It was good to walk into the Pensacola airport on Thursday afternoon. Visiting Israel again was great. But there is no place like home and I am looking forward to worship Sunday at Olive.

Georgia Hill

Today I will be conducting the funeral service for Georgia Hill. She was 92. Back in 1990 when I first met her, she was always front row center seat of the choir. That placed her right behind me during the live television broadcast from Passmore Hall. She was there until she could no longer navigate the steps. “Faithful” was her name. She and her husband, Wetzel, were the kind of people who built Olive Baptist Church during their lifetimes. After Wetzel’s home going in 1989, a scholarship fund was established at Olive to aid young students called to ministry. The Wetzel Hill Scholarship Fund provides financial help to Olive students in our seminaries. Although most of these students do not know the Hill family, they have been blessed by their vision.

What Georgia established will now outlive her. This is exactly the kind of thinking we have been doing with the Ministry Village. As we give to help others, our work will live on. It is good to have vision but you must also finance your vision. That is the reason we now have a Fund Development Director in place at Olive to work on the Ministry Village funding. To make the vision work we must support it. Georgia Hill understood that and is today an example for us of godly vision and courageous thinking. May God increase her kind at Olive!

Pastor Ted Traylor

Today our group is at the Temple Mount and walking the old city of Jerusalem. We will gather at 2:30 at the Garden Tomb for a Lord’s Supper service. Then late Wednesday we head for the airport with scheduled arrival in Pensacola Thursday afternoon.This trip has been informative and inspirational. Travel to Israel is a must for any follower of Christ that wants to deepen his knowledge of the Bible. I realize not everyone can make this trip or afford to spend time in this area. However, if you ever have the opportunity you should take it.

Our group of 79 has had a wonderful experience and laughter and tears have both been a big part of the journey. Camel rides always bring a smile. Liz doesn’t like to ride but she humors me. Sunrise and a quiet time on the Sea of Galilee is a moving moment. We have had the blessing of meeting with pastors from the Nazareth Baptist Church and First Baptist of Bethlehem. I will tell you more about them in days to come. One of the pictures found here today is of our time with the pastor in Bethlehem.

Many people enjoy being baptized in the Jordan River as a sign of recommitment to Jesus. We had such a service on Friday. While we were there, six people from Singapore asked if I would baptize them. They are precious followers of our Lord. Our group rejoiced with our newfound friends in the faith. Check back with me on Friday when I will have even more to share.

It has been confirmed that my dear friend, Forrest Pollock, and his 13-year-old son, Preston, have been found dead from the result of a plane crash yesterday. Baptist Press has the full report.

Please keep his wife, Dawn, and the other five children in your prayers.

Pastor Ted Traylor

Saturday was a big day for our family. Bennett graduated from the University of Mobile. We sat a long way from the stage. As over 400 graduates walked in everyone was looking for theirs. While I could not see his face, I knew my son’s gait as soon as he appeared in the long line. Funny how we know our own. Jesus says He knows His sheep and they hear His voice. In that same manner I recognized my son. Liz and I are proud of him. Now it is on to the next phase for him. I ask you to pray for Bennett as he makes this transition. Paying for your own gas is a shock to grads that have been using Dad’s card!

Sunday was a big day for our family. My parents were in town for graduation and Mother’s Day. It was delightful to have them with us. Mom and I rarely get to be together on this special day. I am most always preaching and she and Dad are active in their own church. Thank you, church family, for loving my parents and making them feel at home at Olive.

Sunday afternoon was also good for our family. We received and accepted an offer on our house. In today’s market we are excited to get this deal done. It looks to be very solid. The move will make for a busy spring and summer.

This morning there is grave concern at the Bell Shoals Baptist Church in the Tampa area. Pastor Forrest Pollock was flying a private plane to Texas with his son, Preston. They were to arrive at 4 p.m. but have not been heard from as of 7 a.m. this morning. I ask you to pray for this sister church and Dawn Pollock. I am asking the Father to give us a miracle in my friend’s life.

Pastor Ted Traylor

For several months I have been concerned about the election of the next president of the SBC. During the past three weeks, the burden has been building. Last night at 3 a.m. I was awakened and stirred in my spirit. I walked upstairs to my computer and started constructing a nomination speech for Dr. Johnny Hunt. It became apparent to me I was to give this nomination for Brother Johnny in Indianapolis in June. At 11 a.m.  today I spoke to Dr. Hunt. I did not tell him of my early morning encounter. But in that conversation my name was added to a list to be considered to make the nomination. I then said I was ready and asked for the honor of presenting my friend to the convention.

Dr. Johnny Hunt

 
Just three weeks ago, Dr. Hunt was dead to the idea of being a nominee. However, God did a fresh work in him. I saw it in his eyes a few days ago in Orlando. The Holy Spirit has since fanned the spark into a flame and he now feels called to be nominated. I can say with that same conviction that I feel called to nominate him.
 
The 2008 convention election is about the future of the SBC. Our future demands we strive to reach the nations. That is the heart of Johnny Hunt. Our future is about being united – not divided. Our times demand a leader who can forge a hopeful future centered around the Gospel and connected to the churches. Dr. Hunt is a great churchman who is equipped to do the job. Our future requires we connect with and inspire young leaders to be a part of the SBC. No pastor I know has a greater impact on more young preachers and church leaders than Dr. Hunt. His Timothy Barnabas Conferences instill hope in thousands of young men.
 
I ask you to pray for the SBC meeting. It is just five weeks away.

Pastor Ted Traylor

The Ministry Village Commitment Sunday was a big success. After the cards came in our counting team went to work. The preliminary total of pledges and cash came to $1.5 million. The goal for the first year is $2 million. So we are well on the way to making the first phase a reality. Thank you, church family, for a marvelous faith response. Commitments and checks are continuing to arrive at the office. It is not too late for everyone to get onboard.

On Sunday evening we enjoyed glorious weather for the ice cream fellowship and prayer walk. I was elated to see families out on the grounds having fun in the bounce houses, talking to friends and asking God for His favor on the Ministry Village. Sharon Parrish was my coordinator for the event. Many of our staff team and an army of volunteers made the evening possible. Thanks to all who helped pull off the event. Yes, we are going to have some more nights like this!

To effectively touch our culture we must endeavor to grow new ministry opportunities like our own Ministry Village. Baptists must continue to lay up treasures in heaven by continually investing in people going there. The two accounts to which we must make deposits are our “gospel” account and our “good works” account. We cannot attempt to allocate all our resources to one or the other. Balance is a crucial link. I look forward to the future at Olive.

In order to accomplish our vision walk more funding will be required. Olive is a generous people. However, to do what we envision will necessitate a large infusion of money. I was pleased to announce last Sunday evening that at the end of this month Sheila Reed will be coming on our team as our Fund Development Director. Pray for her as she becomes involved through entrepreneurial means of facilitating the raising of money for the Ministry Village.

For several weeks many of the church family members at Olive have been praying with me about being nominated as a candidate for the president of the Southern Baptist Convention. It has become apparent to me in the past couple of weeks that now is not the time for me to pursue this role. Do pray for the SBC. These are critical days and we must have the right leader elected to take us into the future.