say about the blessings that Read More Missionary Derek Osburn models healthy church planting
CLOVIS, N.M. (NAMB)—Derek Osburn never set out to be a poster child for missional church staff members. He was minding his own business as a youth minister at Central Baptist Church in Clovis, N.M., Read More AAEO: All things work together for good
TORONTO—If Liam McGibbon had been tumor-free, you might not be reading about his parents this week. They probably would have never made it to Hamilton, Ontario, and certainly not as miraculously. Read More AAEO: Church plant focuses on bringing heaven to earth
CINCINNATI—It’s just about dusk at Heritage Glen apartments in the Cincinnati, Ohio, suburb of Fairfield. As the sun drops from sight, the lower light begins to mask some of the harsher realities of Read More Florida pastor says October Baby ‘great family movie’ that speaks to relationships
OKEECHOBEE (FBW)—“October Baby,” a film set for release March 23, is about so much more than “the whole issue of the sanctity of human life,” a Florida pastor said. Read More First Person: Abortion and the power of forgiveness
There have been over 52 million abortions performed in the U.S. since the ignominious Roe v. Wade court decision in 1973. And for every abortion there is a woman who to some degree–knowingly or Read More First Person: October Baby a refreshing film about coming of age & life’s choices
“October Baby” is an unexpected film which takes viewers through one of life’s most vulnerable times leaving them alternately holding their heart and grabbing for Read More
The Cooperative Program Factor: Mandate, Missions, Ministries
Following the Great Commission Mandate, the Florida Baptist Convention has set as its priorities to reach people for Jesus Christ, start new churches and strengthen existing churches. The summary of Read More
Genesis 22:1-3, 7-14; 26:2-5: May 2—A Legacy of Faith
Faith is probably one of the most talked about but least understood words we use. We have little problem grasping faith as a system of doctrines as in “defending the faith,” but “saving faith” is a Read More Luke 23:32-49: May 20—The Hour
Jesus referred to the moment of His death as “the hour.” Yet, the term “the hour” described the most meaningful moment in human history as a “hour of darkness” and a “hour of glory” (the biblical Read More 1 Samuel 1:10-20, 27 to 2:1; 12:23-24: May 13—A legacy of hope
People from ancient times have struggled to discover the underlying reality or substance which holds everything together whether dealing with atoms, the axioms of geometry, or moral issues. The Read More Luke 22:14-22: May 13—Christ our passover
The passage selected for this lesson highlights one simple act, namely a meal. The act of Jesus, however, possesses significance beyond the historic event narrated in Luke. Read More Deuteronomy 6:1-15a: May 6—Building a legacy
One of the best illustrations of contrasting legacies was published in Proclaim Magazine, January 1981, p. 37 which reads: Max Jukes lived in New York. He didn’t believe in Christianity or Christian Read More Luke 18:1-14: May 6—Learning to pray
When I first became a Christian, I confess that beginning the journey of prayer was difficult. I learned to pray by listening to the prayers of godly people and seeking to emulate them. Soon I Read More Matthew 24:9-14, 39b-44; Revelation 7:9; 22:12-14: April 29—Jesus is coming again
Are we living in the last days for time as we know it? Most of us can remember the anxiety as the year 2000 loomed before us. Would computers world wide crash? For those believing God created the Read More Luke 16:13-15, 19-31: April 29—Managing money well
Jesus talked more about money than He did about hell. As Baptists, we unequivocally affirm His teachings about hell. Why do we have such a difficult time obeying His teachings about money? Money is Read More
Lideres misioneros ven los bautistas perseverantes y vibrantes
LA HABANA, CUBA (FBC)—Caminando por los pasillos del seminario de la Convención Bautista de Cuba Occidental (CBCO), Kevin Ezell oía como los misioneros domésticos Herbert Caudill y David Fite fueron Read More ‘Visionario’ pastor bautista hispano de Florida muere
HIALEAH GARDENS, Fla. (FBW)--Jorge Comesañas, 71 años, líder de la obra hispana en Florida, y pastor de First Baptist Church Hialeah Gardens, murió el 27 de octubre. Él fue diagnosticado con un Read More Punto de vista: la esclavitud, el aborto y el entumecimiento de una nación
NASHVILLE (BP)-Mis parientes me han dicho que la familia de Rainer era una familia esclavista de entrar en la Guerra Civil. No tengo ninguna razón para dudar la cruda realidad, aunque no lo he Read More Editorial: Un debate digno de tener, una causa digna de apoyo
Un debate se está librando en el Congreso sobre el papel del gobierno federal en la financiación de Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA). Es un debate que debe tenerse en cuenta, cuyo Read More
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First Baptist Church, Blakely, Georgia, is seeking resumés for the position of SENIOR PASTOR. Candidates must possess at minimum ~ degree from a Baptist seminary. Send resumés to FBC, P O Box 667, Blakely, GA 39823, or resume@fbcblakely.com.

STUDENT MINISTRIES POSITION TAMPA – Seeking God’s man to lead a middle and high school student ministry of over 40 students. 400 average worship for church. Church and students are mission focused. Great opportunity to be used of God to make a lasting difference in student’s lives for generations to come. Send resumes to sfischer@myrtlelake.org or mail to MLBC, 2017 Riegler Road, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639.

Point Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida, is looking for a full-time WORSHIP LEADER to lead band-driven blended worship. Must have a team concept of ministry and a servants heart. Send resume to: timcoleman72.tc@gmail.com.

First Baptist Church of Trussville, AL is seeking a full time MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTER to lead students in grades 7th and 8th. College undergraduate degree required. Previous student ministry experience preferred. Please submit resumes via e-mail to: resumes@fbctrussville.org or mail to Middle School Minister Search Team, Attn: Allison Stanley P.O. Box 27, Trussville, AL 35173.

EXECUTIVE PASTOR to serve large Jacksonville area Southern Baptist congregation. Appropriate business degree and/or comparable experience with strong leadership and administrative skills required. Ability to develop and enable both staff and lay persons to accomplish the vision of the church. Seminary degree is helpful, but not required. Previous experience in a similar position or other church leadership roles is helpful. Send resume to xp2012@fruitcove.com.

Bethlehem Baptist Church, located in Clarkesville, GA, is seeking a full-time SENIOR PASTOR. BBC is nestled among the mountains in a vibrant community and is a mission-minded church committed to proclaiming the never changing gospel to an ever changing world. With attendance averaging 400-500, we have multiple staff members and two Sunday School sessions and worship services. Poised for growth, our congregation desires a pastor to lead us in the evangelism of our local community and beyond through outreach, biblical teaching and fellowship. Our building and grounds are debt-free and well-maintained. Send resumes to: Pastor Search Committee, PO Box 488, Clarkesville, GA 30523 or bbcpsc@gmail.com 

SENIOR PASTOR: Church prayerfully seeking God's leadership in search for senior pastor. Please mail resume to: Search Committee, First Baptist Church of Rogersville, 222 College Street, Rogersville, AL 35652

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First Baptist Church in the Pines is seeking a part-time or bi-vocational Spirit-filled traditional SOUTHERN BAPTIST PASTOR with sound Biblical doctrine, good preaching skills, and a caring pastoral heart. We are a small, warm, friendly congregation with a potential for growth nestled between Sarasota and Venice, Florida. Please send resumes (and if available, an audio or video recording of a recent sermon) to the Search Team at: churchinthepines@gmail.com or 727 Shore Road, Nokomis, FL 34275. Resumes will be accepted until May 20, 2012.

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