Illinois Baptist
12 ‘ways’ of Christmas Fresh Ideas from Diana Davis P. 13
Peace amid chaos
in focus
Is that too much to ask? Natal tranquility – here set against the bustle of the Capitol Rotunda— offers a glimmer of hope to all of us exhausted by political upheaval. A Christmas essay P. 7
News journal of the Illinois Baptist State Association
politics 2016
A faithful way forward
DECEMBER 05, 2016 Vol. 110 No. 17
SBC president, leaders urge prayer after election
Visit our new website IllinoisBaptist.org
Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Peoria, Illinois Permit No. 325
See page 3 for more addresses.
DISASTER RELIEF
Drones
High tech tool aids recovery P. 4
THE WORLD
Cuba after Castro Is the any new opportunity for the gospel? P. 5
MISSION
‘Limitless’ opportunity London demonstrates new model for church planting P. 10
Less than a month after an historic presidential election, Americans on both sides of the aisle are still surprised by the outcome and a long, hostile campaign beforehand. That President-elect Donald Trump’s victory was at least partially fueled by support from white evangelical voters has caused more confusion for the church during what was already a highly contentious time for the country. In the days following Trump’s victory, Christian leaders encouraged believers to pray for the nation’s new leader, and also counseled them on how to navigate a deeply divided country and culture. Southern Baptist Convention President Steve Gaines put prayer atop a list of 10 things Christians can do after the election. “There is nothing wrong and everything right for GAINES Christians who live in the United States of America to pray for God to bless our country,” Gaines said at the annual meeting of the Tennessee Baptist Convention Nov. 13. The pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tenn., urged Christians to pray for the president, president-elect and others in leadership—whether or not one agrees with their views. Gaines also urged Christians to prioritize family, work hard, and take care of their finances. Be involved in the local church, he said, minister to “the least of these,” share Christ, make disciples, and live a holy life. Also P. 3