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State Missionary Rick Lance is executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.

Other Recent Blog Entries:

The Caleb Spirit in 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
In my mind, Caleb is the Barnabas of the Old Testament. When others seemed to lose hope, he offered encouragement to them.

A Year to Remember
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
This can be the most wonderful time of the year if we allow the Christ of Christmas to guide us through the experience. Rather than being caught up in the routined frenzy of long lines at stores shopping for gifts and the endless social gatherings during the season, we can focus on what is called the Advent.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Thursday, December 8, 2011
This can be the most wonderful time of the year if we allow the Christ of Christmas to guide us through the experience. Rather than being caught up in the routined frenzy of long lines at stores shopping for gifts and the endless social gatherings during the season, we can focus on what is called the Advent.

Finishing Strong
Monday, November 21, 2011
I do not pretend to be a football coach, but I do believe this "sports experience" translates into our everyday lives, most notably in our Christian lives. There are times when we have seemingly given our all and we feel spent, emotionally, physically and even spiritually.

Be Encouraged!
Thursday, October 28, 2011
In periods of history like the one we now face, Christians have often done some of their most effective service for Christ. But in order to be an effective servant, we must find our source of encouragement in the face of these discouraging situations.

SBC Today: An Interview
Thursday, October 16, 2011
Managing ourselves means more than controlling the calendar, staying morally and ethically pure, reading the latest books, keeping family time balanced, and running things smoothly in one's ministry. I am convinced this means staying in touch with Lord and with yourself in such a way that you make the right decisions and lead in the right direction.

August 2008

Tell Them Thanks for Me

Submitted: Monday, August 18, 2008; 4:12 p.m.
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I was doing my usual, traveling the roads of Alabama, going to meetings or making a church visit. My gas gauge was low, leaning toward empty.

So, it was now time to stop and pay a fortune at the pump. I finished pumping the liquid gold in my Toyota and made my way inside to buy a cup of coffee to keep me awake for the rest of the journey.

That day I wore an Alabama Baptist Chaplain's shirt, with our logo prominently displayed for people to identify it. The cashier looked at my shirt and asked, "Are you an Alabama Baptist?". For a moment I thought she was a mind reader or something, but then I remembered my logo-laden shirt. "Oh yes, I am an Alabama Baptist."

The young lady beamed a gracious smile and said, "Thank you." I was puzzled because I did not know the meaning behind her words of gratitude. She broke the silence and said, "The Alabama Baptist Children's Home took me in years ago, and I am grateful for the ministry that the Alabama Baptist churches provide for people like me. So tell them thank you for me."

This young lady is a living reminder of the ministry provided in the name of Christ by the Alabama Baptist Children's Homes and Family Ministries. Throughout the history of the ABCH&FM, people have received loving care in the name of Jesus Christ.

The Alabama Baptist Children's Homes & Family Ministries have been blessed by the giving of individuals and churches in Alabama Baptist life. Each year, the ABCH&FM receives in special offerings close to $2.5 million from contributors who believe in this ministry. This is in addition to the gifts through the Cooperative Program.

Alabama Baptists can be proud of ABCH&FM. The devoted people serving through the ministries provided are making an eternal difference in the lives of people, one person at a time.

The young lady asked me to say thank you, and this is my intent in writing this blog feature. I also want to say thank you to those who minister through the ABCH&FM. They are servants of the Lord, who go the second mile for Christ. Thank you for all you do in this Great Commission ministry!