Panel cites 11 religious freedom offenders. A federal watchdog panel announced 11 countries should be named “countries of particular concern” for their records on religious freedom, including three not currently on the State Department’s list. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom urged the inclusion of Vietnam—removed from the State Department’s list in 2006—along with Pakistan and Turkmenistan. The other countries recommended for the designation of “countries of particular concern” are Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Uzbekistan, which have been on the State Department’s list since 2006. The commission also cited countries on its “Watch List” that require monitoring because of religious freedom violations permitted or implemented by the governments—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Cuba, Egypt, Indonesia and Nigeria.

Have a Bible question? Ask a Pole. Americans are more likely than Europeans to own and read a Bible, but Poles are most likely to have a basic knowledge of Scripture, according to a Vatican report. The statistics are among preliminary findings of a study of Bible reading in the United States and eight European countries conducted by an Italian market research firm in preparation for an international synod of Catholic bishops. More than 90 percent of American households contain at least one copy of the Bible, the highest level among the countries studied, according to the study. Three out of four Americans had read at least one passage of Scripture over the previous year, compared to only one out of four Spaniards, who ranked last in that respect. Not surprisingly, exposure paid off in familiarity with the book. When asked seven basic questions about the Bible’s contents and authorship, 17 percent of Americans were able to answer all correctly, compared to an average of 15 percent in all the countries studied. But Poles took the prize for biblical knowledge, with 20 percent earning perfect scores on the test. The lowest rank went to the Russians, only 7 percent of whom were able to answer all the questions right.

05/09/2008 - By John Rutledge

Retired SBC International Mission Board executive Avery Willis and Atlanta-area pastor Johnny Hunt reportedly will be nominated for the denomination’s top position. SBC messengers will elect a new president and conduct other business during the body’s annual meeting, scheduled for June 10-11 in Indianapolis.

Avery Willis	Johnny Hunt

05/09/2008 - By John Rutledge

BGCT serves breakfast during SBC, CBF annual meetings. The Baptist General Convention of Texas will sponsor come-and-go continental breakfasts for pastors during the annual meetings of the Southern Baptist Convention and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. The BGCT meal during the SBC meeting will be 7 to 9 a.m., June 10, in Room 208 of the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The BGCT breakfast during the CBF General Assembly is scheduled 7 to 9 a.m., June 20, in Ballroom B of the Memphis (Tenn.) Cook County Convention Center.

Galveston outreach changes lives. About 80 Texas Baptists met with more than 700 people during a Galveston Beach Reach weekend event. Volunteers prayed with 180 people, 35 made professions of faith in Christ and eight rededicated their lives to Christ, according to Gerald Davis, Baptist General Convention of Texas community development specialist who helped lead the beach outreach.

McBeth named Elder Statesman. Baptist historian Leon McBeth will receive the Texas Baptist Elder Statesman Award at a presentation June 1 at Independence Baptist Church in Independence. McBeth taught 43 years at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has written extensively, including The Baptist Heritage and Texas Baptists: A Sesquicentennial History. Events begin at 10 a.m. with Sunday school, taught by Jesse Fletcher, president emeritus of Hardin-Simmons University. During the 11 a.m. worship service, Independence Association President Bill Pitts of Waco will present the Elder Statesman Award. Russell Dilday, former president of Southwestern Seminary and chancellor of the B.H. Carroll Theological Institute, will preach. A church picnic will follow, and guests are asked to bring a covered dish.

05/09/2008 - By John Rutledge

BELTON—Between looming storm clouds, plenty of mud and even several flat tires on wheelbarrows, nothing stopped University of Mary Hardin-Baylor students from reaching out to their community. More than 200 students participated in UMHB’s recent Reaching Out community service program.

“As Christians, we’re called to serve,” UMHB junior Hallie Jacobson said. “It’s really important to focus off yourself and on others—and it’s fun.”

05/09/2008 - By John Rutledge

PLAINVIEW—When Wendi Vanlandingham received her degree from Wayland Baptist University at spring commencement, it marked the end of a 12-year journey filled with twists, turns and detours.

In a sort of lasting testament to that road, Vanlandingham recently completed a large mural in the children’s department at College Heights Baptist Church.

05/09/2008 - By John Rutledge

PLAINVIEW—In preparation for a two-week mission trip to Macedonia, a group of Wayland Baptist University students is collecting clothing and other items to be distributed in a village on their trip.

The group, headed by Rick Shaw, director of the Wayland Missions Center and assistant professor of religion, will leave May 29 for the area, traveling first to Macedonia, then to Kosovo, then taking in some sights in Greece.

05/09/2008 - By John Rutledge

By Donald Raney

First Baptist Church, Petersburg

A wise person once said the only thing constant in life is change. Life often requires we alter our plans or routines. Issues related to our job, finances, health or family may force us to adjust our lives in order to accommodate new circumstances or resolve problems.

05/09/2008 - By John Rutledge

MARSHALL—Bob Riley has announced plans to retire in July 2009 as president of East Texas Baptist University.

Riley announced his retirement plans during the May 9 meeting of the ETBU trustee board. At his retirement, he will have served 16 years.

“Although this presidency has been a wonderful experience, Gayle and I believe that it is time for a new vision and leadership for ETBU,” said Riley, whose term as president is the second longest in the 96-year history of the school.

“God has blessed our university immeasurably over the years with outstanding men and women to serve as faculty, staff, and trustees at this very special place.”

05/09/2008 - By John Rutledge