Sunday, June 9, 2002
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Sunday, June 9, 2002 |
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Chapmans take their faith around the world By CAROLYN
CARY
He was reared in Manchester and she was reared in Fayetteville. They met at the Baptist Student Union at Georgia State and were both headed in the same direction, showing the world their faith in God and His will. Stephen Chapman and Joy Branton Chapman knew when they met that God meant for them to meet, marry, and share their deep faith. The Rev. Chapman attended Georgia Tech for two years when he realized God's pull in his life, and transferred to Georgia State where he majored in sociology with a minor in psychology. It was at this time he met Joy. After graduation they worked in Massachusetts for the Home Mission Board for two years, then Stephen entered the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Texas, graduating with a Masters of Divinity. They served several churches in South Carolina and Georgia and then realized that God wanted them and their five children to venture overseas. They spent two years in South Asia making friends and quietly living their faith, and sharing the Word when asked. Last Sept. 11 changed their contented lives in a big way, necessitating that they flee their home, along with their five children. They arrived in Atlanta Sept. 26 with only the clothes on their back. They have been spending their return time in many speaking engagements, sharing their knowledge of the thirst of those in other countries and other cultures. "The people here are really hungry to hear about our associations overseas," said the Rev. Chapman. After much thought, they have applied to the Baptist Mission Board for permission to go to Africa. When asked about any concern for safety, the Rev. Chapman said that "the safest place to be is in the middle of God's will. This can take place anywhere in the world. I might be concerned about being in a boat in rough seas, but if Jesus is in the boat with me, I could not be in a more safe spot."
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