Thinking about our special section in this week’s print edition of The Alabama Baptist — Spotlight on Christian Higher Education — two matters of prayer come to mind.
One on current activity at our Alabama Baptist campus near the coast and one on the future of all students who will live and serve in Alabama.
University of Mobile update
The search committee for the next president of the University of Mobile will be conducting final interviews this month with anticipation of presenting a candidate during the March 21–22 board meeting.
Current UM president Lonnie Burnett will retire May 30, and it is anticipated the new president will begin June 1.
The presidential search committee considered around 30 applicants, narrowed those to seven earlier this year and have invited the final three candidates to Saraland for on-site interviews. The candidates also will have an opportunity to tour campus and meet staff and faculty.
The Alabama Baptist will provide a full report once a candidate has been announced and/or elected.
Gambling legislation
Alabama Baptist and other faith-based leaders continue to speak out against the current gambling legislation anticipated to move quickly through the state Legislature.
They also are sending an urgent message to all who are concerned to join them.
“This one is really, really hot and very, very serious,” Greg Davis, president of Alabama Citizens Action Program, said. “It will change the face of our state; there’s no doubt about it.”
Two House Republicans, Rep. Chris Blackshear (Smiths Station) and Rep. Andy Whitt (Harvest), are sponsoring a bill that not only creates a state lottery but also legalizes casino-style gambling and sports betting (including online) in the state.
But Davis opposes the concept of regulating legalized gambling. Instead, he is advocating to merely enforce the current law.
Alabama Baptist State Convention and State Board of Missions leaders released a joint statement Feb. 9 voicing their opposition to any expansion of gambling.
“We urge Alabama Baptists to contact state legislators and other elected officials.”
To read the full statement, visit ricklance.com.
4 Alabama Baptists among latest IMB missionary appointees
Tyler and Wallis Faught, members of Corinth Baptist Church in Section, and another Alabama couple, whose names can’t be used for security reasons, were part of the Feb. 14 International Mission Board Sending Celebration in Phoenix.
They were among 62 appointed to join the effort of taking the gospel to the nations. —Jennifer D. Rash
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