wfn.org | AMERICAN BAPTIST NEWS FOR MARCH 5, 1999

[LEAH_MCCARTER.parti@ecunet.org (LEAH MCCARTER)]

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American Baptist News Service 
Office of Communication  
American Baptist Churches USA 
P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851 
Phone: (610)768-2077 / Fax: (610)768-2320 
Richard W. Schramm, Director 
 E-mail: RICHARD.SCHRAMM@ABC-USA.ORG

UPDATE: March 5, 1999

LANGHORNE TO JOIN NATIONAL MINISTRIES STAFF 
AS DIRECTOR OF MISSIONARY AND STAFF SERVICES
 The Rev. Dr. George A. Langhorne, pastor of Butler 
Street Baptist Church, Atlanta, Ga., has been named director 
of Missionary and Staff Services for National Ministries, 
American Baptist Churches USA.  He will begin with National 
Ministries April 1.
 As director of Missionary and Staff Services Langhorne 
will assist in organizational development planning and 
coordinate missionary recruitment and training for the 
American Baptist Home Mission Societies.  He will coordinate 
staff relations with 1,200 home missionaries and associated 
missionaries.  He also will monitor, update and interpret 
human resources policies and procedures and will direct 
compensation and benefits programs for National Ministries.
 A former American Baptist home missionary, Langhorne 
served as an active duty Navy chaplain for 25 years.  In 
1993 he was named Military Chaplain of the Year for American 
Baptist Churches USA.  Langhorne currently teaches graduate 
courses in Human Resources Management at Embry-Riddle 
Aeronautical University.  He previously taught at Eckerd 
College.  He also pastored churches, including First Baptist 
Institutional Church, St. Petersburg, Fla.; Macedonia 
Baptist Church, Heathsville, Va.; and Beulah Baptist Church, 
Pittsburgh, Pa.  
 
AMERICAN BAPTIST PASTOR APPOINTED 
NEW JERSEY SECRETARY OF STATE
 The Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr., senior pastor of 
American Baptist-related First Baptist Church of Lincoln 
Gardens in Somerset, N.J., has been appointed secretary of 
state for New Jersey by Gov. Christine Todd Whitman. 
 Soaries is well-known for his efforts in youth 
ministry and church-based economic development.  Under his 
leadership, the 5,100-member First Baptist has started 
construction on a $10-million church complex, organized the 
First Baptist Community Development Corporation, and 
inaugurated a number of economic, spiritual and educational 
programs for church members and local residents.  He 
continues a regular Sunday preaching schedule at the church.
 Previously Soaries served as associate pastor of 
Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton, N.J.   He also has taught 
courses at Princeton Theological Seminary, Drew University 
Theological School, Kean University and Mercer County 
College.
 In announcing Soaries appointment, which took effect 
Jan. 12, Whitman said, "Rev. Soaries' abilities are so 
extensive and varied that I expect that he will be an 
advisor on issues that transcend departmental lines.  He 
will be actively involved in advising me on issues beyond 
the traditional responsibilities of the secretary of state, 
including urban redevelopment and community development."
  In his new position Soaries is providing oversight in 
the Department of State's Administration; Archives and 
Records Management; New Jersey Historical Commission; New 
Jersey Historic Trust; New Jersey State Council on the Arts; 
New Jersey State Museum; New Jersey Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Commission;  New Jersey Commission on American Indian 
Affairs; Old Barracks Museum; and War Memorial.  He also 
administers the governor's quality of life programs, 
including the Many Faces-One Family diversity initiative and 
the Personal Responsibility initiative.
       
WILLIAM JEWELL COLLEGE MARKS MILESTONE
 American Baptist-related William Jewell College in 
Liberty, Mo., marked its 150th anniversary last month.
 The college consistently has been ranked in the 
highest level of national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News 
and World Reports and other publications.   Among its  
distinctive programs are the new Pryor Leadership Studies, 
the Service Learning certificate program, and options for 
study abroad, including the Oxbridge Program. 
 One of 16 colleges and universities related to 
American Baptist Churches USA through Educational 
Ministries, William Jewell also is related to the Missouri 
Baptist Convention.

THETIS EASTMAN, FORMER MISSIONARY TO BURMA, DIES
 Thetis M. Eastman, former American Baptist 
International Ministries missionary to Burma (Myanmar), died 
Feb. 11 in Jacksonville, Fla.  She was 79. 
 Eastman and her husband, Addison, were appointed to 
Burma by the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society in 
1946.  In that country their ministry was focused on youth 
and students at the University of Rangoon.  Thetis Eastman 
taught Bible courses and was involved in the ministry of the 
Student Christian Union and Judson Chapel. 
 The Eastmans returned to the United States in 1958 and 
resigned from missionary service in 1961.
 
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