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NASHVILLE, TN (BP) – Conviction and kindness are the prescription of Southern Baptist leaders for the final eight weeks of the U.S. presidential campaign. With early voting by mail having begun in North Carolina and in-person early voting slated to begin in three states next week, Southern Baptist Convention President Steve Gaines, Dallas pastor Robert Jeffress, Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. and Cedarville University President Thomas White are among those to weigh in with ethical and spiritual advice for voters. Gaines, pastor of Memphis-area Bellevue Baptist Church, told Baptist Press "biblical convictions" should guide Christians "in all areas of life, even the way they vote for a president." Gaines added in a written comment, "The most pressing issues in our nation are moral not financial," "Christians should analyze the candidates' positions regarding moral issues and vote accordingly. In my opinion, the three key moral issues in America today are: a) the sanctity of human life, b) the sacredness of marriage and c) the significance of racial respect/reconciliation." Gaines' specific counsel to voters included: "Christians should have a strong, biblical conviction to vote for pro-life candidates." "Christians should vote for candidates that uphold" marriage as "exclusively monogamous and heterosexual." "Christians should vote for candidates that promote racial respect and reconciliation." Gaines said he is troubled by "hateful comments" he has heard "regarding political candidates and how people should vote." "Many voices, even among Southern Baptists, have been less than wise, and sometimes downright ill-mannered," Gaines said. "Christians must at times be prophetic. But we never have a license to be pejorative or denigrating. "If any Christian, especially a Christian leader, castigates and attacks a political candidate, that Christian has crossed a line and has sinned. The litmus test should be, 'Would that person be open to me sharing the Gospel with him/her after I make this comment?' If the answer is no, then keep silent, even if it sounds 'prophetic,'" Gaines said. Some purveyors of "harsh statements toward candidates" attempt to justify their comments as in the tradition of John the Baptist, who rebuked King Herod for marrying his brother's wife, Gaines said, citing Mark 6. Yet Scripture suggests John did not behave rudely because Herod "respected him, protected him and enjoyed listening to him" -- even while recognizing the clear rebuke of his message. In the end, hope should characterize believers' actions this political season, Gaines said. "The White House cannot send revival, nor can it stop revival," he said. "Stop looking around and start looking up. The Lord is the source of your help and strength." Gaines added, "We should be good citizens and participate in the presidential election. We should also realize that we are part of a greater Kingdom than America -- the Kingdom of God. Today is a great day in America to share the Gospel with lost people and win them to Jesus. Today is a great time for God to rend the heavens and come down in revival in His churches." Supreme Court Justices In a Sept. 9 appearance on Fox News, Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, cited as paramount for Christians this election season "the appointment of conservative Supreme Court justices" who will protect "religious liberty and the sanctity of life." Of the two major party candidates, only Republican nominee Donald Trump will appoint such justices, Jeffress said. "I am getting sick and tired of these namby-pamby, pantywaisted, weak-kneed Christians who say they're going to stay at home in November out of moral principle," Jeffress said on Fox's "Hannity." "Will you please tell me what great moral principle there is in the universe that would allow a pro-abortion, anti-religious liberty candidate like Hillary Clinton to become the president? I believe any conservative Christian who refuses to vote or throws away his vote in November is nothing but a hypocrite and a fool." Jeffress later clarified to BP, "I never said people who don't vote for Trump are this or that. That wasn't my comment." Jeffress explained, "It's hypocritical for conservative Christians to say they believe in the sanctity of life and the sanctity of marriage and religious liberty then sit at home and not vote or throw away their vote on a third-party candidate and not elect a candidate like Donald Trump who has said he'll appoint conservative justices to the Supreme Court, a candidate who says he's pro-life, a candidate who says he believes Christians are being marginalized in society today." While Jeffress admits he is not certain Trump will keep his campaign promises, he said he is confident Clinton will "nominate liberal, activist judges to the Supreme Court." Despite Jeffress' public political statements this year, he said his beliefs are not necessarily the beliefs of the members at First Baptist Dallas and the congregation's Democrats "are just as welcome as Republicans are." At church, "the only leader we're going to talk about is Jesus Christ." He estimated that "the vast, vast, vast majority" of First Baptist members support Trump now that there is a "binary" choice between two candidates in the general election. Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. appeared on "Hannity" with Jeffress and praised Trump's stated desire to repeal the Johnson Amendment, 1954 legislation that prevents churches and other nonprofit groups from endorsing or opposing political candidates. Some conservative nonprofit organizations are "in silence" regarding political matters, Falwell said, "because they're afraid of what's going to happen to them" if their leaders speak out. Post-election witness Cedarville hosted a Q&A session Sept. 13 on the presidential election in which Cedarville University President Thomas White told students that voting is part of a Christian citizen's responsibility to promote "human flourishing" in America. Supreme Court nominees, White told BP in an email after the Q&A, should be an important consideration for voters. "Obviously Supreme Court appointees matter greatly," White said, "and in fact all presidential appointees, like those in the Department of Education, affect the work of Christian universities like Cedarville. In one candidate we reasonably know the appointees will oppose a biblical worldview. In the other candidate, we expect friendlier appointees to a biblical worldview but have no guarantee." White emphasized that the Gospel, and not politics, is the nation's ultimate hope. "While Supreme Court appointees matter, what matters most is that believers conduct ourselves as good ambassadors for Christ," White said. "Our hope lies not in courts or political systems but in the Gospel as the power of God to salvation. We must speak and act consistently with our biblical worldview so that we do not harm our witness to the world after this election has passed." By a show of hands at the Q&A, about a third of the Cedarville student body said they would vote for Trump were the election held that day. Two-thirds did not indicate support for either major party candidate. ABOUT THE AUTHOR David Roach is chief national correspondent for Baptist Press, the Southern Baptist Convention's news service. BP reports on missions, ministry and witness advanced through the Cooperative Program and on news related to Southern Baptists' concerns nationally and globally. #OCTOBER2016

MONROE, MI – A few weeks ago,what were you thinking when you heard reports of flooding in Louisiana? I thought, “Oh my God, they need you Lord, be with them Lord.” Later, I would receive a call out from Michigan Southern Baptist Disaster Relief. The call came from a familiar voice, Judy, but this call also came from the Lord. I needed to respond to the voice messages that Judy left on both of my phones. By calling back I was saying, “Here am I Lord, send me.” This was the start of my journey to Louisiana with a “mudout team”. Although I have had some disaster relief training and experiences, I never before served with a mudout team. Judy assured me I could be trained on the spot, and learn along the way. Now that I think of it, that was exactly what Jesus did with his disciples. He walked and talked with them along the way, teaching them, training them for their ministry in the world. As God put together the mudout team of volunteers, to my joy and surprise, I would work with three people I served with in Flint. These three people gave water there for many, many, many weeks. I only served one week. So I know these three men are dedicated to serving God and their fellow men and women. It was my privilege to work with them again. There were seven of us that prayed, traveled, ate, slept, and worked together. My bunkmate, Diane, was also our chaplain on the trip. When we arrived in Louisiana we met up with Pastor Joshua Spinks at The Way Church in Denham Springs, LA. We saw several flooded churches in the area, and many homes devastated by the flood waters. Our first day on site was day nineteen after the storm had circled above the area for fifteen hours raining down and flooding the community. With some 233,000 souls in the parish, 80% of them were displaced due to the flooding. People fled to family, friends, church members, shelters, and motels outside the flood zone. The Way Church, which had sheltered many also had a cleaning supplies and a food pantry operating out of their fellowship hall. In addition, Joshua and his wife Tabetha were sheltering people in their home, as were other church members. The Way Church also housed and fed us while we were there. Pastor Joshua never took a day off, instead insisting on caring for the many needs of the community. So, what does a “mudout team” do? Our first assignment took us three days. We removed sheetrock four feet high, then swept, power washed, and sprayed with a shock treatment to kill mold. Maybe the most special time was when we met and prayed with the widow homeowner and her family helpers. As we wrapped up the job, each of us signed a disaster relief bible and gave it to them. Our next assignment was similar, but many, many, many more nails to be removed. While on a run to the hardware store Diane and I met a young man getting his supplies who expressed gratitude that we had come. He told us the Red Cross brought him water and meals daily while he worked. Words seem somewhat insufficient to explain the deep gratitude everyone shared with our team while there. I was reminded of what Christ suffered for our sins as I bandaged the hole I had made in my hand pulling nails. The homeowner shared she had suffered through a tornado back in January that destroyed her roof, and then told of losing a loved family member in an accident not long afterward. Now, she is dealing with a flooded home and trying to care for a child with great health challenges. I observed a women of true faith in the Lord. Her strength and joy through it all was admirable. Our team signed and gave her a Bible, and prayed with her before leaving what was barely a shell of a home. It was very hot in Louisiana, but the spirit of the people was awesome. They cared for one another, helped one another and looked to the Lord. We were five men and two women, and our ages ranged from 24 to 70. For that one week we were a team, and we worked together bound in Christ’s love. If I could provide one encouragement to others it would be that when God calls – answer! God doesn’t give us the spirit of fear. He calls us to fellowship with Him in prayer, and show love for one another. I cannot out give God. He always blesses me more. He loves us! When my wounds and bruises heal, I’ll go again. From what I saw, I expect volunteers will be needed for some time to come. God has a place of service for every member of the body of Christ. Volunteer. You are needed. Disaster relief training is coming up in October at Bambi Lake, but like me they may train you along the way, you know, like Jesus did! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Carla Strunk is a Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteer. The Disaster Relief Team from across Michigan included Kendall & Kameron Bailey, Diane Brooks, Brian Buckerfield, David Wyatt, Donal Bezeau, and Carla Brown Strunk. #OCTOBER2016

CINCINNATI, OH (BP) – After interviewing five men from Central Asia in refugee camps, I asked them what would attract them to actually listen to Bible stories on the radio. After suggesting five or six options, I asked, "Would you listen to conversion testimonies from Muslims, even Muslim religious leaders?" Their eyes grew wide. One asked through an interpreter, "There is such a thing?" In their country, conversion was considered an act of treason punishable by death. One man -- a Muslim -- said his child was almost kicked out of school for being caught with a page from a Christian coloring book. Yet, a number of their religious leaders and thousands of everyday folks were quietly praying to receive Christ. In this country, many were coming to faith in Christ through the bold, yet careful, witness of believers. When I discussed Muslim conversion in that region with a missionary there, he said, "The veneer of Islam has created a hunger for the Gospel. They know their leaders don't have anything to offer and so they turn to Christians they know to request a Bible, evangelistic materials, or anything to help them understand the Gospel." In obedience to the Jesus in the Great Commission, believers were risking everything in seeking to make disciples. If they kept quiet, they could live normal lives. If they spoke up, some who heard their message might believe, but others might turn them in to the religion police. When a man was caught distributing the Bible in one predominantly Muslim area, he was brought before a judge. The judge forced him to bring in his pastor. The pastor asked the judge, "What is so harmful in the Bible's message?" The judge answered, "People will believe the Bible if they read it and I will lose my job." The judge gave the two believers a stern warning and set them free. Many times people who are not believers exert their authority because they feel it is their role as an official enforcer. Pushback seems to feed the anti-Christian tone and tension. That doesn't mean that sometime later they won't embrace the Gospel. In one Muslim area, a police sergeant told a believer he had to guard a shipment of Bibles. He wondered about the fuss over a mere book until he began to read it. When he got to the part about Jesus, he prayed to find a believer who could help him. He gave his heart to Jesus but felt conflicted because he had to keep enforcing the local law. Nik Ripken, author and IMB missionary, once described the horrors he experienced in Somalia as an example of a country in which Satan and his agents seemed to roam unchecked. Ripken's "Insanity of God" movie, which gets a second nationwide theater showing Tuesday, provides a glimpse into this godless anarchy. Muslims live under enforcers; if we do not tirelessly intercede for our leaders and speak openly of our faith while we have the opportunity, we too will find the enforcers of the secular worldview limiting our Christian liberties. We must use our remaining freedom, not just to check cultural decay, but to bring God's healing to our troubled world. Step back and examine your walk with the Lord. Is it in obedience to Jesus? Do you share your faith? Why would someone want to ask you about Jesus? What is your faith reputation? Are you helping someone become a disciple, even a disciple-maker? Increasingly, we find ourselves witnessing in a hostile environment in which various enforcers exert negative influence against the Gospel. In America, they typically are in seven "power centers:" government/military (elected officials/leaders), business (CEOs), education (superintendents/principals), news media (anchors/editors), sports (team owners/star players), arts & entertainment (writers/actors), and religious leaders. These seven leader groups affect culture for good or bad. Those who do become born-again believers have the potential to become godly agents of spiritual transformation. Why not be intentional to talk to them about your faith in Jesus? ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mark Snowden is director of missional leadership for the Cincinnati Area Baptist Association and Snowden Ministries International. He developed an oral Bible for a predominantly Muslim people group while serving more than 18 years on IMB staff. #OCTOBER2016

BRENTWOOD, TN (BP) – Just looking at Ternae "T.J." Jordan Jr., one would never suspect he once was in a hospital with a bullet in his head, fighting for his life. Jordan still has the bullet in his head more than 23 years later but has no visible scars at its entry point. He now serves as assistant pastor at Mount Canaan Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tenn., where his father, Ternae Jordan Sr., is pastor. T.J., then 15, was hit by a stray bullet fired during a fight outside a local YMCA in Indiana, where his father was a pastor at the time, as he and his sister Dejuan were waiting to be picked up by their mother after piano lessons. Jordan was in the hospital for about three weeks. The early prognosis was that he would be blind or have brain damage. Because the bullet was lodged between his brain and skull, doctors decided it was best not to remove it. Yet, today Jordan has fully recovered. He still goes in for CAT scans to make sure the bullet has not moved and has been told several times the CAT scans reveal he should not have motor skills. "God says otherwise," Jordan said. "This shows there is a supernatural God." Jordan was interviewed by the Baptist and Reflector when he and his dad and brother Jamichael attended a meeting for African-American pastors at the Tennessee Baptist Convention's rented offices in Brentwood in early August. "God has been so good to me that I sometimes forget that it even happened," Jordan said of the shooting. Though he doesn't have pain from the bullet still lodged in his head, he said his head will throb occasionally. "It's as if that is God's way of telling me, 'I saved you for a reason and you need to let the world know,'" he said. And, Jordan does just that whenever an opportunity presents itself. He has written a book titled "Is It Just My Imagination?: Utilizing Your God-Given Imagination." Jordan preaches for his dad at Mount Canaan and at youth evangelism rallies. "I can apply my testimony to everything I preach or teach about," he said. And, sometimes, "my testimony is the sermon," Jordan added. He is convinced that being shot at age 15 has helped him become a better minister because he can relate to people who are hurting. "They may not have been wounded by a bullet but they have been wounded by life. I can relate," Jordan said. He also is living proof to people that God "still works miracles. God is able to use my life and my story to show that He is real," Jordan said. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lonnie Wilkey is editor of the Baptist and Reflector (www.baptistandreflector.org), newsjournal of the Tennessee Baptist Convention. #OCTOBER2016

BELIZE – First Baptist Church (FBC) New Baltimore in Macomb Township had the opportunity this summer to go on a nine day international mission trip to a small village in Belize Central America. FBC partnered with a small church there in Corozal Belize called Lighthouse Baptist Church (LBC) and took on a laundry list of projects to support them in their local ministry. Though the coast of Belize is well known for its’ tourists on vacation, beaches, and the largest coral reef in the western hemisphere, it is also one the poorest countries in the region. Belize has diverse people groups including Maya, German-Mennonites, Creoles and more. Being a former British colony until 1981, English is the official language of the people which made it an ideal country for FBC to better communicate and witness to people. Headed up by their mission team leader Bobbie Herhuth and senior pastor Jeff Bean, FBC prayerfully planned this mission starting ten months in advance. The mission team was made up of 17 adults of all ages who spent those months in prayer for the people of Belize that they would be serving. Besides their own luggage, each member brought a large bin full of project supplies including crafts, games, soccer balls, construction tools and bar-b-que sauce for a special “American style cookout” FBC planned to do for the families at Lighthouse Baptist. When FBC got to Belize the local mission coordinator, Lorelly Escalante, planned a full schedule for their stay. Each morning started off early, working on minor construction and improvement projects around the local church. After lunch they freshened up, and then worked on evangelistic outreach projects in the community. Some days they would deliver food and clothing to needy members of the local church, taking time to talk and pray with them. Other days, they held vacation Bible school programs and youth day camps for area children,and even a women’s ministry evening. Participating in the “Great Commission” allowed both the church from Michigan and the church from Belize to be blessed by serving God and each other during this mission trip. For FBC and LBC lives were changed, salvations were declared, and relationships were found this summer. More about FBC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FirstBaptistNewBaltimore ABOUT THE AUTHOR Scott Hemphill is the Publicity Director and Deacon Chairman at First Baptist Church in New Baltimore, MI. #OCTOBER2016

Mali and Niger are prime examples of breeding grounds for Islamic jihad in this region of the world, with both countries facing high illiteracy and poverty. (Photo courtesy maps.com) SAHEL, AFRICA (BP) – The poverty- and drought-stricken Sahel region spanning northern Africa is becoming a breeding ground for radical Islamic groups intent on persecuting Christians, according to a study conducted by World Watch Research. The Sahel, a horizontal swath spanning parts of Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia, has become attractive to extremist groups that offer financial security to attract impoverished adherents facing uncertainties in the semi-arid land, reported World Watch Research, a division of the Open Doors International advocacy organization for persecuted Christians. Boko Haram, the Islamic State, al-Qaeda, Ansar Dine and groups loyal to them are growing in the 10-country region with funding from oil-rich Gulf States like Saudi Arabia, the Aug. 25 report said, and will continue to spread across the African continent unless defeated. "The instability and fear these groups create as well as the ideology they propagate are in considerable conflict with such human rights as freedom of religion," the report said. "Even if these groups do not succeed in violently imposing Sharia law at a national level and establishing an Islamic caliphate, they contribute to the overall radicalization of the population and the spread of an extremist and intolerant version of Islam." While the Sahel is historically and predominantly Muslim, more puritanical and militant versions of Islam are now thriving in the region, in particular attracting young men. The groups attack not only Christians but moderate Muslims. "This is a critical time for the future of Christianity in the region," according to the report. "If the instability gets out of control and the militant groups have their way, Christians will be killed and exiled out of the entire region. A similar fate would await not just Christians but also Muslims who do not subscribe to the ideology of the militant Islamic groups." The report pointed to Mali and Niger as prime examples of breeding grounds for Islamic jihad in the region, with both countries facing high illiteracy and poverty. "Niger has also been beset by ethnic rebellion and civil war just like Mali and its considerable mineral resources have also fueled conflict," the report stated. "Just like the rest of the Sahel region, Niger has been affected by a rise in militancy and this development has had a very adverse effect on the freedom of religion of Christians in the country." The report cited a wave of arson attacks conducted by Islamic militants in January 2015 that destroyed 70 churches, a number of Christian orphanages, schools and homes. Countries in the region should join hands militarily to defeat the groups, while also addressing socio-economic ills, the report recommended. "It is only when these underlying realities are improved that Christians and non-Christians will be able to enjoy security and freedom in the region." The full report may be read at: http://theanalytical.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/The-Sahel-Rising-Islamic-militancy-and-the-persecution-of-Christians-in-the-region-2016.pdf. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Diana Chandler is Baptist Press' general assignment writer/editor. BP reports on missions, ministry and witness advanced through the Cooperative Program and on news related to Southern Baptists' concerns nationally and globally. #OCTOBER2016

CHARLOTTE, NC (BP) – As evangelist Billy Graham approaches his 98th birthday, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) has released a new video in the My Hope outreach that has reportedly led more than 10 million to Christ internationally. Graham's son Franklin delivers the Gospel in the new evangelistic film "Decisions," a 28-minute free resource featuring diverse Americans who accepted Christ as Savior during Franklin Graham's 50-state Decision America Tour still in progress. "I've been talking to people about the importance of decisions. I see thousands of people faced with a choice … and I want them to know the truth," Franklin Graham said of his outreach. "Any time you have a crowd of people, I can guarantee there will be somebody in that crowd that doesn't know Jesus Christ. So, every time I'm at the microphone I'm going to give the Gospel." In his tour, the younger Graham is preaching and hosting prayer rallies in every state capitol, urging Americans to pray, vote and engage in politics to uphold biblical principles. The tour has attracted crowds of thousands since it began Jan. 5 in Des Moines, Iowa, and is set to end Oct. 13 in Raleigh, N.C. The film is available by free download at MyHopewithBillyGraham.org and will be broadcast on local and Christian television networks beginning Oct. 10, BGEA vice president Steve Rhoads said in a press release. "We are very happy to offer this resource to the church which will powerfully present the Gospel of Jesus Christ," Rhoads said. "The church in the United States has a unique opportunity at this moment to proclaim Jesus, who offers hope and redemption to a lost world. We pray that the good news will be preached and that God will bring a revival to His people." The patriarch Billy Graham, who turns 98 on Nov. 7, is not featured in the film, although he has spoken in earlier My Hope offerings. Franklin Graham said his father, who led millions to Christ during a 60-year international evangelistic ministry, today ministers mostly through prayer. "He lives with limitations typical of old age -- his eyesight is very poor, his hearing is not good, and he uses a wheelchair. Someone is with him in the house at all times," he said of his father in a July letter to friends and supporters. "His ministry now is praying, and he looks forward to reports of what God is doing around the world. He always responds by saying 'Praise the Lord' as he points upward." Launched internationally in 2002, My Hope has presented the Gospel in 60 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, and debuted in the U.S. in 2013 with "My Hope America." More than 350,000 churches and 4 million individuals have participated in the evangelistic outreach, BGEA said, and more than 10 million individuals have made decisions to receive Christ, including 160,000 in the U.S. "Decisions" follows My Hope America films "Value of a Soul" (2015), "Heaven" (2014) and "The Cross" (2013). BGEA is accepting pre-orders at MyHopewithBillyGraham.org for a free DVD version of Decisions, including a special 30-minute program that goes behind the scenes of the tour, slated to ship in early fall. Meanwhile, a new film called "The Worth of a Soul" will release this fall in the United Kingdom in conjunction with My Hope U.K. The last film in the series to feature Billy Graham was Heaven. The patriarch doesn't expect anyone to remember him now, Franklin Graham said on his July 1 Decision America stop in Juneau, Alaska. "So he'll say, 'If you meet anybody who remembers me, tell 'em hello,'" he said of his father. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Diana Chandler is Baptist Press' general assignment writer/editor. BP reports on missions, ministry and witness advanced through the Cooperative Program and on news related to Southern Baptists' concerns nationally and globally. #OCTOBER2016

ASHEVILLE, NC (BP) – The U.S. Navy has announced its plan for training all personnel on the Pentagon's new policy allowing transgender service members to serve openly. The announcement, delivered by Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Robert Burke, outlines the service's strategy to prepare both senior leaders and rank-and-file sailors for the changes, according to Military.com. "This training will emphasize policies and expectations of personal behavior," the all-Navy message stated. The first phase of the training starts Nov. 1. Mobile training teams will present face-to-face briefings to senior Navy officers and enlisted leaders -- the "command triad" of commanders, executive officers, and command master chiefs, according to Military.com. The training teams will include Navy fleet representatives as well as subject matter experts. Commanders will then be responsible for administering the training to the rest of the fleet. The Navy announcement comes just before the Oct. 1 deadline set by Defense Secretary Ash Carter for the Pentagon to "issue a training handbook for commanders, transgender service members, and the force," according to a department fact sheet. The policy on which the training will be based, DOD Instruction 1300.28, takes effect Oct. 1 and lays out procedures "by which transgender service members may transition gender while serving," as well as specifying medical treatment provisions and "procedures for changing a service member's gender marker in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)." The training, which all service members must complete by July 1, 2017, likely will include instruction on what the services deem mistreatment of individuals who identify as transgendered. "We do not tolerate harassment of any kind," Navy spokeswoman Lt. Jessica Anderson told Military.com. "Treating all service members with dignity and respect is something we take extremely seriously, and when there are any indications that those values are not being followed, we will conduct appropriate investigations and take action as necessary." But some military readiness advocates are concerned the yearlong training effort is simply an ideological indoctrination taking advantage of a captive audience. "Yes, they are implementing a social experiment. And they are doing so at high risk," said Elaine Donnelly, president of the Center for Military Readiness. "It is going to have an impact on morale and discipline to varying degrees," she added, noting only a small number of people claim to be transgendered. "The problem is, in order to accommodate … those few, you've got to change the culture of the many," she said. Donnelly doesn't believe that culture change will be limited to the training but will become part of the curriculum in all military schools, including schools and daycare centers attended by service members' children. "You have to have instruction from the lowest ranks on up," she said. "And since this is a Department of Defense policy, that would have to affect the other schools as well. And we're talking every school or institution from the military service academies right down to the elementary schools in the DoD school system … the largest school system in the world." ABOUT THE AUTHOR Michael Cochrane writes for WORLD News Service, a division of WORLD Magazine (www.worldmag.com) based in Asheville, NC. #OCTOBER2016

FENTON, MI – Since many of you who read this column are members of a local church, I would like to pass on some information that was gleaned from an article that I read some time ago. With a great number of churches in almost every community, it goes without saying there are several pastors serving in these churches and each of these men have enormous responsibilities. No matter the size of the church, the weight of ministry is ever present. Great may be their reward in heaven, but many pastors on this side of paradise are just plain worn out. Many times the rewards they are receiving for their earthly labors are stomach ulcers, burnout or cardiac failure. In fact, insurance companies have declared pastors as one of the highest health risk groups in the country. Interviews with several pastors revealed eight common attitudes or actions that leave them drained and discouraged. Please take special note of the following and try to determine if you or your congregation is guilty of any or all of them. Making relational demands A pastor can't be everyone's best friend. Nor can he always be readily accessible to his congregation. This is especially true when a congregation grows in size and expands in ministry. Someone other than the pastor can meet the need for fellowship and friendship. Expecting custom-made sermons just for you Who hasn't opened the Sunday bulletin, seen the sermon topic, and wished he'd stayed in bed? Yet what seems irrelevant to one is a direct word from the Holy Spirit to another. Give the pastor credit for being led by the Lord in the topics he chooses. Seldom volunteering Church members approach the pastor about a ministry for which they have a burden, but often they're not burdened enough to help start the ministry. Most expect the pastor to start it and run it. And might I add, when it does not go well, blame him for its demise. Disregarding sermons One pastor lamented, "I'll pour myself into a sermon on a meaty topic...and then someone - just as I'm finished - rushes up with a complaint that the water fountains aren't working or that there is not toilet paper in the bathrooms. It's hard to respond to a request so unrelated to what I just spent the better portion of an hour communicating." Abusing his day off What eight words are guaranteed to drain the life out of a pastor? "I know this is your day off, but..." Ignoring important dates Missed birthdays or anniversaries hurt most people’s feelings. Why not a pastor's? Acknowledging milestones in a pastor's life is an effective morale booster. Accentuating the negative Most people are quick to call or write with complaints or criticism. Few are equally forthcoming with encouragement or praise. One wise sage has said that, “Bad news can be halfway around the world before good news has its boots on.” A senior pastor insightfully stated, "It's strange to have the people offering the most criticism be the very people to whom you're ministering." Withholding study breaks Some churches don't allow study breaks. Some do, but view them as excuses for prolonged vacations. Others recognize their value but don't free the pastor from the tyranny of the urgent so he can break away. Make him go, or you might lose him. If he never stops to sharpen his axe it will only result in less trees being felled, and requires more work. These were just a few of the issues that pastors say are difficult for them to deal with. This month has been designated as “Pastor Appreciation Month”. If you truly want to make a difference in your church and in the life of your pastor, then take this opportunity to show him the true appreciation he deserves. A card, letter or email expressing your love and care will impact him more than you could imagine. A gift card to a favorite restaurant or a few days of an expense paid get-away would do wonders for him physically, emotionally and spiritually. It really doesn’t take much. A kind word. A thank you. A show of appreciation is a good and godly thing to do. This month show your appreciation for your pastor and his family. It will be the best investment you could ever make. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tim Patterson is Executive Director/Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Elected unanimously in May of 2015, Patterson formerly served for 9 years as pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. He also served as trustee chair and national mobilizer for the North American Mission Board. #OCTOBER2016

FENTON, MI – Mark your calendar because I want to help you enjoy three upcoming autumn days. Over the years, I developed the following checklist. You are going to need this list for those three days. Avid-fan Bargain-hunter Freeloader Hallway-talker Historian Multitasker Network-magnate Partygoer Passionate-parliamentarian November 3, 4, and 5, 2016 at Eastgate Baptist Church in Burton, Michigan is a must see, must go event. The Annual Pastor’s Conference and the Annual Convention for the Baptist State Convention is one of the annual highlights of my year. Both of these events are for everyone in the church, not just pastors. During these two events, we reconnect with friends. We create new relationships. We dream new dreams. We reconnect with our mission. We arrive tired, but leave inspired. While you attend the Pastor’s Conference and the Annual Convention, here is a way to add some fun to your days. This search will entertain you. Avid-fan – This man or woman attends because there is a special celebrity at the meeting. They love seminary presidents, former SBC presidents, notable pastors, and international missionaries. They sit close to the front when their celebrity is speaking. They strategically place themselves in the path of special guests with their smartphone cameras ready to click a pic. Bargain-book-hunter – This attendee repeatedly cruises the Baptist Bookstore display. They arrive early and speak to the bookstore manager hoping for secret information as to when the “real” sale prices start. They make repeated trips to the car storing away their bargain-books like a squirrel storing away nuts for a Michigan winter. Freeloader – This person cruises the exposition displays. They listen attentively for and look for the written word “FREE.” They load their reusable canvas bags with free things to take home. They generously share the free resources with friends and family. They distribute a wealth of materials throughout Michigan’s ministries. Hallway-talker – I tease one of my close friends that he is a hallway talker. He sees the three days as a constant supply of personal conversations. He moves smoothly from one person to another asking questions, listening to their stories, and offering encouragement. Hallway-talkers feel the big meetings with hundreds are not as important as the little meetings between friends. Historian – They are happy attending the gathering, but they often speak about the past. While most of us live in the here and now, the Historian will remind us about our collective past. They highlight the service and sacrifice of earlier heroes. Historians remind us that we are who we are because of certain heroes of the past. Multitasker – This attendee comes with a book to read, crocheting, knitting, crosswords, or devices. Another one of my closest friends sits quietly during the business proceedings reading a coveted book while inclining one ear to listen to the business session. There are those who text, tweet, post, and respond to emails while important matters are being discussed. The multitasker is bored with merely sitting and listening. Network-magnate – This attendee is shrewd and focused. He may be looking for a new friend or searching for help with a church project. He surveys the crowd. Sometimes, he can be seen scanning the crowd behind the person with whom he is speaking face-to-face. He is silently asking himself, “Is this connection going to help me, encourage me?” Partygoer – You will know it when you are in the presence of a partygoer. A circle of energized people will surround this attendee. This person asks in a loud voice to a random crowd, “Where are we going for lunch?” They arrive early, stay up late, and randomly create wonderful friendships. Passionate-parliamentarian – These individuals live for the business proceedings. They enjoy hearing phrases like, “I make the motion,” “Second,” and “The motion is carried.” They have the agenda on their laps and check-off the proceedings one step at a time. They know where their ballots are at any given moment. Their hearts pump with an adrenaline rush when decisions are unanimous! Will you join me on November 3-5? You will find me in different places. I might be in the hallway. I might be posting images of my friends; but I will be there. Please, come for an evening, a half-day, an entire day, or stay the entire time. I hope to see you there. Let’s make this is one of the best-attended gatherings of the decade. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tony Lynn is the State Director of Missions for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before coming on staff at the BSCM, Tony served as lead pastor for more than six years at Crosspoint Church in Monroe, Michigan. He and his wife, Jamie, also served with the International Mission Board in Africa and in Europe. #OCTOBER2016

FENTON, MI – On Saturday, October 15th, Michigan Baptists will gather from churches all across the state of Michigan at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Roseville for the 2016 Church Equipping Conference. The one-day gathering is designed to equip workers for ministry in the local church, community and beyond. The theme for CEC16 is “Stronger." The Planning Mike Durbin (State Director of Evangelism) has been working on the CEC with the Church Strengthening Team. He says, “Take a look at the list of workshops. Rarely will you find a conference as broad and deep as CEC16. Some of the best trainers in SBC life are going to be with us! Our goal is to equip believers for ministry. We want to help the local church grow stronger by growing deeper.” The Workshops During the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to choose from over 40 workshops. The workshops are broadly categorized under the Convention's mission of Starting, Strengthening, and Sending Churches. Training will be provided for different age groups of Bible studies, small groups, worship, and missions to name just a few of the areas. To see a complete list of workshops and presenters, go to BSCM.org and click on the Church Equipping Conference flyer. You can also register there to attend. The Church The conference is designed with the local church in mind! It is an opportunity for churches to get all her workers together in one place at one time for training. Durbin says, "People are extremely busy. Some church workers serve in several capacities. It's difficult for them to schedule time to attend several training events in different locations during the year. In one day at the CEC, they can get help to grow stronger in their knowledge and skills in many church ministry areas.” “It makes strategic sense in today's crazy, fast-paced world to have a blitz training event." Accommodations The Church Strengthening Team discussed the reality that it is a long way for some of our people to get to Roseville. They decided to help by providing housing for those who live north of Mt. Pleasant or west of Kalamazoo. Anyone needing housing should contact Mike Durbin at Mike@bscm.org before October 1st to secure a place to stay. Stronger, Together, Michigan Baptists Punching Holes in the Darkness! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mike Durbin is the State Evangelism Director for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before joining the state convention staff, Mike served as Church Planting Catalyst and Director of Missions in Metro Detroit since 2007. He also has served as a pastor and bi-vocational pastor in Michigan, as well as International Missionary to Brazil. #OCTOBER2016

FENTON, MI – This year the Mission Committee for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) has taken a bold step toward impacting more communities for Christ across the state of Michigan. This year’s goal for the Frances Brown State Mission Offering has been set for $90,000. During the week of September 11-18, Michigan Southern Baptists are being called to pray for state missions using the theme “Sharing the Light”. The theme is based on the scripture in John 12:46 where Jesus says, “I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me would not remain in the darkness.” That passage blends with the Baptist State Convention of Michigan’s goal of punching holes in the darkness of our state. BSCM Executive Director, Dr. Tim Patterson shares, “We are not the producers of the light, we are possessors of the light, and it is our absolute responsibility to share that light.” The gifts collected during this special emphasis will go specifically to areas of ministry needs in the state of Michigan. Those areas fall into the three categories of “Starting, Strengthening, and Sending”. Patterson says, “This offering will help us do more to impact the local church in Michigan like we never have before.” A packet of promotional materials have been sent to every Southern Baptist church in Michigan, and all of the promotional materials are also available online at bscm.org/smo. Some of the materials include a DVD, a poster, flyers, bulletin inserts, and prayer bookmarks. The BSCM leadership and State Mission Offering committee are encouraging church and mission leaders with a heart for the mission field here in Michigan to use these exciting new tools to help their churches catch the vision of what we can do together as we go forward “Sharing the Light”. #SEPTEMBER16