VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 11/29/06)?ABC People magazine, published annually by The Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board (MMBB), celebrates the rich and varied lives led by American Baptists who retire from pastoral, lay or missionary service.
The cover story features J. Alfred Smith Sr., senior pastor of the Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, Calif. For over 35 years, Smith’s powerful preaching and prophetic ministry have uplifted those who are poor in spirit, broken hearted and oppressed while challenging those who are rich, comfortable and powerful with the radical mandates of the Gospel.
Reflecting on Smith’s remarkable ministry, Princeton University’s Cornel West wrote: “J. Alfred is a towering prophetic figure of contemporary Christendom. His profound vision, courageous witness and deep love are legendary in our time.”
Concurrently, Smith is being honored in January 2007 with the creation of the J. Alfred Smith Sr. Prophetic Justice Institute, a partnership between National Ministries and Palmer Theological Seminary.
Featured members in the magazine also include (in alphabetical order): Julia Batista-Cortés, Clermont, Fla.; Caroll and Lillie Broadfoot, Vallejo, Calif.; Allan and Eloise Lee, Honolulu, HI; David and Sally Howe, Saco, ME; Richard Shearer, Philippi, W.Va.; and 11 MMBB retirees who reached their 100th birthdays in 2006.
Also in ABC People, the Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering (RMMO) Advisory Council recognizes the First Baptist Church of Sioux Falls, S.Dak., for its outstanding support of the RMMO since 1977. For the past nine years the church, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Lee McGlone, has been listed among the top five ABC congregations in total amount given to this vital offering. Gifts to the RMMO provide Thank You checks for retired ministers and missionaries with 15 or more years of ABC service, and also provide needed financial assistance.
Contact MMBB at 800.986.6222 for a free copy of ABC People. Contact Judson Press at 800.458.3766 for free 2006 RMMO offering materials, or visit www.abc-usa.org/missions.
Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches, USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/