LifeWay announces 2007 VBS theme
“Game Day Central: Where Heroes Are Made” will be the main 2007 VBS theme published by LifeWay Christian Resources. The curriculum will allow students to “get into the game” with an all-access pass to the Worship Rally Arena and Crafts Fan Zone. As participants prepare for the big game, they will learn the importance of following God’s plan for their lives and focusing on Jesus in order to become heroes both on and off the field. The scripture focus for the “Game Day Central” line is Hebrews 12:1-2: “Run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith.” Jerry Wooley, LifeWay’s VBS ministry specialist, pointed out that as many as 28 percent of all Southern Baptist baptisms come as a result of VBS. “What else would you do next summer that will have as much evangelistic potential as VBS?” he asked.
NAMB announces Hispanic website
The North American Mission Board challenged Hispanic Southern Baptists to take advantage of the openness to the gospel of Hispanics in the U.S. during a June 11 celebration. Meeting at Pleasant Garden (N.C.) Baptist Church, the ninth annual Hispanic Church Planting Celebration featured an announcement of a new website for Hispanic Southern Baptists. Enio Aguero, national missionary with NAMB’s church planting group, introduced NAMB’s new Hispanic website, “NAMB en Espanol.” This site, providing multiple resources and information, can be accessed through www.NAMB.net, the agency’s primary website. The website provides a place for Spanish-speaking Southern Baptists to find training and resources.
Blackaby resigns as seminary president
Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary president Richard Blackaby announced his resignation from the seminary presidency in early June to pursue God’s call as president of Blackaby Ministries International. Blackaby said though he always felt that he would retire before leaving the seminary, God had been directing him more toward the international ministry begun by his father, Henry Blackaby. “This has been a very heart-wrenching decision for me, because I love the seminary and it has been my incredible privilege to invest my life in its students,” he said. “Although I will not be the seminary president, I intend to remain in Cochrane and to continue to be involved in the seminary.” In response to Blackaby’s 13 years of dedication to the seminary, the trustees and leaders at the seminary have named him its chancellor.
Fla. woman receives Myers award
Jacqueline Draughon of Graceville, Fla., was honored as the third recipient of the Dr. Martha Myers GA Alumna of Distinction Award during the WMU’s annual missions celebration June 11. The annual award honors a Girls in Action alumna who exhibits a missions lifestyle and has dramatically influenced the lives of others. Not even a stroke 10 years ago could stop the missions work of Draughon, who has served as WMU director at her church for the last 20 years. Now in her 80s and living with the physical effects of her stroke, Draughon continues to mold lives for missions involvement. Draughon chairs the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering project at her church, First Baptist Church in Graceville, Fla., which exceeded its goal by $2,000. She often looks for ways to inspire the GAs at her church, and recently facilitated their efforts to establish pen pals with missionary kids in Mozambique. Draughon also serves on the Chipola Baptist Association executive board and assists with such projects as a pregnancy care center baby shower.