wfn.org | AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES FOR APRIL 3, 1998

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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: RICH_SCHRAMM@ECUNET.ORG)

______________________________________________________________________________

UPDATE: APRIL 3, 1998
____________________________________________________________________________

AMERICAN BAPTIST SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS RECOMMEND NEW LIFE 2010,
DENOMINATIONAL EVANGELISM AND NEW CHURCH PLANTING GOALS
by Laura Alden, American Baptist National Ministries
     Delegates to the American Baptist Summit on New Church
Planting, gathering in Las Vegas, Nev., for a five-day "summit
meeting" March 7-11, challenged American Baptists to plant 1,010 new
churches and ministries and reach 1,000,010 new believers by A.D.
2010.
     Among the 150 participants attending the planning event were
national denominational and regional leaders and 75 new church
planters.  Representatives from nearly every American Baptist region
and a dozen different language groups helped to develop the
evangelism and new church planting goals under the banner "New Life
2010."  Following the affirmation of this initiative, national and
regional staff joined new church planters in making commitments to
expand their personal witness for Jesus Christ into the next century.
     Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III, executive director of
National Ministries and keynote speaker at the event, noted that "the
new directions for evangelism and new church planting have the
potential for galvanizing the denomination in our witness for Jesus
Christ.  We're committed to building new spiritual homes for a
diverse and expanding family of God," he said. 
     The event was a working conference, sponsored by National
Ministries, the New Church Planting Council and the American Baptist
Evangelism Team, to bring together denominational partners in
evangelism and new church planting.  Participants addressed a wide
range of issues affecting Christian witness in contemporary society. 
Dr. Leonard Sweet, dean of the Theological School, Drew University,
Madison, N.J., and author of FaithQuakes and Quantum Spirituality,
provided lectures and worship leadership.  Drs. Henry and Ella
Mitchell, of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta,
served as spiritual directors and devotional leaders.  Dr. Duncan
McIntosh, missionary on special assignment for National Ministries,
chaired the planning team.    
     At a concluding worship service new church planters prayed for
denominational staff and national and regional staff prayerfully
commissioned new church planters, according to the Rev. David C.
Laubach, National Ministries associate executive director for
Evangelism and Church Renewal.  Dr. Tyrone Kilgoe, director of New
Church Planting for National Ministries, and Dr. Thomas Johnson,
associate director of New Church Planting, provide ongoing leadership
for American Baptist new church planting.
     Responding to the work of the Summit, Kilgoe noted his
appreciation for the energy and insights that new church planters
brought to the planning process. "These pastor/planters, and those
who even now are being called to serve, are on the frontier of
Christian ministry," Kilgoe said.  "We were in Las Vegas together to
develop a vision for the future of new church planting as well as to
recognize their present leadership and past contributions."
     The evangelism goals affirmed by the Summit call for a two-year
period of preparation, prayer and fasting; a two-year emphasis on
congregational vitalization with area evangelism training events; a 
two-year effort in personal witness and proclamation; a two-year time
of celebration and discipleship; and a second cycle that leads to a
grand celebration in A.D. 2010.  The prayer emphasis has already
begun  with a call to prayer for new churches and planters and the
production of  prayer resources.  (For more information call
1-800-ABC-3USA, ext. 2464.)
     Words of encouragement to the Summit delegates came from
American Baptist General Secretary Dr. Daniel E. Weiss; Educational
Ministries Executive Director Dr. Jean Kim, who announced a special
grant for youth from new churches to attend youth conferences this
year; and the Rev. Cheryl Dudley, National Ministries associate
executive director for Home Mission Development, who spoke of the
support new churches receive through the America for Christ Offering. 
Kenneth Hennix, fund counsel for an interim capital funds campaign to
support new church planting, addressed the need for additional
resources to reach the new goals.
     Reflecting on the event, David Laubach, who also co-chairs the
denomination's Renewed for Mission emphasis, called the Summit a
"pivotal event for American Baptists.  We will look back on the Las
Vegas Summit as a place with great significance for our future.  The
gathering had no official status or institutional authority, but has 
birthed a new movement with the kind
of authority that comes from prayer and fasting and an openness to
the leading of the Holy Spirit."
     Wright-Riggins noted that National Ministries is taking steps
to begin addressing the suggested goals.  "It is our hope," he said,
"that all of our partners in mission will embrace these goals.  We
invite the American Baptist family to be a part of this missionary
movement that will expand dramatically our work and witness for
Christ."

RELIGIOUS LEADERS CONFRONT POVERTY, CALL FOR  TRANSFORMATION OF
COMMUNITY' THROUGH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC COMMITMENTS
     A statement issued last week during an historic gathering of
leaders from a broad range of religious traditions has called upon
both faith communities and government agencies to constructively
confront the issue of poverty in the U.S.
     American Baptist Churches General Secretary Daniel E. Weiss was
among the two dozen leaders who met March 24 and 25 near Carbondale,
Ill.  The gathering, "The Religious Community and the Moral Challenge
of Poverty," was sponsored by the Public Policy Institute of Southern
Illinois University.  Institute Director Paul Simon, the former
senator from Illinois, prefaced the discussions by noting, "Poverty
is a moral issue.  It really ought to bring us together."  Persons of
faith, he said, "can live their sermons by doing something about
poverty."
     Among concerns noted in their statement, the leaders said:
     "We call upon our state and federal governments to reexamine
what they are doing as servants of all Americans, and we call upon
congregations of every religious persuasion to examine their actions
and inactions.  Working with the poor is an essential part of the
religious life and is an effective way
of conveying what our faith compels us to do.  We gather as people of
faith to call upon citizens of all religious traditions to join in a
common commitment to set free all those who are trapped in
poverty....
     "We particularly want to address the problems of those most
difficult to employ and we believe government and the private sector,
both profit and non-profit, can and must do more to meet their needs. 
We applaud those states which are now developing new programs to move
people from unemployment and/or welfare to work, particularly by
encouraging new relationships among government, the private sector,
and communities of faith.  We urge states and the federal government
to initiate programs that assure the capability and opportunity of
work for all citizens.  We believe that in order to be successful, 
such programs must include:training, mentoring, childcare, 
transportation, and medical care....
     "We urge congregations to engage in meeting emergency needs,
carefully discern response that is faithful, and speak truth
courageously to power.  Being present with those who struggle with
poverty and accompanying that struggle with sustained effort are
outcomes we should give a priority."
     Participants represented a great diversity of theological
traditions within American society.  Among others, they included Dr.
Richard L. Hamm, general minister and president of The Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ); Dr. Pat Robertson, chancellor of
Regents University and host of "The 700 Club"; Dr. John Buehrens,
president of the Unitarian-Universalist Association; Imam Wallace D.
Mohammed, international spokesman for the Muslim American Society;
Elder Jos‚ V. Rojas, of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Silver
Spring, Md.; Dr. James W. Wall, editor of The Christian Century;
Maureen Shea, of the Office of Public Liaison, The White House; the
Rev. Barrett Duke, director of Denominational Relations/Ethics and
Religious Community of the Southern Baptist Convention; the Rev.
Herbert Martin, of the Progressive Community Church in Chicago; and
Rabbi Jacob Rubenstein, president of the Rabbinical Council of
America. 
     The unprecedented meeting, which merely by its diversity of
participants Rubenstein called  "a miracle," was characterized by
spirited and collegial discussions and a desire to issue a unified
statement on what is perceived as a crisis situation.
     A major catalyst for response were comments by Prof. William
Julius Wilson, of Harvard University's JFK School of Government, who
is one of the nation's foremost authorities on employment and
jobs-related issues.  Noting that with the economy presently booming "Some
think it's foolish to talk about the need for public jobs programs,"
Wilson warned that the current "decreased demand for low-skilled
labor" will be exacerbated when the inevitable economic downturn
comes.  If the public and private sectors do not act to address the
challenge, "We will be woefully ill-prepared to create job
opportunities in both urban and rural areas," he said.
     Wilson cited "the crucial relation between job creation and
welfare reform" and the fact that  "joblessness very strongly is
correlated to violent crime."  Needing immediate attention, he said,
was "the growing spatial mismatch of those in the ghetto and...the
new technologies in the suburbs."
     He also noted overwhelming public support for Weiss's
suggestion that physically tackling "the crumbling infrastructures"
of urban America was a way of providing jobs that visibly improve
societal conditions.
     Weiss emphasized the need to show that religious bodies and
individuals offer spiritual support and hope that go beyond the
benefits of secular initiatives on behalf of the poor.  "There is a
value added in the faith-based community," he said.  He suggested
that one concrete approach for those faith communities would be
through "shareholder resolutions in companies we own"--making those
companies "accountable in appropriate responsibility to the broader
community."
     The group affirmed a commitment to meet again after the fall
elections.  At that time they will 

articulate a challenge to the new Congress to place a high priority
on confronting the many dimensions of poverty in the U.S.
     The complete text of the religious leaders' statement follows:

"STATEMENT OF COMMON COMMITMENT
     We as religious leaders of diverse faiths gather in a moment of
historic urgency, with a spirit of unity and collaboration, to convey God's
divine message of responding to the needs of society and in particular the
plight of the poor and the needs of our children in this nation.
     To a great extent the Civil Rights movement grew out of the
commitment of religious leaders who were moved by injustice. 
Today we are moved by the plight of those who struggle against
great odds, who require immediate responses in order to have 
hope for themselves and opportunity for their
children.
     Recognizing our mandate and mission, our indebtedness to God
and our duty to share as stewards of God's creation, we gather out
of concern for millions of our fellow Americans who live in poverty.
     We gather to sound a moral alarm to respond to this crisis and
avert future repercussions.  While our nation enjoys unprecedented
prosperity, fully 21 percent of American's children live in poverty. 
Even in these good economic times, the growing disparity between 
the rich and the poor is evidence that all is not well.
     As a nation, we must strengthen and preserve families.  In
particular, we must foster parental responsibility for their children.
     This statement is not a comprehensive look at poverty in our
nation. Others have done that ably.  What we do know is that no other western
industrialized nation has such a high percentage of its people living
in poverty.  That is a moral challenge to religious leaders, social
activists,government officials and all Americans.  In its package of welfare
changes,Congress called on the religious community to do more.
     We call upon our state and federal governments to reexamine
what they are doing as servants of all Americans, and we call upon
congregations of every religious persuasion to examine their actions 
and inactions.  Working with the poor is an essential part of the 
religious life and is an effective way of conveying what our faith 
compels us to do.  We gather as people of faith
to call upon citizens of all religious traditions to join in a common
commitment to set free all those who are trapped in poverty.

I
What Can Government Do?
     Our faith traditions affirm that government has a moral
responsibility to seek the welfare of all citizens.  There is 
nonetheless a general consensus that through government 
we have not always contended with poverty as
effectively as we should.  Twenty-three million adult Americans
cannot read a newspaper and cannot fill out an employment form.
Often their children are then doomed to repeat the cycle.
     We particularly want to address the problems of those most
difficult to employ and we believe government and the private sector,
both profit and non-profit, can and must do more to meet their needs.
We applaud those states which are now developing new programs 
to move people from unemployment and/or welfare to work, 
particularly by encouraging new relationships among government, 
the private sector, and communities of faith.  We urge states
and the federal government to initiate programs that
assure the capability and opportunity of work for all citizens.  We
believe that in order to be successful, such programs must include: 
training, mentoring, childcare, transportation, and medical care.
     Promoting good work habits is in the interest of all Americans
and we further reaffirm that government assistance and jobs policies 
should be constructed in such a  way as to encourage families to
live together.
     We urge the President, Governors and Legislators in both the
federal and state governments to seriously examine these
recommendations.

II
What Can Congregations Do?
     Religious believers of many persuasions are serving their
neighbors in countless ways.  We applaud these congregations
and individuals for their commitment, service and sacrifice on
behalf of the poor and encourage all congregations to consider 
new avenues of service to God and their fellow
human beings.  We are persuaded that faith-based involvement brings a
spiritual wholeness to growth toward self-sufficiency.
     Congregations provide self-esteem through love and
relationships to God which provide the hope that can propel people
into the work place: first, by providing for the emergency and 
long-term needs of the poor; second, by providing voices on
behalf of the people who have no voice in the
struggle for equal opportunity.
     We ask all congregations to consider what they are doing in
these areas on behalf of the poor.  We also encourage them to 
find ways to form partnerships with other organizations already 
in place.
     We urge congregations to engage in meeting emergency needs,
carefully discern response that is faithful, and speak truth courageously to
power. Being present with those who struggle with poverty and 
accompanying that struggle with sustained effort are outcomes we 
should give a priority.
     The following questions are designed to encourage congregations
to examine themselves to discover and celebrate what they are already 
doing and to consider how to further expand their service.
     Can we better encourage congregation members to be advocates in
the public sector for relief and transformation?
     Are members of our congregation taking in foster children?
     Is our congregation encouraging members to offer pro-bono
services as an attorney, physician, financial adviser or in other ways?
     How many members of our congregation are providing volunteer
mentoring or tutoring services?
     Do we have the courage to take on the challenge of once a year
finding a job for an ex-convict?
     Are there creative new ways for transportation needs to be met?
     Can our congregation provide part-time work for someone with a
disability? Are we encouraging members to do this?
     Do we have any direct contact with people who are on welfare? 
Do we understand their problems?
     Can we assist in childcare?
     Can we help make available shelter, both transitional and
permanent, to those who need it?
     Is our congregation reaching across racial barriers, either
through membership or through our congregation's activities?
     Are there immigrants in the community whom we could be serving
in some way?  How?
     What services, if any, are we providing for the homeless?
     Are we making our facilities available for groups like
Alcoholics Anonymous that help people with special needs?
     Can we do something to establish family-to-family links between
our congregation and those who are struggling?
     If a young person in our community is in trouble, are we doing
anything to help?
     Can we provide voluntary transportation for those who are
elderly or disabled?  Are there practical things in their households -- such as
simple repairing -- where we can help?
     Can our congregation help in any way on programs for drug
counseling and treatment?
     What can we do to encourage help on basic literacy for those in
our community or other communities who need this fundamental help?
     Are persons with mental illnesses welcome in our congregations,
worship organizations, fellowship and leadership?  How can we provide support
for individuals with mental illnesses and their families?
     For suburban and rural congregations:  What can we do to
establish ties either with an inner city congregation or with people in the inne
r
city who are poor?
     Can our congregation place some of its investment dollars at
the service of the poor?  How can we use our financial resources to foster
economic development and economic opportunity in poor communities?
     Are we encouraging lay and clergy to have a passion for helping
those in need?
     

III
     If only 10 percent of our policy makers and 10 percent of our
congregations take this call to action seriously, ours will be a
better nation.  Drifting indifferently in our comfort is not a serious
option for people of conscience.  Bestirring ourselves for those who struggle,
often with a feeling of helplessness, is what our religious heritage
requires, and our nation needs."

SWAIN NAMED EXECUTIVE MINISTER FOR PITTSBURGH BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
     Dr. Lawrence O. Swain, area minister for the American Baptist
Churches of Ohio, has been named executive minister of the Pittsburgh
Baptist Association.
     Swain, the unanimous choice of the region's Executive Minister
Search Committee, will begin June 1.
     As area minister in Ohio he has been responsible for the
promotion of American Baptist missions, budget development,
leadership training and long-range planning.
     Swain served as pastor of Allison Avenue Baptist Church in
Washington, Pa., from 1989-1995.  During that period he was active as
a member of the Pittsburgh Baptist Association's Board of Directors
and Ministers Council.
     Prior to that he was pastor of First Baptist Church of El
Segundo, Calif., from 1981-1989 and minister/director of youth at
Chevy Chase Baptist Church in Glendale, Calif., from 1975-1981.
     He holds a B.A. degree (history) from California State
University/Northridge, an M.Div. degree from Fuller Theological
Seminary, and a D.Min. degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
     Swain and his wife, Linda, have a son, Matthew, 22, and a
daughter, Elizabeth, 20.

AMERICAN BAPTIST CHAPLAIN FOUND DEAD IN CONNECTICUT PARKING LOT
by Laura Alden, American Baptist National Ministries
     VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (ABNS)--The body of the Rev. Dr. Billy J.
Scott,  who served on the pastoral staff of Winthrop Baptist Church,
Deep River, Conn., and as a military chaplain, was found March 4 in
the parking lot of a shopping center in Manchester, Conn., less than
10 miles from his East Hartford residence.  Scott, a commander in the
U.S. Naval Reserve, was an endorsed American Baptist chaplain and
pastoral counselor and a National Ministries home missionary. 
     Scott's death was the result of a gunshot wound. 
Investigations into his death are continuing.  He had been serving on
active duty at Groton, Conn., and also had continued to do reserve
training there.  He was 50.
     A memorial service with full military honors was held March 22
at the Shepherd of the Sea Chapel at the Naval Submarine Base in
Groton.  Dr. William Cline, director of Chaplaincy, Missionary and
Staff Services for American Baptist National Ministries, participated
in the service.  "His military career was exemplary," Cline said. 
"He was clearly what we call a  front runner.  He was respected by
his peers and those he served in the Groton area."
     A memorial service at Winthrop Baptist Church was held March
29.
     Scott is survived by his wife, Connie, two children and one
grandchild.

ARSONIST'S FIRE DAMAGES AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCH 
IN RURAL PENNSYLVANIA; ATTACK IS FIFTH IN SERIES
by Fran Homer, American Baptist National Ministries
     On Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, an arsonist's fire damaged severely
the First Baptist Church of Frank, Pa.  The church was the fifth
rural church in a 30-mile area in southwestern Pennsylvania attacked
and damaged by arson since Jan. 20.
     "The shock and pain from this kind of violation is numbing,"
said the Rev. Robert Beckham, pastor of First Baptist.  "We pray for
the strength and wisdom to glorify our Lord in this hour of crisis."
     Early estimates placed damage to the sanctuary at $100,000.  To
help the congregation meet its required insurance deductible, $1,000
has been committed by the National Disaster Response Office of
National Ministries, in conjunction with the American Baptist World
Relief Office and the American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and
Delaware. 
     "We are in contact with Pastor Beckham and the congregation as
they work on a clearer assessment of what will be needed to repair
the damage," said Ken George, director of Direct Human Resources for
National Ministries.
     Undesignated One Great Hour of Sharing contributions by
American Baptists provide funds for immediate response to natural and
human-caused disasters.

AMERICAN BAPTISTS RESPOND TO DAMAGE IN AREAS HIT BY STORMS
by Fran Homer, American Baptist National Ministries
     Responding to the tornadoes, floods and storms credited to the
"El Nino" weather pattern that have hit both U.S. coasts in recent
weeks, emergency grants from One Great Hour of Sharing undesignated
funds have been distributed by American Baptist National Ministries
Office of National Disaster Response, in conjunction with the American Baptist W
orld
Relief Office and the American Baptist regions that have been affected.
     In Florida damage is considered the worst result of a natural
disaster since Hurricane Andrew hit the state in 1992.  More than 400
residences have been destroyed, including many trailer homes.  At
least 34 counties have been declared eligible for government disaster
aid.  After consultation with American Baptist Churches of the South,
an emergency grant of $5,000 for recovery efforts was released to the
Florida Council of Churches and its affiliate, Interfaith Networking
in Disaster.  Scott Jagger, an American Baptist and director of
Christian Contractor Association (CCA) in Brooksville, Fla., is
coordinating relief teams.  Clean-up work is underway, with
rebuilding to begin after Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
insurance processes are completed.
     In both northern and southern California residents have
suffered record-breaking rainfall, which caused highway flooding and
mudslides that destroyed homes.  Initial storm damage was estimated
at $475 million, but total costs are expected to be much greater.  An
emergency grant of $5,000 has been sent to the American Baptist
Churches of the West for relief efforts in that area.
     In New Jersey January flooding damaged the basement of Calvary
Baptist Church of Belmar. Working with the American Baptist Churches
of New Jersey, a grant of $3,000 was sent to the church to assist in
repairs not covered by insurance.
     American Baptists who wish to contribute to recent storm
recovery efforts may send funds through their region offices using
the Monthly Report on Mission Support form.  Funds should be noted on
line #7 for One Great Hour of Sharing, designating
"Northeast/Southeast Winter Storms, January 1998" or "1998 California
Storms and Floods."
     For information about joining recovery efforts in
tornado-damaged Florida communities contact National Ministries'
Volunteers In Mission Office at 1-800-ABC-3USA, ext. 2449.

SEARCH COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS SUMNER GRANT TO GENERAL SECRETARY
AS NEXT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MINISTERS AND MISSIONARIES BENEFIT
BOARD
     An Advisory Search Committee has unanimously advised General
Secretary Daniel E. Weiss to recommend the Rev. Sumner M. Grant to
the American Baptist Churches' General Board, at its June meeting,
for nomination to the Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board (M&M)
as the next M&M executive director.  Weiss has indicated his
intention to do so.
     The Search Committee, comprised of M&M Board members, met this
week in New York.  Grant, who has served as acting executive director
since the retirement late last year of Dr. Gordon E. Smith,
previously served M&M as treasurer and as deputy executive director.
     Prior to joining the M&M staff in 1992 Grant was executive
minister of the American Baptist Churches of New York State for eight
years.  Between 1965 and 1981 he held pastorates in New Hampshire,
Maine and Massachusetts.
     Grant is a graduate of Gordon College and received the B.D.
degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.  He attended the
Advanced Management Program of the Harvard Business School in 1994.
     The Search Committee was chaired by M&M President Mary Purcell. 
Other members include Dr. Harold Davis (M&M vice president), Oscar
Morong (chair, M&M Finance Committee), Richard Fisher, Dr. Arlee
Griffin, Lonear Heard-Davis, Michael Simpson and the Rev. George
Tooze.
     In noting the Search Committee's action, Weiss said: "Sumner
Grant has a pastor's heart and has demonstrated excellent
administrative and leadership abilities on the regional and national
levels.  I look forward to working with him on the National Executive
Council and as a national secretary of American Baptist Churches
USA."

CORTEZ NAMED ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR NATIONAL MINISTRIES
     The Rev. Hector M. Cortez, director of Hispanic Ministries for
American Baptist National Ministries, has been named associate
executive director for Biblical Justice for National Ministries.  He
begins in the position April 1.
     As the manager of National Ministries' Ministry Center for
Biblical Justice, Cortez, who also is a commissioned American Baptist
home missionary, will be responsible for the work of the following
home mission programs: Peace Program, Social and Ethical
Responsibility in Investments, Ecology and Racial Justice, Direct
Human Services, the Office of Governmental Relations (located in
Washington, D.C.), Housing for the Elderly, Issue Development,
Economic Justice and the Neighborhood Action Centers.
     Cortez joined National Ministries staff in 1995.  As director
of Hispanic/Latino/Haitian Ministries he developed leadership and
strengthened congregations to enable National Ministries and other
American Baptist groups to respond positively to the challenges
emerging from the various Hispanic/Latino communities.  He has served
as National Ministries' liaison with the American Baptist Hispanic
Caucus, Spanish American Baptist Seminary and the Hispanic Executive
Staff Council.  In addition he has related to and supported American
Baptist Haitian and Brazilian/Portuguese ministries and churches.
     In particular Cortez has been involved in a six-year Hispanic
initiative called "Visi¢n 2001."  This national renewal campaign is
seeking to start 100 new congregations, reach and baptize 30,000 new
believers, and produce resources in the areas of spiritual growth,
Christian education and theological training, stewardship and
mission.
     Prior to joining National Ministries Cortez served as Southeast
area minister for the American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts. 
His ministry experience includes service as pastor of the Hispanic
Congregation at North Shore Baptist Church, Chicago, and as
pastor/director of Kansas City Hispanic Ministries.
     Cortez holds the M.Div. degree from Garrett-Evangelical
Seminary and is a graduate of Judson College.
     In announcing Cortez' appointment, National Ministries
Executive Director Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III said: "Hector
Cortez is a gifted leader of leaders.  His addition to our leadership
team, with his demonstrated ability to motivate and bring people
together, will give us new insights, expertise and energy to further
the cause of Christ through ministries of witness, renewal and
justice."

BIRDSALL NAMED ASSISTANT TREASURER OF AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES
USA
     Michaele D. Birdsall, an experienced assistant in the
Commercial Audit Division of Arthur Andersen, LLP, Philadelphia, has
been named assistant treasurer of American Baptist Churches USA.
     She will succeed Valerie G. Sharpe, who is resigning as
assistant treasurer effective June 30.
     Within the Office of the Treasurer she will hold primary
responsibility for the accounting, collection and distribution
systems that track all American Baptist Mission Support.
     In her present work Birdsall oversees planning, budgeting,
supervisory and financial reporting duties related to the auditing of
clients' financial statements.  Previously she served as financial
manager/office manager for the Tabernacle of Faith Church, Inc., in
Camden, N.J., where she held a wide range of responsibilities related
to accounting and fiscal management.
     Birdsall holds the B.S. degree in accounting from Rutgers
University, and has passed four parts of the CPA exam.  She is a
member of the National Association of Black Accountants.

ORTIZ TO SERVE AS INTERIM COORDINATOR OF HISPANIC MINISTRIES; 
COORDINATING TEAM ALSO NAMED
     Dr. Jos‚ Ortiz, former director of Hispanic Ministries for
American Baptist National Ministries, will serve as interim
coordinator of Hispanic Ministries, beginning April 1. The Rev.
Hector M. Cortez, who has been serving as director of
Hispanic/Latino/Haitian Ministries, has been named associate
executive director for Biblical Justice for National Ministries.
     In addition to Ortiz, a coordinating team also will provide
leadership for the Hispanic/Latino/Haitian Ministries program while a
search process for a new director is conducted.  The coordinating
team will be comprised of members of the Hispanic Executive Staff
Council.
     Ortiz and the coordinating team will continue conducting
regional training events across the country as part of the ongoing
Visi¢n 2001 emphasis, a national Hispanic initiative developed to
reach unchurched persons, start new congregations and produce
resources in spiritual growth, Christian education and theological
training, stewardship and mission.
     Ortiz, who retired in 1994, served as director of Hispanic
Ministries for nearly 20 years.  He also was a commissioned American
Baptist home missionary.
     The interim staffing was announced by the Rev. David C.
Laubach, National Ministries' associate executive director for
Evangelism and Church Renewal, who affirmed the Visi¢n 2001 emphasis
as a model for the denomination's future programming in evangelism,
church renewal and new church planting.
     "Hispanic and Haitian American Baptists are leaders in these
areas," Laubach said.  "We celebrate the Visi¢n 2001 training events
and continue to look to Hispanic leadership and churches for
spiritual insight and new ideas for ministry as we seek together to
proclaim the name of Jesus Christ into the next century."

PATRICIA LITTELL DIES
     Patricia Littell, a longtime staff member of American Baptist
Educational Ministries, died March 12 at age 74.
     Littell joined Educational Ministries on a per diem basis in
1963, became a regular part-time staff member in 1970 and shortly
thereafter began in a full-time capacity.  She retired in 1986 as
manager of the Editorial Services Department.  During her career she
held editorial responsibilities for the American Baptist publications
Crusader, Missions and The American Baptist, including the regional
supplements that were part of the latter magazine.
     Condolences and messages for her family may be sent to her
daughter, Faith Mallery Koons, at P.O. Box 153, Kimberton, PA 19442.

98U43.WFN

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"American Baptist News Service" on ABNET, the
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(http://www.abc-usa.org) and for World-Wide Faith News
(http://www.wfn.org/wfn).                                             
                            

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