Issue Date: 2012-08-09
Volume: 191
Number: 16

News

Boudia wins bronze in synchronized diving
Published August 9, 2012

When U.S. diver David Boudia looks at the bronze medal he won July 30 with his teammate Nick McCrory in the men’s synchronized 10-meter platform event, he sees change.

Olympics 'amazing opportunity' to reach world
By Amanda Phifer, California Southern Baptist
Published August 9, 2012

Debbie Wohler says if you want to visualize heaven, sit at the opening ceremonies of an Olympics and observe.

ERLC's Land announces retirement effective Oct. 2013
Published August 9, 2012

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.

Aurora churches answer
By Aaron Earls
Published August 9, 2012

Almost as soon as the gunfire ceased in the Century Theater in Aurora, CO, local churches began meeting the needs of the hurting in the community and their own congregations.

2012 Olympic mission venture marked by 'divine encounters'
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published August 9, 2012

England, known for its formalized rituals, well-orchestrated celebrations, and pomp and circumstance, launched the 2012 Olympic Games with an opening ceremony that had something for everybody.

VBS reports trickling in from around the state
By Scott Barkley, Production Editor
Published August 9, 2012

With more than 1,200 children taking part, First Baptist Church in Snellville had its largest attendance for Vacation Bible School in recent years, stated Kenneth Aycock, minister of education and young families.

How can churches prepare for tragedies?
By Aaron Earls
Published August 9, 2012

The Denver area has seen its share of senseless shootings. From Columbine to the 2007 shootings at a Youth With a Mission center and New Life Church and now the Aurora theater, churches have sought to prepare for a similar attack during their services.

Church planting conference is 'tipping point' for NAMB's new direction
Agency plans for 800 but 2,200 show up
By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor
Published August 9, 2012

The North American Mission Board's new approach to church planting is making believers out of non-believers. At least that's the experience from new convert William Thornton, who had lost much of his faith in the missions agency for the first 15 years of its existence.

Victory in the Lord's hands, U.S. archers say
Published August 9, 2012

Brady Ellison, Jacob Wukie and Jake Kaminski became the first Americans to capture a medal in the London Olympics, winning silver in the men's archery team competition July 28.

Warren hopes to host Obama-Romney forum
Published August 9, 2012

Pastor Rick Warren says he hopes to host another forum between the major two presidential candidates this year – similar to what took place in 2008 – although no formal agreement is in place.

John Faircloth: missionary to those behind bars
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published August 9, 2012

John Faircloth spends a lot of time in prison, In fact, over the past 64 years he has become well acquainted with the inside of an edifice of incarceration.

Minutes and miracles
Everything had to occur perfectly for Georgia Baptist to survive Colorado mountainside
By Scott Barkley, Production Editor
Published August 9, 2012

J.D. Holmes remembers getting on the gondola on a glorious Monday morning in Keystone, CO for a day of skiing. He forgets everything that happened from that point two weeks forward.

Tobin Heath's passions are Christ & soccer
Published August 9, 2012

Tobin Heath's love affair with the sport of soccer began early in life – when she started playing at age 4 at the local YMCA.

Dalip Kumar, Shepherd Fellowship of India impacting others
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published August 9, 2012

William Carey, the great missionary pioneer, was in a meeting where the spiritual needs of India were being discussed. The secretary of the meeting remarked, "There is a gold mine in India, but it seems almost as deep as the center of the earth. Who will venture to explore it?"

People and Places

Former GBC specialist receives lifetime award
Published August 9, 2012

Deaths
Published August 9, 2012

Honors
Published August 9, 2012

Ordinations
Published August 9, 2012

Cooperative Program Stories

Church planters penetrating lostness in urban Atlanta
By Jim Haskell, Executive Director/Lead Strategist, Urban Atlanta Church Planting
Published August 9, 2012

God is doing some amazing things within the city core of Atlanta through church planting. Here are just a few of the stories about how God is using church planters in urban Atlanta.

Bible Study

Rise Above Discouragement
By Victor Lyons, pastor, Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana, Douglas and Pearson
Published August 9, 2012

Jeremiah 20:1-13 Bible Studies for Life, Aug. 19

Going Through the Motions
By Victor Lyons, pastor, Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana, Douglas and Pearson
Published August 9, 2012

Malachi 1:1-14 Bible Studies for Life, Aug. 26

Columns

EAT MOR CHIKIN
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published August 9, 2012

Jeff Foxworthy has his "You might be a redneck if ..." comedy routines, but Southern Baptists have their own version of Foxworthy’s drivel.

The Open Door
By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC
Published August 9, 2012

I recently read remarks made by Tom Elliff, president of the International Mission Board to field personnel, trustees and Richmond staff. His remarks are so significant regarding where we are today as Southern Baptists that I wanted you to experience his challenge as I did.

"Since you asked …"
Published August 9, 2012

Does Science Require Faith?

Georgia Voices

BIG Church
By Al Wright, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Waynesboro
Published August 9, 2012

Hi. My name is Al. I am a recovering liberal. This is a part of my story.