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

Other Recent Blog Entries:

Lessons I Learned from Landrum Leavell
Monday, October 2, 2008
Landrum Leavell devoted some of his valuable time to encourage me and to offer support to me as a young man seeking to develop my gifts in ministry.

A Memorable Milestone
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
September 8th was a memorable milestone for Alabama Baptists: ... the day on which we crossed the $1 billion mark in Cooperative Program giving.

Fired Up about 'Fireproof'
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Can a motion picture be used to reach people for Christ? In the case of "Fireproof," the answer is definitely yes.

Tell Them Thanks for Me
Monday, August 18, 2008
My gas gauge was low, leaning toward empty. So, it was now time to stop and pay a fortune at the pump.

Thanks for Ten Years Together
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
One priority was on my mind, when I was called to this opportunity of ministry. It was the Great Commission.

Good News for Bad Times
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
During bad times, people look for some good news. For Christians, this is an opportunity for us to offer the very best of good news.

Your God and Your Tears
Friday, July 11, 2008
Your God has a tear bottle cellar. He has a bottle or bottles containing your tears. . . .

The Biggest Giver Ever
Monday, July 7, 2008
John 3:16 is perhaps the best text in the Bible for preaching on stewardship and the ministry of giving..

January 2007

I Can Still See and Smell the Smoke

Approximately one year ago, there was an infamous series of church fires which claimed national and some international attention. For days, which became weeks, national news outlets descended on rural Alabama to cover the terrible acts of arsonists, who were months later apprehended by authorities and are now facing the justice system.

Within 24 hours of the first five incidents, then-SBC President Bobby Welch and I were on the scene to offer support through our presence and prayers to those church families. In a matter of days, mobile units were on site for the churches to use in their Sunday School and worship ministries. They did not miss a worship service because of this trauma.

Recently, I reflected on this situation in response to the anniversary of the despicable acts, and I could still see and smell the smoke coming out of the debris where the church buildings once stood. Also, I can still see the determined faces of dedicated church members who said with confidence, "We will build back bigger and better."

On a return visit to one church, we had a Sunday afternoon worship service where a man joined the fellowship. He was a volunteer firefighter who had tried to save the church building but to no avail. However, he was impressed with the spirit of love and commitment on the part of the church and said, "I want to be a part of this church."

A pastor of another church said, "This just serves to remind us that the church is not a building; it is the people, and now we can prove that to be true." This was a sermon in a sentence if I ever heard one. That was the testimony of virtually all the church leaders I met.

The news media came to find what happened and who did it. I believe they left seeing something more important. I contend they saw faith, love and hope in action. They saw the people of God coming together, mourning their losses and moving forward by faith in Christ, sharing His love and holding on to the hope He provides. One of the news representatives said to me, "This is a remarkable demonstration of resilience."

Yes, I can still see the smoke coming out of the remains of church buildings, and I can smell the ashes of the burned materials, but I can see something beautiful as well. I can see the members of those churches holding hands in prayer and worship. I can also see the outpouring of support by Alabama Baptists and others as they sought to help their friends in need. What a sight! What a memory! What a strange blessing! The smoke is gone, but the recollections remain.

Second Acts

F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote, "There are no second acts in American lives." Fitzgerald did not enjoy enough longevity to see the modern phenomenon of the "second acts" of former presidents. If he were alive today, he might famously retract that statement.

Mark Updegrove, a veteran writer for both Time and Newsweek has authored a most enlightening book, Second Acts: Presidential Lives and Legacies After the White House, which tells the stories of presidents after leaving office, giving emphasis to Truman through the Clinton era.

I read this book the week former President Gerald Ford passed away. It was during the Christmas and New Year's holiday period. This is my usual time for me to catch up on reading material I have desired to devour for weeks or months earlier in the year.

Each account of the former presidents chronicled in this book was a balanced report and worthy tribute to the post White House contributions they made in advancing the causes dear to them. The description of how some of the former presidents forged unlikely friendships was a refreshing reminder of how bipartisanship can be achieved even in the midst of divisive political climate as we know today.

Gerald Ford was defeated by newcomer, Jimmy Carter, in one of the closest elections in our nation's history. Yet the two of them became good friends who worked on projects together in their older years. The elder George Bush was likewise defeated by another relatively unknown southern Governor, Bill Clinton, in an election which ended the so called Reagan era in the White House. Despite the acrimonious campaign, George Bush was gracious in defeat and when Clinton left the White House, the two of them became partners in raising funds for those effected by the Tsunami of 2004 and later hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.

In all of the history of humankind, there is no parallel to the smooth transition of power from one president to another. Even in the most contentious of campaigns, such as the election of 2000, which involved court battles, including the U.S. Supreme Court, the transition was a marvel to behold and perhaps the envy of other nations.

The presidency is a symbol of strength and authority for our country. Former presidents have become elder statesmen, who are free to pursue worthy interests as well as personal gain. This represents the "second acts" which F. Scott Fitzgerald would not live to see.

Possibly, with the longer life expectancies of our day, we too can experience "second acts." Retirement can be just a word in the dictionary for Christians who are serious about serving the Lord until He comes. The Psalmist offers a prayer on our behalf, "Teach us to number our days, so we can develop a heart of wisdom." If the Lord gives us the opportunity for "second acts" then we need to seize them and make the most of them. Clearly 20 percent of our population is over sixty. That percentage will increase even more in the near future as the waves of baby boomers reach the sixth decade of life. Numbering our days with a heart of wisdom is attitude needed for significant "second acts," which can make a real Kingdom difference. "Second acts" in life give us further opportunities to reach someone for the Savior and to do something for Him in Great Commission Ministries.