Illinois Baptist in focus
MISSION
10/40 window is moving
What are you waiting for?
God has already spoken. Table Talk with J.D. Greear P. 13
Big task
Mobile population’s impact on gospel connections P. 11
CAMPUS
Fast growth Bible study reaches international students P. 10
LEADERSHIP
Pat’s Playbook Coaching on sticky issues P. 16
News journal of the Illinois Baptist State Association
DECEMBER 26, 2016
Q & A: Retiring Children’s Home leader on legacy and longing P. 7-9
Tour aims to encourage Leaders take resolution to Middle East
Bethlehem | In the month Christians celebrate the birth of Christ, Illinois attorney Bruce Kugler visited the place where it happened. Kugler, a member of Living Faith Baptist Church in Sherman, traveled to Israel in late November with his pastor, Adam Cruse. Their main objectives were to share the gospel, encourage local Christians, and share a resolution adopted by messengers to the 2014 Annual Meeting of the Illinois Baptist State Association. Many tour groups no longer visit Bethlehem, Kugler said, because Israeli tour guides believe the predominantly Muslim area is too dangerous. But the visitors from Illinois were treated by their host family to “enough food to feed literally 20 people,” Kugler said. During a bus trip back to Jerusalem, they also experienced first-hand the security checkpoints so prevalent in the region. The 2014 IBSA resolution encourages Baptists in Illinois to pray for Christians in Palestine—many who face persecution—and partner P. 3
Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Peoria, Illinois Permit No. 325
Vol. 110 No. 18
Doug Devore’s 44-year mission to save precious lives
illinois messengers
Ways to pray in January P. 3
Visit our new website IllinoisBaptist.org TOP STORIES: What the year just past forecasts for the year ahead P. 5
IB See page 3 for more addresses.