Updated: 5/11/07

Maciel named president at
Baptist University of the Americas

By Brad Russell

Baptist University of the Americas

SAN ANTONIO—René Maciel, assistant dean at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary, has been named president of the Baptist University of the Americas, effective Aug. 6.

Baptist University of the Americas’ trustees elected Maciel, 48, at their May 7 meeting.

Teo Cisneros, chairman of the school’s presidential search committee, called the naming of Maciel “a strategic step in bringing a true institution-builder to the helm” at Baptist University of the Americas. He characterized Maciel as “a visionary and innovative leader with a broad knowledge of the systems that build a great university.”

“He has that rare combination of both strong organizational skills and people skills that will enable him to build many important relationships for the benefit of our students. Most importantly, he is respected throughout Baptist life for his sincere love for the church and service to the mission of God in the world,” Cisneros said.

Maciel expressed his excitement about the opportunities at Baptist University of the Americas.

“I am excited to be called to BUA because I believe Hispanic students are being called as never before to serve the world,” Maciel said. “At Truett, we have received some excellent students from BUA where they first developed academic confidence, and now I am excited about getting the privilege of building that confidence in students so that they will understand and fulfill their God-given potential for ministry. For a host of reasons that are all coming together demographically, culturally and historically, I believe our BUA graduates are going to have great opportunities to perform great tasks for the kingdom of God.”

Paul Powell, who is retiring as Truett Seminary’s dean, pointed to the “wonderful relationship” he has had working with Maciel more than six years.

“I have never worked with a more committed, capable and cooperative person than René,” Powell said. “Truett would not be where it is today without his able assistance.”

David Garland, Truett Seminary’s new dean, expressed regret at seeing Maciel leave the seminary, but he said, “We are also extremely proud of him and excited for the possibilities for BUA.”

Maciel succeeds Albert Reyes, who now serves as president of Buckner Children and Family Services.

“René’s experience at Truett seminary will provide an excellent background for leadership at BUA,” Reyes said. “He is an extraordinary administrator and has been a key player in the dramatic growth at Truett. BUA is ready for a leader like René, and I am confident that BUA has a bright future under his leadership. I have pledged my support and availability to René, the trustees, and the BUA family.”

Maciel expressed his appreciation to Reyes for his leadership in positioning Baptist University of the Americas to be “the premier equipper not only of Hispanic ministry students, but of Texas Baptist churches who are engaged in a multitude of cross-cultural ministries.”

“I really see BUA being a great resource for the BGCT in helping our churches better minister to the diversity of cultures in their own communities, along with preparing them for global missions in the border region, Latin America and around the world,” Maciel said.

Baldemar Borrego, president of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas, stressed his belief that Maciel is the right leader for this time and moment in the theological university’s history.

“Brother René has shown a great commitment to be involved in the training of our fellow Hispanic ministers to equip them to be better prepared to serve him and to serve our communities,” Borrego said.

Charles Wade, executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, praised Maciel as “a wonderfully gifted leader,” and he stressed Baptist University of the Americas “has a very special place in the hearts of Texas Baptists.”

“Rene Maciel has the experience in higher education, the confidence of our Baptist people in Texas, the relationships with our strong Hispanic Baptist leaders, and the heart and vision to take BUA to the next level of influence and effectiveness,” Wade said.

Rolando Rodriguez, BGCT director of Hispanic ministries, added: “I have worked with Rene in the planning of the Hispanic Preaching Conferences, and he is a great leader. I look forward to partnering with Rene as President of BUA to serve our people better.”

Along with his experience at Truett Seminary, Maciel also served in higher education administration at Baylor University and Hardin-Simmons University, and as administrator of the New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home.

He holds an undergraduate degree from – University and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Baylor.

Maciel’s wife, Sabrina, is a licensed speech pathologist. They have two daughters, Brianna and Carmen.

Posted: 5/11/07

San Marcos Academy
students learn value of service

San Marcos Baptist Academy volunteers collected 50 boxes of used books to help schools, hospitals and rural outposts in Nigeria, and an eighth-grade Boy Scout at the academy led his peers to build a wildlife observation platform for a new San Marcos park.

The academy provided textbooks that were no longer needed—as well as several outdated-but-functional computers and other supplies—to Rural Nigerian Outreach.

“Teachers change books, courses change, or texts become outdated for our students,” said Bob Bryant, school principal of the academy. “It is a real joy to know that these perfectly good books are going to be put back into service and be used where they are so desperately needed.”

John Myers completed his Eagle Scout service project by leading members of the academy’s National Honor Society, other volunteers from the academy and members of Boy Scout Troop 1954 to construct a wooden wildlife observation platform for a new park in their city.

Beginning with plans provided by the San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department, Myers made adjustments and then in one weekend installed foundational framing posts for the station, with the help from members from his Scout troop.

Construction was completed over the course of a second weekend with the help of academy volunteers. The crew donated about 50 hours of labor to the project.

Posted: 5/11/07

Around the State

• East Texas Baptist University has expanded its annual writers’ conference from one day to two, June 1-2. Twenty-three presenters will be included this year, with Friday’s activities beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday will begin at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $60, with a $20 discount offered to high school and college students. The fee covers a luncheon on Saturday. Registration deadline is May 28. For more information, call (903) 923-2083.

• Houston Baptist University held a naming ceremony for the Joella and Stewart Morris Cultural Arts Center and the Belin Chapel. A special naming ceremony paid tribute to the Morrises, whose financial contributions made the arts center possible. Morris also was among the founders of the university and twice served as chairman of the board of trustees. The Belin Chapel is named for Mary Ann and Bruce Belin. The arts complex will be dedicated in October.

• Ron Smith, senior professor of theology at Hardin-Simmons University, has retired after 28 years of service.

• Dallas Baptist University has created a new dual 54-hour master of arts degree. The master of arts in Christian education/master of business administration degree primarily will be offered through evening and online courses. For more information, call (214) 333-5242.

• Ben Craver has been named dean of Wayland Baptist University’s Albuquerque campus. Craver had been pastor at First Church in Del Rio.

• Katy Romero of Hemphill was named Senior Girl Call-Out at East Texas Baptist University. The honor is the university’s oldest tradition, and the script for the ceremony has remained the same since its inception in 1947. She was selected based on Christian character, social consciousness, personal poise, academic achievement and spiritual vision.

• One hundred forty-eight University of Mary Hardin-Baylor students received recognition during the university’s spring awards ceremony.

Anniversaries

• David Massey, 10th, as pastor of First Church in Hallsville, May 1.

• Kaye Hill, 15th, as minister to preschool and children at First Church in Longview, May 6.

• Bob Moore, fifth, as minister of education and adminstration at Hampton Road Church in DeSoto, May 6.

• Joe Carbonaro, fifth, as minister of business administration at First Church in Denton, May 6.

• Russell Clemons, fifth, as pastor of Faith Fellowship in Denison, May 12.

• Robert Creech, 20th, as pastor of University Church in Houston, May 20. The celebration service will begin at 6:30 p.m.

• Roger Jackson, 25th, as administrator of Mount Lebanon Encampment in Cedar Hill, May 21.

• Dale Talbert, 10th, as associate pastor for Christian education at First Church in Conroe, May 23. He and his family will present a concert at 6 p.m., and a reception will follow.

• Steve Beckwith, fifth, as pastor of Oak Grove Church in Burleson, May 27.

• Bill Chamblee, 35th, as minister of recreation at First Church in Denton, June 3.

• Maryneal Church in Maryneal, 100th, June 10. The morning worship service will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a meal. A dedication service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Truman Davis is pastor.

Deaths

• Joe Gilmore, 82, Feb. 12 in Fullerton, Calif. A Baylor University graduate, he played a role in the Youth Revival Movement that was spawned there. Churches he served as pastor include Burlington Church in Burlington, First Church in Itasca, First Church in Linden and First Church in Clarksville. In 1964, he moved to California to help strengthen the Baptist work there. Following his retirement from the pastorate, he served two hospitals as a chaplain. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley; daughters, Elizabeth Gilmore and Jennifyr Jo Gilmore-Williams; sisters, Faye Moore and Sue Sibley.

• Caitlin Creed, 19, April 30 in an automobile accident near Palestine. A freshman social work major at Baylor University, she was traveling to her grandmother’s house in Tyler to prepare for exams. She was a member of Tri Delta sorority and attended Highland Church in Waco. She is survived by her parents, Brad and Kathy Creed; brother, Charlie; sister, Carrie; and grandparents, Vernon and Peggy Harton, and Charles and Jeanette Creed.

Events

• Seacroft Church in San Antonio will hold the “Freedom in the Son Car and Bike Show” May 19 from noon to 8 p.m. on the church’s seven-acre property. The men’s ministry of the church is using the event as an outreach effort to the community. In addition to the cars and bikes, live bands also will play throughout the day. For more information, call (210) 433-6908. Luis Olivan is pastor.

• Harpist Greg Buchanan will perform at 6 p.m. May 20 at First Church in Paris. Randall Perry is pastor.

• Iglesia El Calvario in Haskell will hold homecoming activities June 22-24. For more information, call (940) 864-2391. Arturo Flores is pastor.

• Calvary Church in Gainesville’s Calvary Cone Head puppet ministry received the bronze prize during a Houston competition. Team members include Kayla Perkins, Crystal Lakey, Katy Plunk, Drew Alvarado, Patrick Westbrook, Tracy Feaster and Ryan Kremling. Traci King is the director.

Licensed

• Juan Ruiz to the ministry at Iglesia Memorial in Waelder.

• Owen Clifton to the ministry at Second Church in Clifton.

• Ken Durham to the ministry at Richey Street Church in Pasadena.

• Chad Carroll, Randa Carroll, Terry King, Joanne King, Jackie Solomon, Margie Solomon, Johnnie Couch and Lindsay Luedeker to the ministry at Gateway Community Church in Granbury.

Ordained

• Ken Williams to the ministry at First Church in Evant.

• Lisa Williams to the ministry at First Church in Knoxville, Tenn. She is a Truett Theological Seminary graduate.

• Bubba Fowler to the ministry at First Church in Smithville.

• Randy Burkey, Byron Cook, David Evans, Brad Haynie, Kurt Knauth, Jim McNeel, John Myers, Leeman Pape, Joe Sims Jr., Glen Smith, Danny Wigley and James Wright as deacons at Northside Church in Corsicana.

• Chad Conner, John Gibson, Jonathan Le, David Kummerfeld, Jack Neagle and Clark Wiginton as deacons at First Church in Galveston.

• Jerry Allison, Lawrence Campos, Michael Jackson and Greg Malone as deacons at Rosen Heights Church in Fort Worth.

Revivals

• Westside Church, Mineral Wells; May 20-23; evangelist, Don DeFoor; music, DeFoor Trio; pastor, David Best.

• Carlisle Church, Trinity; May 20-23; evangelist, Herman Cramer; music, Charles Hunt; pastor, Charles Goodson.

• North Dixie Church, Tyler; May 27-30; evangelist, Gary Newman; pastor, Duane Petty.

• Turnersville Church, Gatesville; May 27-30; evangelist, Sam Crosby; pastor, Russell Crosby.

• Corinth Church, Cisco; May 27-30; evangelist, H.K. Neely; music, Larry Russell; pastor, Benny Hagan.

Posted: 5/11/07

Book Reviews

The Road to Unafraid

By Jeff Struecker with Dean Merrill (W Publishing Group)

Mark Bowden’s 1999 bestseller Black Hawk Down vividly visualized the story of the 1993 “Battle of Mogadishu,” the U.S. Army’s Delta Force and Ranger raid to capture two senior lieutenants of Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid as part of a United Nations peacekeeping force in Somalia.

One of those U.S. Army Rangers who was a part of that harrowing and heroic experience was Capt. Jeff Struecker.

Struecker tells his story of growing up under tough family circumstances, fearing death as a child until finding faith in Jesus Christ. He then recounts his experiences being involved as a Ranger in every U.S. military initiative since the 1989 invasion of Panama and earning the Best Ranger award in 1996. Along the way, he writes about his marriage to his wife, Dawn, and his closer walk with Christ and call to ministry after several years in the Army.

What are you reading that other Texas Baptists would find helpful? Send suggestions and reviews to books@baptiststandard.com.

After attending seminary, Struecker was commissioned in 2000 as a chaplain and now ministers to the 2nd Ranger Battalion in Fort Lewis, Wash.

This is good book for readers of military biography or to give to loved ones serving in uniform.

Greg Bowman, minister to students

First Baptist Church, Duncanville

Hold You, Mommy

By Laurie Lovejoy Hilliard and Sharon Lovejoy Autry (Bethany House)

Sisters Laurie Lovejoy Hilliard and Sharon Lovejoy Autry have written a book perfect, as the subtitle suggests, for “Moments with God for Moms on the Go.” Geared to mothers of children from newborn to preteens, Hold You, Mommy provides quick bytes that encourage spending quiet moments with God when a mom’s time mostly isn’t her own.

The Texans divide each of the 60 daily devotionals into three parts—an anecdote or story that includes parenting advice and a Scripture, a related prayer and a “Mamadrama” that offers an activity or principle to put into practice. The first entry begins with Hilliard’s moving song, Hold You, Mommy. The founders of 2MOMS Women’s Ministry arrange the entries into 12 weeks of five days each, suitable for group Bible study. Each week carries a theme such as “Comfort in the Chaos.”

Although Hilliard and Autry aim their writing at the stay-at-home mom, working mothers can benefit from their practical, reassuring approach to parenthood that encourages good, not perfect, moms. Hold You, Mommy makes a great baby shower gift or present for a new mother.

Kathy Robinson Hillman, former president

Woman’s Missionary Union of Texas

Waco

12 Steps to Congregational Transformation

By David C. Laubach (Judson Press)

David Laubach reminds me of one of my church members. When I seek this wise church member’s counsel, he always says, “It’s simple.” Then he reduces the issue to a few salient points.

Do you want transformation in your church? Then it’s simple. Follow Laubach’s 12 steps.

Well, OK, it’s not quite that simple. But Laubach has written a book that ought to be a companion to the Bible for every church leader in America. His plan is understandable, achievable, teachable and measurable. If 80 percent of our nation’s churches are plateaued or declining, then at least 80 percent of us need this book.

The simple premise of the book is “There is no renewal without change.” But I will tell you before you read the book, you will not like some of the changes. Perhaps the best way to review the book is to hear from Laubach himself: “Those who lead change should have their eyes wide open to the dynamics of change and the cost of change and expect mixed results.”

This is an outstanding, practical book. Get a copy of 12 Steps and start doing what it says to do. Your church can be transformed.

Charles Walton, pastor

First Baptist Church, Conroe

Posted: 5/11/07

Baptist Briefs

New Baptist Covenant launches website. The New Baptist Covenant has launched www.newbaptistcovenant.org, a website that provides information about the Celebration of a New Baptist Covenant event, slated for Jan. 30-Feb. 1 in Atlanta. In addition to providing general information about the celebration, the website also offers opportunities for volunteer involvement. Information on housing, transportation and needs for large room blocks also will be posted on the site.

Olive named Bluefield president. David Olive will be the next president of Bluefield College, a Virginia Baptist school, effective July 1. Olive, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Pfeiffer University in Charlotte, N.C., will be the ninth president in Bluefield’s 85-year history. Olive has worked at Pfeiffer since 1998. Before Pfeiffer, Olive served three years as director of charitable gift planning at Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn., two years as a legal advocate for students at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and one year as the coordinator of alumni and development programs at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, Tenn. He is a licensed attorney and an ordained minister with a master of divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.

SBC president names Texans to committees. Gary Dyer, pastor of First Baptist Church in Midland, has been named by Southern Baptist Convention President Frank Page to the SBC Committee on Committees, along with Bart Barber, pastor of First Baptist Church in Farmersville, a congregation uniquely aligned with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. The committee will meet in San Antonio immediately prior to the SBC annual meeting, June 12-13, to nominate members of the Committee on Nominations. Members of that committee, in turn, will nominate trustees to serve on boards of SBC entities. Page also named to the SBC Credentials Committee Jerry Raines, pastor of Hampton Road Baptist Church in DeSoto, along with the pastor of two uniquely aligned SBTC churches—Nathan Lorick of Martin’s Mill Baptist Church in Ben Wheeler and Jeremy Green of First Baptist Church in Joshua. Page named to the SBC Tellers Committee Don Wills, pastor of First Baptist Church in Fort Worth, and John Dammon, pastor of Fredonia Hill Baptist Church in Nacogdoches.

S.C. Baptists elect exec. Messengers to a special meeting of the South Carolina Baptist Convention voted without opposition to elect Jim Austin the new executive director-treasurer of the state convention. The vote, taken at Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Irmo, S.C., moves Austin from his old position as associate executive director for the Missouri Baptist Convention to replace Carlisle Driggers, who retired in February after 15 years as executive director-treasurer. Austin agreed to be nominated to the South Carolina post less than a month before his supervisor—state executive David Clippard—was fired by the Missouri convention. A graduate of Jacksonville State University in Alabama, Austin attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth and Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. Austin formerly was pastor of Morganton Baptist Church in Morganton, Ga., Blackshear Place Baptist Church in Gainesville, Ga., and First Baptist Church, Roanoke, Va. He and his wife have five children.

Posted: 5/11/07

Posted: 5/11/07

Baptists care for disaster’s youngest victims

By Barbara Bedrick

Texas Baptist Communications

CACTUS—When a tornado hit Cactus, calls poured in from across the state to offer help. Among them was First Baptist Church in Borger, which sent cases of bottled water, disposable baby diapers and other supplies to the devastated Panhandle community.

“It’s good to see how God can put into people’s hearts to help,” said Delilah Rosales, a pastor’s daughter. “It’s a big, big blessing.”

For Alexandra Garcia, one of the biggest blessings came in the form of the Texas Baptist Men emergency child care unit, which set up at the Cactus Community Center in the aftermath of the disaster.

“We had a lot of people needing help to clean out houses, and it was depressing seeing people without houses. So, we needed to help those who needed it,” Garcia said. “But with kids, we can’t do that … because there is glass, nails and broken things. So the child care unit helped a lot of people out.”

The 24-foot mobile child care unit, equipped with tiny chairs, a module stuffed with toys, puzzles and books, a miniature kitchen, riding trucks, a sandbox, a miniature bounce house and baby cribs can be set up in about three hours.

Seventeen Texas Baptist volunteers from the Panhandle and South Texas staffed the TBM child care unit. In Cactus, they ministered to nearly 90 children and their families while parents cleaned up homes, applied for Red Cross assistance and went back to work.

“We’re a licensed day care,” said TBM Executive Director Leo Smith. “It’s kind of a struggle because I don’t think people understand how to use the child care unit and how it functions. Our volunteers are licensed day care workers, and we do background checks on each one.”

Parents are required to sign in, licensed day care workers take photographs of children and trained staff ensure that state standards are met. Christian workers care for the children while their parents apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or other entities, or while they are cleaning their homes and businesses.

Lety Lara’s family is rebuilding after the tornado destroyed their trailer home. She, her daughters and an infant grandson rushed to safety next door in a brick house before the storm hit.

“We were all praying, and our jaws locked down, and you couldn’t breathe or anything,” Lara recalled. “Our ears felt like they were going to pop. After that, we heard debris hitting the house we were in.”

She emerged to find her home in shambles, suffered an “anxiety attack” and burst into tears. But she was grateful her family was safe, and she was thankful for the help the Texas Baptist child care unit provided.

Across town, Pastor Jose Rosales from Vida Cristiana Mission and his wife, Adelina, rushed to safety in the church. About a dozen other residents also sought shelter.

“Many children were inside crying, and everyone was praying for God to take care of them,” Rosales remembered.

Later, emergency officials evacuated Cactus.

“Some parents had lost their children, and it was scary,” Mrs. Rosales recalled. “That night in the church, people saw how God protects us. Maybe it will open the hearts of some people who have hearts of stone.” 

As clean-up efforts began, the Rosales family distributed tarps, delivered sandwiches and reminded residents the church was there to help.

“We told them to have faith in God—that we all need to be faithful for the lives he allowed us to keep and to give them hope that they are not alone,” Mrs. Rosales said.  

Many found hope in the TBM child care unit. Volunteers like Barbara Cook say it helps give them the opportunity to share their faith with families as they minister to them.

“It’s just a way to share the word of the Lord because it is ministering to real people’s needs and healing of the spirit and soul when they’ve been in such a tragedy,” said Cook, TBM child care unit director. “We have a real opportunity to show our Lord’s love to children and to families and plant those seeds.”

Posted: 5/11/07

DOWN HOME:
She’s a young dog; will she do tricks?

We took Topanga to school, but I should’ve worn the dunce cap.

Topanga is our 5-month-old puppy. Years ago, she would’ve been called a mutt. Today, she’s a cava-tsu, a mix between a cavalier King Charles spaniel and a shih tsu. So, she looks like a shih tsu but has a spaniel’s floppy, frollicky, I’m-just-happy-to-be-here disposition.

When Joanna told me we signed up for the training course, I figured Topanga’s class would be composed of four or five dogs. I figured wrong. It looked more like a dog zoo, with probably 25 to 30 canines. Everything from a Great Dane named Django to a chihuahua named Sonic, who looked like Django’s snack.

I thought we were OK but quickly knew we were in trouble when the teacher began by announcing, “Of course, we’ve (she was speaking on behalf of the dogs) all learned our names and how to sit.”

Topanga knows her name. When I holler “Topanga!” she comes running. But Jo and I hadn’t even thought about teaching Topanga to sit, since that’s why we enrolled her in the doggie college in the first place.

Turns out, we’d been using her name wrong too. Who knew you’re only supposed to say a dog’s name when you give commands? We’d been calling her name—indiscriminately, it would seem—practically every time we talked to her.

So, the first “lesson” consisted of saying, “Topanga,” holding the treat next to my eyes and then giving her the treat after she made eye contact. When she decided she didn’t like the treats, she also decided making eye contact wasn’t worth the effort.

Now, I’m wondering: If a dog won’t make eye contact, does she have something to hide? Or does that just apply to TV cowboys? You can bet I’ll keep my eyes on her if she decides to sell aluminum siding door-to-door.

Next, we worked on “sit.” Except for the fact Topanga didn’t want to look us in the eyes when we said, “Topanga” before we said, “Sit,” this part of the lesson went pretty well. But Jo has a theory, and I agree, that Topanga wasn’t learning all that much. She just likes to sit.

She also likes to cuddle and have her ears rubbed, so she was the best dog in her class when we learned “quiet time.” Come to think of it, if you scratched behind my ears, I might do pretty well at “quiet time” too.

Next week, I hope we can teach Topanga how to ring the bell by the back door when she needs to go outside. If she can’t do that, I’m thinking about hanging a cell phone with speed dial around her neck so she can just call us when she needs to do her business.

Driving home sort of frustrated, I wondered how annoyed God must get trying to teach us basic lessons for our own good. And I wondered what God looks at and thinks, “Leash!”

Posted: 5/11/07

EDITORIAL:
Broad support for a really bad idea

While he probably meant well, state Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer’s “tax-free gas” proposal represents a troubling tendency. We want to have our cake and eat it too. Or, more specifically, we want to have our gas guzzlers and drive cheaply too.

Reacting to gasoline prices that have been bumping the $3-per-gallon range, the San Antonio Democrat suggested the state suspend its 20-cents-per-gallon gas tax for 90 days this summer. “My constituents are saying, ‘Gas is too high,’” Fischer explained, noting the temporary gas-tax repeal could save a Texas couple about $100. Those family savings would add up to about $500 million to $700 million in lost revenue, set aside for highway construction and public education. Fischer suggested the shortfall could be covered by the state’s $8 billion surplus, which has been earmarked for school property tax cuts and the state’s Rainy Day Fund.

Fischer’s House colleagues apparently followed his logic. They approved his amendment 118-16. But the measure is not a done deal. It requires Senate approval, and senators seem more inclined to favor property tax breaks than lower numbers at the gas pump.

The “tax-free gas” plan is plain wrong, on several levels. Unfortunately, the proposal:

• Pushes gasoline consumption the wrong way.

The primary variable affecting the price of gas is refineries’ capacity. It’s the law of supply-and-demand. Artificially suppressing gas prices would increase consumption, which would decrease supply. So, ironically, core gas prices would shoot up as gas availability drops. Then, when the tax repeal period ends, pump prices would soar. By the end of the year, Texas motorists could actually spend more on gas than if a tax repeal never happened.

• Promotes consumption at the expense of public good.

For the good of all Texans, state policies should reward reduced gas usage, not bolster gas burning. We ought to be able to see we all have a vested interest in decreasing the amount of gas we buy. Auto emissions are ruining the quality of our air, which is far more than an aesthetic problem in July and August, but also a threat to the health of children, the ill and the elderly and a deterrent to commerce and economic development. Clogged roads diminish the quality of life of almost everyone who lives in an urban area. Dependence upon foreign oil threatens our national sovereignty. Depletion of fuel supplies will harm our children and grandchildren.

These are health, happiness, security and stewardship issues. We ought to develop policies that strengthen and sustain them, not diminish and destroy them.

• Promotes short-term gain; ignores long-term pain.

Can Texas voters be bought for $100 a pair? That’s the calculation made by legislators who support the temporary gas-tax repeal. Ironically, couples who need $100 the most are least likely to see $100 in savings, since it’s still not enough to fund a vacation. So, this proposal becomes yet another tax break for the wealthy and a piffle for the poor.

More troubling is lawmakers’ attitude that the state budget surplus can be siphoned to fuel a vote-buying scheme. If the surplus can be pilfered—and some senators have made a good case that it should not—then it should be applied where it really can help. Before we buy votes, we should increase the number of Child Protective Services workers, provide insurance for more children, look after the mentally ill and care for impoverished children. (For more information, see Buckner International President Ken Hall’s May 8 blog at www.bucknerprez.typepad.com.)

You may dismiss these words as “politics.” But gas consumption and use of natural resources, as well as allocation of taxes, are deeply spiritual issues. We should pray about what and how we drive and the policies we support.

Posted: 5/11/07

Faith Digest

Christian worship expert Webber dies. Robert Webber, an influential expert on Christian worship, died April 27 in Sawyer, Mich., after suffering from pancreatic cancer. He was 73. Webber, a professor of ministry at Northern Seminary in Lombard, Ill., the last seven years, previously spent 32 years as a professor of theology at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill., where he remained professor emeritus. Webber wrote more than 40 books, including Evangelicals on the Canterbury Trail, Worship Is a Verb and Ancient-Future Faith.

Citizenship process delayed for Muslims. U.S. immigration officials discriminate against Muslims when processing citizenship applications, a New York University Law School think tank study reports. Since 9/11, increased security checks of citizenship applications “have illegally delayed the processing of thousands of applications from Muslim, Arab, Middle Eastern and South Asian men,” in part because of the perception they are more likely to be terrorists, the report said. A government official took issue. “The allegations are categorically false. We treat every application, every petition the same, and conduct the same background checks regardless of name, ethnicity or religion,” said Christopher Bentley, a spokesman for U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services.

Chris Tomlin, Aaron Shust score Dove awards. Singer and songwriter Chris Tomlin was honored six times at the 38th annual Dove awards presentation, earning more recognition than any other Christian artist at the Nashville, Tenn., ceremony. Tomlin, who won five trophies at last year’s honors, was named artist of the year and male vocalist of the year. His See the Morning was named pop/contemporary album of the year and praise and worship album of the year. He also was honored for his work as co-writer of Holy is The Lord, which was named worship song of the year, and his involvement in Passion: Everything Glorious, which won special-event album of the year. Worship leader Aaron Shust was awarded three Doves, including new artist and songwriter of the year. He wrote My Savior, My God, which was named song of the year. Natalie Grant was named female vocalist of the year, and Casting Crowns was named group of the year.

Pastor launches prayer patrol for Baghdad. Wayne Dillard believes one surge deserves another. President Bush ordered a surge in U.S. troops sent to Iraq, and now Dillard is calling for a surge in prayers on behalf of Baghdad. Dillard, an ordained minister in the Vineyard Christian Fellowship and a founder of Prayercentral.net, has launched the Baghdad Prayer Patrol at www.prayercentral.net/baghdad. He has enlisted at least 300 people who have agreed to spend at least one minute a day praying for the city where death and violence are daily occurrences. Each day, an e-mail goes out to subscribers, focusing on a particular need of U.S. troops, Iraqi leaders and police, and the residents of the city. There is no cost to subscribe and no request for donations.

Posted: 5/11/07

Does Gore trump Gideons at hotel?

By Charles O’Toole

Religion News Service

SAN FRANCISCO (RNS)—Reports that Al Gore has replaced God—at least in one California hotel—have been greatly exaggerated, the hotel’s developer said.

The Gaia Napa Valley Hotel and Spa, located 35 miles north of San Francisco, made headlines after a media report that each of the hotel rooms contained a copy of Gore’s environmental book, An Inconvenient Truth, but no Gideon Bible.

Commentator Rush Limbaugh jumped on the story in his radio show, claiming the hotel treated environmentalism as a religion.

But developer Wen-I Chang explained Gaia had not “replaced” the Bible with Gore’s book, as has been claimed by some media outlets. Instead, he said, the hotel staff overlooked providing Bibles in their haste to prepare for the official grand opening.

Chang, a Taiwanese immigrant and a Buddhist, said as soon as the issue came to his attention, he instructed his staff to put Bibles in the hotel’s nightstands. Copies of Buddhist scripture also will go in the drawers.

The Gore book went in the rooms because it matched the hotel’s image as “the first eco-friendly hotel in the Golden State,” he explained.

Gaia was built using sustainable wood and recycled materials. Water, energy use and emissions are kept to a minimum.

Posted: 5/11/07

House extends hate crimes law to
include violence against homosexuals

By Philip Turner

Religion News Service

WASHINGTON (RNS)—The House of Representatives has voted to extend hate crimes legislation to add protections for homosexuals, bisexuals and people with gender-identity issues in the same way people are protected because of race or creed.

Democratic leaders called it a civil rights victory, but conservatives and some church leaders argued the bill gives gays special rights and threatens the free speech of ministers who preach homosexuality is immoral.

The White House sent signals that President Bush will veto the bill if it passes the Senate. A statement from the president’s office called the legislation “unnecessary and constitutionally questionable.”

Existing law, on the books since 1968, gives the federal government jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute violent crimes committed because of a person’s religion or race. The new legislation would put sexual orientation on the same plane, adding stricter penalties for people convicted of crimes against homosexuals. It also adds protections for people with disabilities.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, D-Mich., a lead sponsor of the bill, said its passage marked the “last and final” extension of civil rights language. “This strengthens the old law, which does not include protection for bias against someone’s actual or perceived gender or gender identity,” he said.

But Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, warned that ministers could be targeted by prosecutors if someone in a congregation commits a crime against a homosexual because of a sermon he or she heard in church. Clergy could be seen as “aiding and abetting” a criminal, Gohmert said.

Similar legislation in Canada and Sweden has landed Christians in jail for “preaching the word of God,” that homosexuality is sinful, he asserted.

“This bill is an effort to silence people who step up and say the homosexual lifestyle is wrong,” Gohmert said.

Some prominent African-American leaders said they would call on their church members to oppose the bill.

“Homosexuals are hijacking the civil rights movement,” said Harry Jackson, senior pastor at Hope Christian Church in Washington, D.C., which has 3,000 members. “As an African-American, I have long questioned the attempts of the homosexual community to piggyback on the legislative breakthroughs blacks have achieved in civil rights.”