ECHOES / SUMMER 2003 32 ECHOES / SUMMER 2003

Volume 58 Number 2(USPS) 041-960 Summer 2003

PUBLISHERThomas A. Kinchen, President

MANAGING EDITORJohn G. Howell

Vice President forInstitutional Advancement

EDITORHeather L. Stewart

Director ofInformation Services

Cover Photo: A volunteer fromFirst Baptist Church of

Orlando works to frame in thefirst Shepherds’ Cottage.

Cover photo by Greg Ford,director of student services.

Echoes is published quarterlyby The Baptist College of

Florida, 5400 College Drive,Graceville, Florida 32440-

1898. Periodical postage paidat Graceville, Florida and

additional offices.

If you know someone whowould like to receive Echoes,please send name and addressto BCF, Echoes Editor, 5400

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Statement of MissionThe purpose of The Baptist

College of Florida shall be topromote, provide for, operateand control a program of edu-cation and training for minis-ters and other religious work-ers. The college shall operateas a coeducational, post-sec-ondary institution awardingassociate and baccalaureate

degrees in the fields of theolo-gy, Christian education, church

music, Christian counseling,leadership and education.

ECHOES

Dear Friends,

As I look at the various articles in this edition I amreminded of how bountifully our Lord has blessed us

and how far reaching is the ministry of this special school. We all were saddenedat the news of Deke Jones’ death. He brought a special slant on ministry and hisown bright wit to any group. We are better for having known him.

As I read of the ministry of our alumni I am so proud of what you are letting theLord do in and through you. From disaster relief, to inner city ministry to serviceon the battlefields of our world, the BCF family is present, accounted for and wellequipped for service. People often ask me what makes out school unique. Myanswer is that our people are uniquely qualified, uniquely dedicated, uniquelyresourceful and uniquely vigilant. The folks highlighted in these articles are goodrepresentatives of those facts.

This spring I had the privilege of touring in England and Wales with our MaleChorale. It was a wonderful trip at a very tense time in our world. I had some realquestions as to whether it was safe for us to go, but when I met the people andsaw how our Lord used our students and faculty to minister to people who werehungry for the word through music, the answer was clear. We were where webelonged and doing what we were supposed to be doing. It was indeed a rareblessing.

I told our spring graduates that it is our job to “Cut to the Chase” in Christianservice. We do not have the time to chase rabbits or ride our spiritual hobby hors-es. There is a world that desperately needs the gospel, so we must make a straightpath to its proclamation.

At the time of this writing two Shepherds’ Cottages have been framed, and thereare two more to be done this summer. This is a blessing beyond comparison forme. I thank God for all of those who are working to make this a reality, and Iinvite you to join us in this adventure of service for our Lord and some of Hischoice servants.

As always it is a blessing to serve with you.

God Bless You,

From The PresidentBountifulBlessings

BCF graduate Leon Hurley ofSebring was one of five personsto receive the Distinguished

Service Award presented by the SouthernBaptist Disaster Relief organizationduring the national 2003Disaster Relief RoundtableApril 22-24 in Ridgecrest,N.C.

The award is presented topersons who have demon-strated distinguished serviceto the Kingdom of God throughSouthern Baptist disaster relief.

Hurley, pastor of the LakeJosephine Baptist Church inSebring, was recognized for his13-plus years of service as a disasterrelief volunteer. Since 1987, he has estab-lished a disaster relief team in everychurch where he served as pastor. He hasresponded to 11 major disasters, fromHurricane Hugo in 1989 to the terroristattack on the World Trade Center in 2001,where he served as a “blue cap,” one ofthe top leadership positions. He hasresponded not only to domestic disasters,but also has participated in internationalresponses.

Fritz Wilson, director of the FloridaBaptist Men, said Hurley demonstratesdistinguished service, ability and accom-plishment in a variety of ways. “Heplayed a key role in establishing a goodworking partnership with The SalvationArmy at Ground Zero at the beginning ofthe 9/11 response. It was his leadershipthat set the stage for the two organizationsto partner together so effectively in NewYork-24 hours a day, seven days a weekfor nine months.”

“Without his dedication the partner-ship between The Salvation Army andSouthern Baptists would not have been asuccess.”

Wilson noted Hurley has served as a“key Florida Baptist disaster

relief leader for a number ofyears, leading feeding teams in

every response sinceHurricane Hugo.”

He serves as the assis-tant feeding unit coordinator

for Florida Baptist DisasterRelief.

As criterion for the award, therecipient must also demonstrateChrist in the midst of a crisis.Fellow disaster relief volunteer

Jack Barrowman said, “I have workedwith Leon on many occasions in theOrange Blossom Baptist Association andon the disaster relief team. He is a dedi-cated, Christ-loving, people-loving per-son in personality and demeanor. He is aChristian gentleman in the strictestsense.” Story and photo courtesy of

the Florida Baptist Convention.

Alum Leon Hurleyreceives DisasterRelief award

Leon Hurley (r), pastor of Lake JosephineBaptist Church in Sebring was honored atRidgecrest, by NAMB’s Mickey Caison.

ECHOES / SUMMER 2003 5

Acrowd of over 1,000 family andfriends gathered to celebrate theoccasion with the graduates, of

who over 50 percent graduated with hon-ors. Among the graduates were three hus-band and wife duos who traversed theacademic arena together as well as sevengraduates who completed their degree vianon-traditional means through BCF's on-line campus or at a distance site.

James Harbert II, an on-line student,made the trip to Graceville from KansasCity, Missouri to receive his Bachelor ofScience degree in Biblical Studies withSumma Cum Laude honors. "I don't thinkI'll ever stop taking classes," he com-mented of his experience to his fellow

graduates during practice for the upcom-ing ceremony.

In the traditional commencementaddress Dr. Thomas A. Kinchen, collegepresident, encouraged the group to "makea straight line to your desired point."Citing II Timothy 2:11 - 17a, the seniorclass verse, Kinchen stated that this isexactly what Apostle Paul was saying toTimothy through his three part instruc-tion.

Applying the instruction to the futureministry of the graduates, Kinchen firstasked them to remember that "vain wordsand babbling are of no profit; they hurtthe hearer." He explained that "inside jar-gon" does not further the cause. "Don't try

to impress folks with what you know, butby whom you know," Kinchen stated,"[people] will not be held up in the hurtsof life by [words], but only by direct con-tact with Jesus Christ."

While realizing the importance of dili-gent study in the life of the Christian,Kinchen implored the graduates to notbring their study into the worship service,but provide the "distilled truth." "Thepeople don't need to see your notes, butonly the truth of God. Times are too toughfor playing games like church charades orspiritual scrabble," he said.

Second, he encouraged graduates toseek "appropriate approval" which he

Chase----cont. page 6

Cut to the ChaseCut to the Chase Kinchen tells grads

AAnnttiicciippaattiioonn hhuunngg hheeaavvyy iinn tthhee aaiirr aass ffiiffttyy-nniinnee ggrraadduuaatteess aawwaaiitteedd tthheeffiinnaall sstteepp iinn tthheeiirr eedduuccaattiioonnaall jjoouurrnneeyy aatt TThhee BBaappttiisstt CCoolllleeggee ooff FFlloorriiddaa

dduurriinngg tthhee ccoommmmeenncceemmeenntt sseerrvviiccee hheelldd MMaayy 1166..

Carol AfanadorB.A., CC

Jack Andrews**B.A., TH

Jean Augustin *B.S., BS

Tara Bailey *B.A., CC

James Black **B.S., BS

Allison Brackin**B.A., EE

Shon BrackinB.A., CM

Carol AfanadorB.A., CC

Jack Andrews**B.A., TH

Jean Augustin *B.S., BS

Tara Bailey *B.A., CC

James Black **B.S., BS

Allison Brackin**B.A., EE

Shon BrackinB.A., CM

Cozette BrownB.A., CE

Joseph BrownB.A., LA

Treeva BurrisB.A., CC

Dane ClaycombB.A., CC

Jeremy Clifton**B.A., TH

Sharon Conger **B.A., CC

Gretchen Conrad **B.A., CM

Cozette BrownB.A., CE

Joseph BrownB.A., LA

Treeva BurrisB.A., CC

Dane ClaycombB.A., CC

Jeremy Clifton**B.A., TH

Sharon Conger **B.A., CC

Gretchen Conrad **B.A., CM

Earnestine DanielsB.A., TH

Tiffany DavisB.A., CE/EE

Cheryl Donalson*B.A., CC

Bethany DunlapB.A., CC

Jon Egan **B.A., CE

Christina FinchB.A., CE/EE

Rachel Gault * B.A., CE/EE

Earnestine DanielsB.A., TH

Tiffany DavisB.A., CE/EE

Cheryl Donalson*B.A., CC

Bethany DunlapB.A., CC

Jon Egan **B.A., CE

Christina FinchB.A., CE/EE

Rachel Gault * B.A., CE/EE

6 ECHOES / SUMMER 2003

Chase----from page 5said lies only in God's eternal approval."The approval of man is fickle and fleet-ing. If you base your life on the approvalof people, enough will never be enough,"Kinchen explained.

While being careful not to adopt theattitude of undo righteousness and think-ing higher of oneself than others, he said

it is necessary to remember that "onlyGod's approval is eternal."

Third, Christians should assume theappropriate identity by recognizing theirposition as "unashamed workers."Kinchen stated that the only two reasonsfor shame as a worker lie in a poor prod-uct or a poor leader, but "neither of theseis the case for us."

"With the gospel of Jesus Christ as a

product and Christ himself as the leader .. . we must assume the identity ofunashamed workers."

What then, according to Kinchen, willhappen when Christians "cut to thechase?" "There will not be as many lost,ignored or overlooked, there will not beas many churches plateaued, and neveragain will business as usual be enough forthe church."

Michael GodfreyB.A., CE

James Harbert ***B.S., BS

Philip Henderson **B.S., BS

Jacob HollingsworthB.A., TH

W. Lewis Johnson*** B.S., BS

Melodee Kapotsy *B.A., TH

Kyung Ee Kim**B.M., CM

Michael GodfreyB.A., CE

James Harbert ***B.S., BS

Philip Henderson **B.S., BS

Jacob HollingsworthB.A., TH

W. Lewis Johnson*** B.S., BS

Melodee Kapotsy *B.A., TH

Kyung Ee Kim**B.M., CM

Paula Lott**B.A., CE

Joe Marin .A., TH

Kimberly MetzB.A., EE

Michael MillerB.A., TH

Paul Mott ***B.A., TH; B.A., CM

Peggy Mott*B.A., CE/EE

Christie NorrisB.A., EE

Paula Lott**B.A., CE

Joe Marin B.A., TH

Kimberly MetzB.A., EE

Michael MillerB.A., TH

Paul Mott *** B.A., TH; B.A., CM

Peggy Mott*B.A., CE/EE

Christie NorrisB.A., EE

Amanda O’Brien**B.A., TH

James PierceB.A., TH

Sharon PierceB.A., CE

Christy Polk **B.A., EE

Xochil Ramirez*B.A., CC

Mary RiceB.A., CE/EE

Benjamin RobertsB.A., TH

Amanda O’Brien**B.A., TH

James PierceB.A., TH

Sharon PierceB.A., CE

Christy Polk **B.A., EE

Xochil Ramirez*B.A., CC

Mary RiceB.A., CE/EE

Benjamin RobertsB.A., TH

Tobias Roehm**B.A., CC

Joey Rountree**B.S., BS

Brian Sanderson *B.A., EE

Jessica ScottB.A., EE

Jeffery Stading B.A., TH

Tim Steele **B.A., TH

Shannon Thomas**B.A., CC

Tobias Roehm**B.A., CC

Joey Rountree**B.S., BS

Brian Sanderson *B.A., EE

Jessica ScottB.A., EE

Jeffery Stading B.A., TH

Tim Steele **B.A., TH

Shannon Thomas**B.A., CC

David Timms B.A., TH

Todd Ward *B.A., CM

Jeff WatkinsB.A., CC

Patricia WigginsB.A., CC

Greg Williams ***B.A., TH

Donna WilsonB.A., CE/EE

David Timms B.A., TH

Todd Ward *B.A., CM

Jeff WatkinsB.A., CC

Patricia WigginsB.A., CC

Greg Williams ***B.A., TH

Donna WilsonB.A., CE/EE

Honors day is a tradition at BCF, a time to rec-ognize seniors who have truly excelled in theirfields of study. This year’s service held in the

R.G. Lee Chapel May 7 was no different.Eight seniors were awarded the Brown Street Press

Award, a distinguished honor reserved for the seniorwho holds the highest grade point average in eachdegree field.

This year’s winners are: bachelor of arts in theolo-gy- Greg Williams; bachelor of arts in Christian coun-seling- Sharon Conger; bachelor of arts in leadership-Joe Brown; bachelor of arts in Christian education- JonEgan; bachelor of arts in church music-Gretchen Conrad; bachelor of musicin church music- Kyung Kim; bache-lor of arts in elementary education-Cynthia Johnson; bachelor of arts inbiblical studies- James Harbert.

In addition to the senior awards,Jacksonville pastor Nick Phoenixwas honored as the recipient of theDr. John and Nancy SullivanMulticultural Leadership award. Dr.Sid Smith, Director of the African-American Ministries Division of the Florida BaptistConvention, presented the award to Nick Phoenix, pas-tor of North Main Street Baptist Church inJacksonville.

The Baptist College of Florida and the African-American Ministries Division of the Florida BaptistConvention jointly present the annual award to an indi-vidual associated with the college to recognize out-standing leadership in modeling multicultural inclu-siveness in both Christian leadership and education.

Phoenix is a 1996 graduate of the Baptist College ofFlorida, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology.In addition to service at the Jacksonville church, he isthe current first vice-president of the Florida Baptist

Pastors’ Conference. Nick and his wife, Teresa, met at Lake Yale Baptist

Assembly as both provided leadership at a missionsconference; the couple's first date was a youth missionsleadership conference in Ft. Lauderdale. This samemissions commitment later led the couple and theiryoung children to the inner city North Main Streetchurch seven years ago. According to Phoenix, when hearrived at the church he dreamed of building a greatchurch. Now his ministry focuses on building the king-dom through "mobilizing the mobilizers."

Phoenix is the founder and director of "Words 2Works" Ministries which reaches out to the

inner city and multi-housing complexessurrounding the church. "Words 2

Works" is a North American MissionBoard Strategic Alliance Partner.In 2003 alone, approximately 25-30

interns will assist the church in multi-cultural ministries involving 1,500mission volunteers and day camps for

2,500 inner city children. Mission participants are first required

to complete a study of a "Go MissionsManual" complied by Phoenix to train leaders in GreatCommission and Great Commandment ministries.

In addition, "Words 2 Works" Ministries sponsorstwo housing development pastors who stay busy con-ducting ongoing Bible studies, after school programs,and computer labs for students at sixteen housing com-plex locations.

Another ministry, "Housing for the Homeless," ispresently constructing five homes to help move thehomeless off the streets of Jacksonville.

Future plans include the development of "UrbanWoods Adventures," a 500 acre land parcel near GlenSt. Mary, as a primitive camp to host inner city childrenfor missions camps in the woods.

Seniors, distinguished alumreceive awards at honors day

At right, Dr. Sid Smith, director of theAfrican-American Ministries Division of theFlorida Baptist Convention, presents the annualDr. John and Nancy Sullivan MulticulturalLeadership award to Jacksonville pastor NickPhoenix. The award is presented to an individ-ual who has shown excellence in modeling mul-ticultural inclusiveness.

Not Pictured: Steven Holley *B.S., BSRobert Johnson *B.A., TH

Cynthia Johnson ***B.A., EEBen NoblesB.A., THSean TannerB.A., TH

Honor graduatedistinctions:*Cum Laude**Magna Cum Laude***Summa Cum LaudeGrads . . .

ONSTRUCTION ZONE CONSTRUCTION ZONE CON

a brighter futureBBUUIILLDDIINNGG

ECHOES / SUMMER 2003 98 ECHOES / SUMMER 2003

The rising structure was the firstphysical step in the realization of along held vision to provide assis-

tance for retired ministers who are notable to afford adequate housing. "Formany months the Lord has placed deep inmy heart the direction to provide housingfor some of our retired ministers whohave no decent housing during theirretirement," Kinchen recounts.

"He told me that I had no real businesstraining another generation of ministers ifI were willing to sit back and let the gen-eration before me have members thrownaway."

That began the several year search fora way in which the college might addressthis need. After exploring many avenuesand formats, Kinchen decided to con-struct individual residences for independ-

ent living to be called The Shepherds'Cottages. The cottages will be built in anarea adjacent to Heritage Village on theBCF campus and will be available forrental to individuals based upon theirincome and ability to pay.

"Residents will have a wonderfulopportunity to participate in the life of thecollege community," stated Kinchen ofthe endeavor, "They will be blessed, andthey will be a blessing as they serve asmentors and encouragement to so manyindividuals who are preparing for lifetimeChristian service."

With a plan in hand, Kinchen began toseek partners for this venture. BCF woulddonate the land for the cottages, but otherpartners were needed from volunteerlabor for construction to contract servicesand more to make it possible to build each

residence for as little as $50,000 for mate-rials and related costs.

BCF found a partner in ChristianMinistries, Inc., a private not-for-profitcorporation led by Joe Napier- a longtimefriend and benefactor of the college, whowill provide project oversight and man-agement.

In addition, numerous volunteergroups have stepped up to volunteer laborfor the physical construction of the cot-tages. The first such group arrived on theBCF campus Sunday, June 8 from FirstBaptist Church of Orlando, an 11,000member church led by senior pastor JimHenry.

The group of 47 volunteers, includingteenagers, retirees and many in between,arrived just two days after the foundationwas poured to begin work on the cottage

To the casual observer thestructure rising near the

historic Heritage Village onthe campus of The BaptistCollege of Florida is justlumber and nails, but forDr. Thomas A. Kinchen,

BCF president, it is nothingless than answered prayer

and a miracle of God.

and many other projects around the cam-pus as part of what the church had coined"Operation Build and Beautify."

While heavy rains threatened to stopwork before it started, the weather clearedjust in time for work to beginon Monday. Despite hightemperatures in the 90's andhumidity near 100 percent,by week's end the group hadcompleted the framing androof decking for the first cot-tage as well as numerousother activities includingrefurbishing ten apartmentson campus, painting, pressure washing,sewing costumes for next year'sChristmas production and more.

According to Bill Mitchell, communi-ty and global outreach pastor for First

Baptist Church of Orlando, the effort is a"sweat equity mission trip that not onlyallows the church to minister to the bodyof Christ, but indirectly to be on missionfor Christ to a lost world through the

efforts ofBCF."

" W efeel like wehave a partin helpingBCF accom-plish theirm i s s i o n , "M i t c h e l l

explained of their trip. "We are just excit-ed to be a part of a host of volunteers thatwill be coming throughout the summer towork on the cottage."

There will indeed be more groups to

follow with volunteers traveling from St.Augustine, West Virginia, SouthCarolina, Georgia and Alabama to helpcomplete the work.

Kinchen hopes to see the first cottagecompleted by December of this year. "Myheartfelt desire is to have at least onehome ready for some of our old soldiersof the cross to occupy before Christmas,"he said of the goal.

"I know that would be a greatChristmas present for me, and I believethat it would be for them. I would espe-cially like to make it a gift to honor ourLord."

For more information about theShepherds' Cottages at BCF contact theoffice of the president by phone at (800)328-2660, ext. 446, or e-mail lltice@bap-tistcollege.edu.

“[The retirees] will be ablessing as they serve asmentors and encouragementto so many individuals whoare preparing for lifetimeChristian service” ----Kinchen

&

10 ECHOES / SUMMER 2003 ECHOES / SUMMER 2003 11

These were the words of Dr. TomKinchen, BCF president, to theMale Chorale as he introduced the

men to one of the oldest Baptist institu-tions in the world . . . the Baptist Collegein Bristol, England. The college was onlyone of many stops dur-ing the March 2003Male Chorale tour tothe United Kingdom.

Activities includedperformances in loca-tions ranging from vil-lage churches to atwelfth century churchthat is an exact replica of the Church ofthe Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. Themen sang in many other unique settings

including the ancestral chapel of AnneBolen, The New Room (John Wesley’schurch), and Bath Abbey.

“The response to the choir has beenmost unusual for British audiences,” saidDerek Townsend, the guide for the tour.

Townsend related to themen that British audi-ences seldom showtheir emotions in pub-lic. “Clapping and tearsare utterly and com-pletely unheard of.”Yet, this is exactly whatwas happening in many

locations. The tone for the week of concerts in

England and Wales was set during the

first stop on the tour when the crowdedchurch began to sing along with Dr.Buford Cox’s offertory selection based ona Welch hymn tune.

Stephen Wolgamott, a sophomorechurch music major at BCF, commentedthat he had never been in a setting wherethere was so much appreciation for themessage of the gospel being proclaimedin any form.

An elderly parishioner boldly pro-claimed to Dr. Kinchen that she neverthought she would say that an Americanmale choir couldever top a Welchmale choir, but thatshe had heard itwith her own ears.

The opportuni-ties to share thegospel were every-where. People intowns and villagesalike were recep-tive. Even non-Christians werewilling to attendthe concerts as a“cultural” experi-ence.

The local pas-tors were thrilled tohave an open doorcreated for themthrough the medi-um of music. Dr.Odom, chair of themusic departmentat BCF and conductor of the MaleChorale, noted that the group received

enough invitations from churches in thevisited areas to completely fill anothertour.

In fact, local church leadership plead-ed for help with the music in their church-es at every stop on the tour. According toDr. Odom, the concept of “music min-istry” as a tool for worship and evangel-ism is a non-existent concept in GreatBritain.

At the last concert stop of the tour Dr.Odom emplored the men to remember thepleas of the people encountered during the

week. “This field is

wide-open for aharvest,” saidOdom. “Be open tothe leading of theHoly Spirit in yourlife. If God wouldlead you here, areyou prepared tocome back? Willyou have the skillsneeded to build onthis experience?”

“God did notallow us to havethis opportunitysimply to have amulti-cultural ex-perience,” he con-tinued. “Hundredsof people have nowheard the gospeland many haveresponded. But

there is so much more to be done here.Could God use you here?”

Up Close

““GGeennttlleemmaann tthhiiss iiss oouurr hheerriittaaggee.. TThhiiss iisswwhheerree wwee ccoommee ffrroomm aass BBaappttiissttss.. WWee oowwee tthhiissccuullttuurree aa ggrreeaatt ddeeaall ffoorr wwhhoo wwee aarree ttooddaayy aanndd

tthhee rreelliiggiioouuss ffrreeeeddoommss wwee eennjjooyy..””

Personal:Baptist Heritage in the UK

““HHuunnddrreeddss ooff ppeeoopplleehhaavvee nnooww hheeaarrdd tthheeggoossppeell aanndd mmaannyyhhaavvee rreessppoonnddeedd..””

--Dr. Don Odom

The Male Chorale visited numerousarchitectural landmarks throughoutEngland and Wales during their tour.

So you’ve heard of an Easter morn-ing sunrise service, but have youever seen one like this? In an awe

inspiring scene, BCF graduate Kris Mullispreaches to the troops from the top of anarmored humvee.

After graduating from BCF in 1998with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology, Mullis con-tinued his education at New Orleans BaptistTheological Seminary where he earned a Master ofDivinity degree in 2001.

He had previously joined the Army Reservesthough the Chaplain Candidate Program in 1999 whileworking on his M.Div. He liked it so much that hedecided to move to active duty and was stationed atFort Sill, Oklahoma in August of 2002 where he servesas the battalion chaplain to the 1-14th Field ArtilleryBattalion.

The transition came natural to Mullis, who grew upan army brat himself to a now retired Army helicopterpilot. His brother has also followed in his father’s foot-steps as an Apache helicopter pilot stationed at FortRucker, Alabama. “Due to spiritual gifts and provi-dence, I felt that my gifts could best be used for theKingdom . . . as an Army chaplain,” stated Mullis of hisdecision to join the military. He is endorsed in his

chaplaincy effort by the NorthAmerican Mission Board.

Just over six months after becoming active duty,Mullis was deployed to the middle east as part ofOperation Iraqi Freedom. During his approximately80-day deployment he relished the opportunity tocounsel, lead worship, minister to injured soldiers,baptize five people in the desserts of Kuwait and Iraqand even advise the commander of the battalion onreligious, moral and morale issues.

“I can say without a doubt that this ministry in thissetting was one of the most challenging endeavors Ihave ever undertook,” said Mullis. “Not only was therea lack of hot food, showers, mail, and a continuousthreat from the enemy, but there was the ever-pres-ent battle going on in the soldiers lives.”

“It was amazing how many times the conversa-tions would turn to things of God and it was an amaz-ing opportunity to share Christ and ‘plant seeds’through my own personality,” he recounted.

ECHOES / SUMMER 2003 13

Campus News

tidbitsCampus News

tidbitsEastermorningin theKuwaitdesert

BCF GRAD NAMED ROOKIETEACHER OF THE YEARBCF graduate Anna Taylor was recentlynamed the “Rookie Teacher of the Year” atGraceville Elementary School for her exempla-ry performance in her first year as a fourthgrade teacher. According to Taylor’s mother,BCF bookstore manager Barbie O’Quinn,Taylor began her career at BCF when she wasonly one year old in the daycare center whereshe attended until she began school atGraceville Elementary. Taylor returned to BCFafter graduation from Graceville High in 1998to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in ele-mentary education with magna cum laudehonors in 2002.

BCF students shrink wrap pallets containing boxes of food to be distrib-uted to families in Iraq as part of the Florida Baptist Convention’s“Project: Gift of Love.” BCF was an official drop-off center for the projectwhich resulted in 2,750 total boxes of food donated state-wide. Accordingto the FBC, donations totaled 192,500 pounds, or 96.25 tons of food.

With love, to Iraq

FFoorrmmeerr BBCCFFpprrooffeessssoorr ppaasssseess

Mr. JamesR. “Deke”Jones,

76, of PassChristian,Mississippi diedWednesday, May14, 2003 in BaySt. Louis, Missouri.

Jones served as professorof religious education at TheBaptist College of Florida fromSeptember 1974 to Decem-ber 1991 when he retiredafter over 17 years of serviceto the college.

Jones was a native ofCrossett, Arkansas and was alongtime resident of Mobile,AL. He was a graduate ofSpringhill College and NewOrleans Baptist TheologicalSeminary.

He served in the U.S. Army,National Guard and thereserves, retiring as a Lt.Colonel. He was an ordainedminister and served asMinister of ReligiousEducation. He was also alicensed private pilot.

He lived in Graceville for 18years, Daphne, AL for 12years and Pass Christian, MSfor the past two years.

Anna Taylor

12 ECHOES / SUMMER 2003

They can bereached by mail at75 Tralee TraceSharpsburg, GA30277, by phone at(673) 423-7855 or(770) 487-9453, andby e-mail charlotte_carpenter@fca.com.

Grady Taylor (93)has moved to 601Coventry Dr.,Albemarle, NC28001.

Bill Jessup (93) canbe reached atwww.studentimpactinternational.org.

Allen Livengood(94 ) and wifeMelanie have beencalled to WalkerBaptist Church asSenior Pastor.Allen, Melanie,Katie, Seth andAbby may bereached at 2852Maple Circle,Thompson's Station,TN 37179.

Michael Fox (95)and wife Tammieare now serving aspastor at MilfordBaptist Church inLeary, GA. Theycan be reached atRt. 2 Box 185F,Leary, GA 39862 orby phone (229) 734-6819.

ChristopherGulledge (95) isnow serving as pas-tor at Stough

Memorial BaptistChurch in Pineville,North Carolina. Heand wife Stacy canbe reached at 3760Leela Palace Way,Fort Mills, SC or byphone (803) 547-4710

Steve Loy (96) andwife Leah areexpecting their firstchild, a baby girl, inJune 2003. They arecurrently serving asyouth pastor atOrtega BaptistChurch inJacksonville. Theycan be reached bymail at 2804Iroquois Ave.,Jacksonville, FL32210, by phone at(904) 389-8857, andby e-mail to steveleah@juno.com

Robert Coram (96)is now serving atCamp PinckneyBaptist Church inFolkston Georgia.Robert has beenawarded his Mastersin Theology and iscurrently workingon his Doctor ofMinistry from theJacksonvilleTheologicalSeminary. He andwife Shari can bereached by mail atRt.1 Box 2600Folkston, GA31537.

Taylor Hodges (97)is currently serving

at Mt. PleasantBaptist Church inEnterprise,Alabama. He can bereached by mail at4015 Hwy 27,Enterprise, AL36330, by phone at(334) 347-1305 andby e- mail totmhodges@juno.com.

Roger Battles (98)can be reached at7085 Eldridge Ct.,Arvada, CO 80004or by phone at (720)898- 5281 and by e-mail RBat0825@msn.com.

Don Galloway (98)and wife Wanda arenow serving atVernon BaptistChurch in NorthVernon, Indiana.Don is also attend-ing Southern BaptistTheologicalSeminary inLouisville, KY.They can bereached at 287Oakridge Dr. North,Vernon, IN. 47265or by phone at (812)346-7040 and by e-mail glory2him@pkfamily.com.

Eric Grenier (98)has recently accept-ed the position ofyouth pastor at FirstBaptist ChurchCarlsbad, NM. Hecan be reached bymail at 3006 PaloAlto, Carlsbad, NM88220, by phone at

(505) 887-1158, orby e-mail to youthminister@writeme.com

Sarah Delfosse (99)can be reached at10351 SW 206Terrance, Miami,FL 33189 or byphone at (305) 387-2665.

Kyle Giddens (99)has startedCornerstone BaptistChurch in Mayo,Florida. He andwife Jennifer have ason Jeremiah who is3 and a baby girldue in August of2003. They can bereached at 802 W.Main St., Mayo, FL32066 or by phoneat (386)-294-3957and by e-mail atpastorg@alltel.net.

2000'sClint (01) andJennifer (01)Clifton have movedto Stafford Virginia.They can bereached at 306Malvern Hill Ct.,Stafford, VA 22554or by phone at (540)657-5885.

Mike Brown (02)and wife Conniehave accepted a fulltime pastor positionin Sale City, GA.

Jason Stokes (02)is serving atMorning SideBaptist Church in

Tallahassee, Florida.He may be reachedby phone at thechurch at (850) 878-5530 or home (850)671-2712. Hisaddress is 4110Cottagewood Trail,Tallahassee, FL. ande-mail is jesusfreak_1976@hotmail.com.

Cami Brown (02)may be reached at6805 BeackstoneCt., Lousiville, KY40228 or by phone(502) 968-1441.

Danny (02) andShae Heath (02)are expecting ababy girl in August2003. They can bereached by mail at4055 Lipsey St.Apt. 2 NewOrleans, LA 70126,or by phone at (504)816-8360.

InMemorium

Harold A . Dann(50) passed awayMay 10, 2003. Hiswife Margaret canbe reached at 2932Hickory St. NW,Winter Haven, FL33881.

J. Fred Stephens(64) died March 6,2003. His wife AvisStephens ( 64) canbe reached at 4151Concord Rd.,Havana, FL 32333.

People & Events

alumninews

ECHOES / SUMMER 2003 15

1970'sDon Creel (76) hasbeen called as pas-tor to Ceder SpringBaptist Church inAshford, AL. Heand wife Sharon canbe reached at 755N. County Rd. 49,Slocomb, AL36375.

William (Bill)Faulkner (72) hasbeen selected as theExecutive Directorof Missions for theGreater OrlandoBaptist Association.He can be reachedat 1681 E. SpringRidge Circle,Winter Garden, FL34787.

1980'sGary Mckinney(80) is now servingas School Pastor/Dean of IndianRock ChristianSchool in Largo,Florida. He can bereached by mail at12079 Meadow-

brook Ln., Largo,FL 33774, by phoneat (727) 596-6272,or by e-mail atgary_mckinney@indianrocks.org.

Paul Evens (81) isa recent graduate ofCommonwealthOpen Universitywith a Ph.D inPsychology. He isserving as AssociatePastor of ZionChristian Church inPalm Bay, FL. Paulmay be reached bymail at 628 AnchorLane W.,Melbourne, FL32904, by phone at(321) 537-0756 ore-mail at pevans@cirlcesofcare.org.

Kent Hensley (84)is pastor of NewHorizon Church. Hecan be reached at(706) 855-0911 orby email atkent@nhcga.org.

Mike Crammer (87)and wife Patsy canbe reached at 222Doe Court, Gray,GA. Mike is servingas a bi-vocationalminister of music atNorthridge BaptistChurch in Macon,Georgia. Patsy isthe Registrar forWalter F. GeorgeSchool of Law inMacon.

1990'sDennis Deese (90)

and wife Teri haverecently celebratedtheir 10th anniver-sary as senior pastorof Hunter FirstBaptist Church inElizabethton, TN.They can bereached by e-mail atwww.hunterfirst.com,www.dennisdeese.com or www.fantheflame.org.

Steve Patton (92)has received a Ph.Din New Testamentfrom SouthwesternBaptist TheologicalSeminary. Steve andLesa can be reachedby mail at 663Summerset Blvd.,Burleson, TX76028, by phone at

(817) 447-1937 andby e-mail tostevepatton@sbcglobal.net.

Bob Clark (92) andwife Sharon havemoved back toFlorida and are nowserving at PineSummit BaptistChurch in Pensacolaas Worship/ MusicPastor. He may bereached atbobclark@pinesummitbaptist.org

Bobby Carpenter(92) and wifeCharlotte have beencalled to his homechurch Line CreekBaptist Church inPeachtree City, GA.

alumniPeople & Events

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14 ECHOES / SUMMER 2003

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