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Special Reports
Legislative Session 2012
Feb 29, 2012
New organization raising funds for ‘sound financial footing’
TALLAHASSEE (FBW) – One state representative has advice for Florida Baptist pastors regarding their public policy voice in Tallahassee – financially support Bill Bunkley now before risking the loss of religious liberty later in the absence of his work there.

“Don’t wait until they come to arrest you for preaching biblical truth,” Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, said Feb. 28.
Feb 6, 2012
School prayer, pro-life, trafficking other bills reviewed by Bunkley
TALLAHASSEE (NSF/FBW)—As the Legislature moves towards its half-way point in the 60-day session, a controversial bill to permit three “destination resort” casinos appears to be dead after failing to get a vote in a House committee Feb. 3.

Meanwhile, Bill Bunkley, president of Florida Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, surveyed other legislation pending before the Legislature in a Feb. 3 interview with Florida Baptist Witness.
Jan 23, 2012
TALLAHASSEE (NSF/FBW) – Although glamorous destination resort casinos have been the focus of the Legislature for months, legislation addressing so-called “storefront casinos” took center stage in the second week of the session – and may be a chip used in negotiations later in the session, according to Florida Baptist lobbyist Bill Bunkley. Meanwhile, bills relating to abortion, human trafficking and assisted-living facilities are at various stages of consideration.
Jan 20, 2012
TALLAHASSEE (NSF)—Setting up a potential clash with the House, a Senate committee Thursday approved a bill that would regulate Internet cafés—and rebuffed a proposed ban on the hundreds of businesses that critics compare to "storefront casinos.''
Jan 19, 2012
TALLAHASSEE (NSF) -- Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday showed his hand in the debate over Internet cafés, calling the gambling hybrids "illegal" and saying they should be shut down.
Jan 17, 2012
TALLAHASSEE (NSF) -- With critics likening them to storefront casinos, a House panel Tuesday approved a proposal to ban Internet cafés that have opened in shopping centers across the state in recent years.
Jan 13, 2012
TALLAHASSEE (NSF) Attorney General Pam Bondi issued an opinion Thursday that will lead to the state rejecting proposals for slot machines at pari-mutuel facilities outside Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Jan 12, 2012
TALLAHASSEE (NSF) -- A key House panel listened to arguments Wednesday about a proposal to allow resort casinos in Florida, but it remained unclear whether the traditionally gambling-resistant House will move forward with the idea.
Jan 11, 2012
Progress cited in establishing new organization
TALLAHASSEE (FBW)—Although Bill Bunkley will be tracking as many as 500 bills during the new legislative session, killing a bill allowing “mega casinos” in Florida will be his “number one priority,” he told Florida Baptist Witness surveying legislation to be considered during the 60-day session that began Jan. 10.

Bunkley also provided an update on the new organization he and Florida Baptist pastors are starting, Florida Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, to support his work in Tallahassee.
Jan 10, 2012
Bunkley calls legislation ‘legacy bill’
TALLAHASSEE (NSF)—With lobbyists jamming the room and lawmakers making last-minute changes, a Senate committee Monday approved a controversial bill that would allow up to three resort casinos in Florida.

The bill, SB 710, also would allow slot machines at pari-mutuel facilities throughout the state – subject to voter approval – and would regulate strip-mall Internet cafes. A limited number of pari-mutuel facilities might end up being able to offer casino-style games such as craps, black jack and baccarat.
In Milton, Missouri students follow Midwest weather reports
MILTON (FBW)—Churches and ministries in the Santa Rosa Baptist Association were “blessed” in May by a visit from students from Hannibal-LaGrange University in Missouri who Read More Florida volunteers backfill for Houston childcare
HOUSTON (FBW)—Sylvia Johnson was in a meeting at the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) in Palatka, providing those leaders with an update on how Southern Baptist Disaster Relief childcare will begin Read More Lakeland pastor launches anti-pornography initiative at SBC
HOUSTON (BP)—An initiative seeking commitments from 1 million men to live pornography-free lives was launched at the SBC annual meeting June 11-12 in Houston. Read More Angie Dennis joins a million women praying for a million men in pornography fight
HOUSTON (BP)—In nearly 20 years of being a pastor’s wife, Angie Dennis said she doesn’t remember a single instance of a young woman coming to her and saying, “Miss Angie, my husband is struggling Read More ‘Tweet’ good news of growth in CP giving, Sullivan urges at SBOM
LEESBURG (FBC)—A revision of the 2013 Cooperative Program budget that reduced income to three Florida Baptist State Convention agencies and the hiring of three church planting field missionaries to Read More U.S. Coast Guard honors Naples church with ‘Patriot Award’
NAPLES (FBW)—Since 2003, First Baptist Church in Naples has sent regular care packages to nearly 1,000 adopted soldiers in combat areas. Read More 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 Read More Edwin G. Holton, 80, dies
LAKELAND (FBW)—Edwin Holton, 80, former associate director of missions of South Florida Baptist Association, died June 4 in Lakeland. Read More
Resolutions cover BSA policy, children, victims
HOUSTON (BP)—Messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention dealt, as expected, with the hot-button issue of the Boy Scouts’ new membership policy, but also passed a series of resolutions expressing Read More Boy Scout resolution adopted by SBC
HOUSTON (BP)—Southern Baptists expressed their “opposition to and disappointment in” the membership policy of the Boy Scouts of America but affirmed the freedom of local churches to determine their Read More Tom Biles presents Graham resolution
HOUSTON (FBW)–He remembers well a 1998 Billy Graham Crusade at then brand new Raymond James Stadium. As a young believer, Tom Biles learned from books and crusades —and he had a lot of affection for Read More Mental health issues garner SBC attention
HOUSTON (BP)—During a year when mass shootings and suicides have stunned the nation, a resolution on “Mental Health Concerns and the Heart of God” was overwhelmingly approved by messengers to the Read More SBC re-elects Luter, hears call for unity, revival
HOUSTON (BP)—Messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention June 11-12 re-elected Fred Luter, the body’s first African American president, to another one-year term and heard him deliver a rousing Read More B&H named Spanish publisher of the year
NASHVILLE (BP)—B&H Publishing Group has garnered seven awards from the Spanish Evangelical Publishers Association, including Publisher of the Year. Read More Sharing GuideStone ministry a ‘family thing’
DALLAS (GuideStone)—It was October 2001 and Buddy Temple was in a quandary. The retired postal service worker and court bailiff had sold a house a few months earlier and couldn’t figure out where Read More NAMB trustees pledge to plant ‘more churches’
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP)—“We have to plant more churches,” North American Mission Board President Kevin Ezell emphasized to NAMB trustees during their May 14-15 meeting in Read More
Missionary teacher ‘travels light’ from Africa to High Springs
HIGH SPRINGS (FBW)—In Kenya for 28 years Jenny Musen learned to be flexible and willing to move about at the Baptist High School in Mombasa and as a volunteer coordinator in Nairobi. The Read More Preschool minister & family exchange Jacksonville for Gonubie, South Africa
SOUTH AFRICA (FBW)—Beth Chin, a member of Chets Creek Baptist Church in Jackson­ville, recently moved to South Africa with her family to work with the children of the Mzamomhle Township at Living Read More King’s Faith in theaters May 10
JACKSONVILLE (FBW)—Kings Faith is an emotional, provocative movie eaturing a foster kid who grew up on the wrong side of the law. Read More Bay City couple leads ‘perspective-changing’ strategy
SAN FRANCISCO (NAMB)—There are more affluent places in the United States than San Francisco, but not many. Living in that environment can numb people to need. Ben Pilgreen Read More South African entrepreneurs overstay honeymoon in Canada
VANCOUVER (NAMB)—Victor and Candice Thomas landed in Vancouver, British Columbia, promising they’d never stay—that was five years ago. They arrived in 2007, so Victor could start a four-month stint Read More ‘The Bible’ opens with Noah’s Ark & culminates with Easter Sunday resurrection
JACKSONVILLE (FBW)—Tossed about in ferocious, frothing seas amidst driving rain, Noah’s Ark was the focal point in the creation opener of the epic new miniseries “The Bible,” Read More AAEO PRAYER GUIDE
Week of Prayer for North American Missions and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering 2013 Goal: $70,000... Read More Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the staff of Florida Baptist Witness
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
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-8, 12-17; 24:4-8: June 23—God instructs His people
I have a plaque hanging on a wall which reads, “The Ten Commandments are not multiple choice. God.” We sometimes get the feeling that the Ten Commandments applied primarily to individuals. After all... Read More Job 28: June 23—Where can wisdom be found?
Much of Job is at times a heated disputation between Job and his so-called friends. Each of the individuals claimed to speak with wisdom. Yet, neither Job nor his three friends expressed wisdom Read More Exodus 3:7-10; 12:12-13, 29-31; 14:5-6, 13-14, 21, 26: June 16—God delivers His people
Back in the seventies, liberal theologians in South America bought into the Marxist concept that powerful capitalist/imperialist nations, such as the United States, set up business ventures in poor Read More Job 16-19: June 16—Living hope when life seems unfair
I recall a bumper sticker from years ago. The bumper sticker stated, “Life Happens.” While I do not know the story behind the bumper sticker, I perceived the bumper sticker as expressive of a Read More Genesis 12:1-7; 15:5-8, 13-17: June 9—God chooses a people
Few people can lay claim to equal the influence of Abraham. Jews and Muslims cite him as the founder of their nations. Jews go back to Abraham through Isaac, whereas the Arabs count their lineage to Read More Job 4-13 (Selected Passages): June 9—Human solutions to suffering
Vance Havner, the famed North Carolina mountain preacher, commenting about suffering stated, “Anyone that tries to explain the mysteries of God has not traveled very far in life” (my paraphrase). We Read More Genesis 1:1, 26-27; 2:15-17; 3:6-7, 14-19, 23-24: June 2—God begins the story
By temperament and training I try to understand an opponent’s point of view. The title of a book by Leonard Susskind caught my attention: The Cosmic Landscape: String Theory and the Illusion of Read More Job 1 to 2:13: June 2—How to respond to difficult days
The name “Job” means, “Where is my father?” His name described his experience with God. Because of his life experiences, Job felt separated from God like a child cut off from a parent. The primary Read More
Iglesia multilingüe lleva a las familias a Cristo
KENDALL (BP)—Después de ver los anuncios de la iglesia por los caminos del suroeste de Miami cerca de su casa, Sergio Barrero, de 23 años, y su familia comenzaron a visitar Turning Point Church en Read More ‘EtniCiudad’: Conferencia en Ingles/Español explora alcanzando al perdido en centros urbanos
HIALEAH (FBC)—Una conferencia nacional diseñada para explorar la urbanización del mundo y como captar los centros urbanos inalcanzados será celebrada en español y traducida al ingles en el Centro de 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
Pat Summerall remembered for his Christian faith
DALLAS (BP)—Pat Summerall stood in the front row at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, on Easter Sunday, next to his wife Cheri, as the congregation sang “The Old Rugged Cross. Read More Past FBSC president Keith Thomas dies at 57
THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS (FBC)--Keith Thomas, past president of the Florida Baptist State Convention 1996-1997, died Saturday April 6 in The Woodlands, Texas, from pancreatic Read More Retired IMB missionary to Lebanon, Vivian Trimble, dies
MILTON (FBW)—Vivian Paulk Trimble, 87, retired IMB missionary to the Middle East, died Dec. 20 in Milton. She and her husband James W. (Bill) Trimble served more than 30 Read More Jackie Register, 63, dies
Jackie Register of Graceville, former pastor of First Baptist Church in Malone, died Nov. 12. He was 63. Read More Fred Boehmer, pastor emeritus FBC Brandon, dies Oct. 30
BRANDON (FBW)—Fred H. Boehmer, 82, pastor emeritus of First Baptist Church in Brandon, died Oct. 30 in Virginia. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church 1976-1995, and had previously served Read More Cheryl Babington dies at 64
COCOA BEACH (FBW)—Cheryl S. Babington, wife of Pastor Ken Babington of First Baptist Church in Cocoa Beach, died Oct. 24. She was 64. Read More Roy Fish honored by family, students, friends at memorial service
FORT WORTH, Texas (SWBTS)—Faculty, former students, denominational leaders, and pastors from across the country joined with the family of Roy Fish to celebrate the life of the distinguished Read More Obituary: Wayne Upton, 82
Wayne Upton, 82, retired pastor and seminary professor, died Aug. 14 in Jacksonville. He served as pastor of Jacksonville Heights Baptist Church 28 years and was professor of missiology at Luther Read More