Texas Baptist Forum

Texas Baptist Forum

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Good Graffiti

Your report on Graffiti and Graffiti 2 ministries in New York City (Sept. 13) arrived while our group from Parkway Hills Baptist Church in Plano was on our 10th annual trip to work with those ministries. We were blessed to help with the after-school program, the open house for parents and feeding the homeless. All Graffiti’s ministries have a high Bible content and are provided by a dedicated, loving staff plus volunteers.

New York’s East 7th Baptist/Graffiti Church has sponsored more than a dozen church starts in the city. In 2004, Graffiti moved from a 20-foot by 20-foot storefront to a newly constructed church building that houses worship services and ministries. The baptistery in the building is used by Graffiti and the churches they have planted. Almost 500 baptisms have taken place there in the past six years. This “Church that Serves” also is a church that reaches people with the gospel.

For information about taking a group to New York to work with these ministries, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Glenn Sampson

McKinney

 

Proof in puddin’

When my wife and I moved out of state to attend seminary, there was one state convention in Texas. During our time in seminary, we heard of bickering and battles within a couple of Baptist seminaries and, surprisingly, the state of Texas.


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After returning to Texas six years ago, I discovered distinct lines had been drawn in the sand between Texas Baptists. While we Texans have a long history of getting involved in battles, there seems to be one “unholy” battle that’s taken place within our borders—division among the brethren, of which I am ashamed! In obedience to our Lord, division should never be an option.

We seemingly have polarized ourselves around a man-made concept that we’re either moderate or fundamental. Is that really important?

My question is: Do our communities see any proof in the puddin’ that we are different from the world? Does our bickering truly glorify Christ that we “claim” to follow? Have we shown the world that even though we claim to follow “the One True Living God,” we can’t do anything but be divisive?

Brothers and sisters, I find it appalling that we cannot work together under one banner in Texas to be obedient to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. I wonder if we’ve forgotten the scriptural word, “be reconciled.” Pray for reconciliation between all facets of Southern Baptists, and may we come together once again for the spiritual battle.

Bill Jernigan

Pasadena

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