Baptist Briefs: Draper released from hospital

Baptist Briefs

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Former Southern Baptist Convention President Jimmy Draper was released from the hospital June 11 and is continuing his recovery from strep bacterial meningitis. Draper spent six days in the intensive care unit at Baylor Regional Medical Center in Grapevine and two days in progressive care. He was hospitalized when he became unresponsive following a myelogram June 3 at an outpatient clinic in Fort Worth. After a preliminary diagnosis of an allergic chemical reaction, doctors determined strep bacterial meningitis had entered his bloodstream during the procedure. Draper was president of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention from 1991 to 2006 and was the longtime pastor of First Baptist Church in Euless.

Society names interim director. Baptist historian Walter “Buddy” Shurden, minister-at-large at Mercer University, has been named interim executive director of the Baptist History & Heritage Society, effective Aug. 1. Charles Deweese, current executive director, has announced his retirement, and his last workday will be July 31. Pam Durso, current associate executive-treasurer, will leave the society to become executive director of Baptist Women in Ministry on July 1. Shurden served as the society’s president in 1975-1976, served as a member of the editorial board and its executive committee, and received the society’s Distinguished Service Award in 2001. Shurden is the former executive director of the Center for Baptist Studies at Mercer University and Callaway Professor of Christianity and chair of the department of Christianity. The society’s board has asked Durso to serve as interim treasurer.

Florida children’s home leader named to council. Jerry Haag, president of Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, has been named by Florida Gov. Charlie Crist to a three-year term on the state’s Faith-based and Community-based Advisory Council. The council provides annual recommendations to the governor and the state legislature on ways the government and the faith-based community can work together to improve social services for Floridians. Haag, former president of South Texas Children’s Home, is a graduate of Baylor University and earned a doctorate from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Prestonwood pastor diagnosed with cancer. Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano and a former Southern Baptist Convention president, has announced he recently was diagnosed with prostate cancer and is taking a two-month sabbatical. Graham underwent successful surgery May 14 after consulting with doctors, led by personal physician Kenneth Cooper, founder of the Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas and a longtime Prestonwood member. Graham said physicians have assured him his prognosis is “outstanding.” Prestonwood recently granted Graham a two-month sabbatical in recognition of his 20th anniversary at the church. “It is perfect timing to begin that sabbatical now for the continued healing of my body, soul and spirit,” Graham said.

 

 


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