Alabama Baptists gather to pray for state leaders, encourage cooperative session

Alabama legislators received lots of attention and much praise when they worked together for a common goal and accomplished the task at hand swiftly during the Feb. 26–March 2 special session. 
  
Pushing the $400 million industrial incentive legislation through in the shortest amount of time possible — five days — the Legislature has now been challenged to work similarly in the 2007 regular session, which opened March 6.
  
Alabama Baptists are among those across the state encouraging lawmakers to put differences aside and work for the best interest of the state. In fact, the March 8 Legislative Prayer Luncheon, co-sponsored by Alabama Baptists and the governor, reflected this sentiment.
  
More than 500 people, including state officials, church representatives from numerous denominations and a large number of Alabama Baptist leaders, gathered at the Embassy Suites in Montgomery for the annual luncheon.
  
Bobby Bright, mayor of Montgomery, welcomed legislators back to the city and commended them on their recent actions. 
  
“During the special session, you worked together and were more united than I’ve seen in many years,” he said. “Keep that cooperative spirit in the regular session.”
  
Gov. Bob Riley agreed. “The things we can agree on will have a historic impact on Alabama. Decisions we make over the next two years will determine what Alabama will look like for ages to come.
  
“You are here for a purpose,” he told the legislators. “God wants you here for this time for His purpose. … (When evaluating legislation) ask God if this is the best thing, then vote your conviction.”
  
Other platform personalities mentioned similar words of encouragement and prayed for guidance for the state leaders, but it was the main speaker for the day that had everyone laughing out loud as he challenged them to take their roles seriously and make a difference.
  
Mike Shaw, pastor of First Baptist Church, Pelham, pointed to Genesis 3:9 and 4:9 and Exodus 4:2 to suggest that lawmakers evaluate their personal spiritual lives, how they are helping those in need and what resources they have available. These verses describe three questions God asked. First to Adam, “Where are you?” Then to Cain, “Where is your brother?” And to Moses, “What is that in your hand?”
  
“Use what you have in your hands to help poor people,” Shaw said. “When Baptists and Methodists say something, you need to listen,” he said, referring to the debate over tax relief for people below the poverty level.
  
Shaw also challenged lawmakers to consider a new constitution for Alabama and find a way to fund education for people who can’t afford it — but not with a lottery. “We need a new constitution that provides freedom and liberty for every person in Alabama.”
  
Shaw’s message was serious but his delivery was light. His natural humor and ease of presentation kept the audience captivated. And the speical music provided by Leigh Fran Jones, a member of First, Pelham, left many with a tear in their eye.