Issue Date: 2014-07-24
Volume: 193
Number: 15

Special

Congratulations to our 2014 Graduates!
With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
Published July 24, 2014

Miracle in Ministry: Horses & Hope For At-Risk Youth
Published July 24, 2014

Jamey Grover, program coordinator at Good Shepherd Therapeutic Center is one of our many talented staff who is making a difference. Jamey, an ordained minister, felt God's call to Good Shepherd 5 ½ years ago. His wife had attended a job fair for the Children's Home in Baxley. She shared with him that one of our ministries that "worked with horses" was hiring. Shortly after that, Jamey found himself working for Good Shepherd, our residential ministry for troubled adolescent boys through a unique farm-based treatment program.

Will You Be Our Apostrophe?
By Dr. James S. Harper
Published July 24, 2014

I always love this edition of The Messenger. This is the issue where we recognize our graduates. Just like any other family, we are so proud when we see our children achieve this important milestone. But more than that – we know the obstacles they have overcome, the tenacity with which they have pursued their dreams, the determination they have demonstrated to succeed. It makes graduation that much sweeter. This year we continue to celebrate our theme "Mission: I'm Possible" because we want to rejoice in all of our children taking impossible situations and finding I'm Possible solutions!

How to Invest in "Possible"
By Alan McCumber, Vice President of Finance
Published July 24, 2014

If you are like me, these past few years of tough economic turmoil have made you take a closer look at your investments. As someone who works in finance, I understand the importance of investing wisely.

Top 100 Giving Churches
Published July 24, 2014

Georgia Baptist Children's Homes and Family Ministries extends our sincerest thanks to the churches who support our ministry financially.

Keller Williams Realty Goes RED for GBCH&FM
Published July 24, 2014

Liberty Hill Faith Riders Bring Flip-Flops Fun To Children's Home
Published July 24, 2014

Weekend Adventure Respite Program Offers Fun, Challenges for Kids
Published July 24, 2014

The girls rise at 7 AM. After a quick and healthy breakfast, they head to the barn to saddle up their horses. As they work in teams of two, laughter and good-natured teasing can be heard throughout the barn. Once the horses are properly tacked, the girls split up – half begin their morning ride while the other half settle into a classroom to learn more about horse's anatomy, care and grooming, tact and its uses. They will switch places in about an hour. And that's just the beginning of their day. Before they call it a night at 9PM, they will have also: designed and created t-shirts, hiked some beautiful trails, gone swimming, participated in a watermelon eating contest, played Frisbee golf, held a corn-hole competition, competed in a hula-hoop contest, gone for a bike ride, held a group devotion and made s'mores by a camp fire.

News

Len Strozier sees through dirt
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published July 24, 2014

He is larger than life – personable, energetic, positive, and staying extremely busy. That is Len Strozier, pastor of Woodbury Baptist Church and owner and operator of Omega Mapping Services.

Brewton-Parker faces the future with confidence
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published July 24, 2014

In the June 26 issue of The Christian Index it was reported that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Committee on Colleges (SACSCOC) removed the Brewton-Parker College's accreditation after meeting their criteria for nearly 50 years.

An affinity for NASCAR in Sunday School at Dykes Creek
By Scott Barkley, Production Editor
Published July 24, 2014

Elmer Smith has been a race car fan for a long time. He's worked as an usher at Atlanta Motor Speedway and been, he estimates, to around 100 races.

July 29 to be Stand With Brewton-Parker College Day
By Scott Barkley, Production Editor
Published July 24, 2014

Acknowledging the recent vote by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to remove Brewton-Parker College from membership, leaders at the south Georgia Baptist college are calling on supporters to acknowledge the institution's importance.

We believe in the Cooperative Program
Published July 24, 2014

Pastor Norm Yukers and CUFI
Published July 24, 2014

Georgia Baptists have a variety of heaven-directed passions and interests. Some are involved in disaster relief, others in world hunger, many direct their time and energy in the issues of personhood, while others express concern for the homeless, immigrants, or sexual exploitation.

Rentz Baptist Church delivers sequel to 'Soul Hunt'
Laurens County church on a roll with third movie
By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor
Published July 24, 2014

A horrible traffic accident outside Dublin shuts down a highway and quickly brings the sheriff's department, a helicopter medical evacuation team, several EMTs, and a fire department team. The scene is one all too familiar on Georgia's roads – a pickup truck lies overturned in a ditch with the driver knocked unconscious as gasoline drips onto the engine.

Matt Lawson says, 'California, here I come.'
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published July 24, 2014

If Matt Lawson is the prototypical church planter in the North American Mission Board's church planting movement NAMB President Kevin Ezell's goal of significantly reducing the lostness in North America could well become a reality in another decade.

People and Places

Ty Ty church celebrates member's 100th birthday
Published July 24, 2014

Brookhaven Baptist hosts basketball-cheerleading camp
Published July 24, 2014

Rockett given honorary degree
Published July 24, 2014

Deaths
Published July 24, 2014

Honors
Published July 24, 2014

Ministerial Moves
Published July 24, 2014

Cooperative Program Stories

Hispanic WMU shows steady growth in Georgia
By Jim Burton
Published July 24, 2014

There's a new and rapidly growing tea party movement in Georgia.

Bible Study

Ready Faith
By Andy Cook, pastor, Shirley Hills Baptist Church, Warner Robins
Published July 24, 2014

1 Peter 3:13-16; 4:1-2
Bible Studies for Life, Aug. 3

Joyful Faith
By Andy Cook, pastor, Shirley Hills Baptist Church, Warner Robins
Published July 24, 2014

1 Peter 4:12-19
Bible Studies for Life, Aug. 10

Columns

If I were a pastor again
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published July 24, 2014

There are times when I wish I didn't serve Georgia Baptists through the Georgia Baptist Convention and this is one of them. Why? Because what I am about to write may be interpreted as self-serving or too subjective.

"Since You Asked ..."
By Paul Baxter
Published July 24, 2014

How do we answer a bewitching Buddhist?

The Open Door
By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC
Published July 24, 2014

Cell phones, what amazing little pieces of technology. They are both a curse and a blessing. We can't seem to do without them, but often, I wish we could.

Do we really need a spiritual revival?
A personal message from our GBC president
By Don Hattaway
Published July 24, 2014

Throughout this year, I have been urging Georgia Baptists to pray for spiritual renewal in our churches. During the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Baltimore last month, I was delighted to hear newly elected president Dr. Ronnie Floyd clearly state that his priority would be to lead our national convention to pray for spiritual renewal.