The A. H. Newman Scholarship at Mercer University’s Center for Baptist Studies gives one such a special privilege. The initial reading and interchange with Bruce Gourley helped me to take the better advantage of the week’s retreat on Mercer’s campus.

Gracious hospitality, open consultations with Dr. Buddy Shurden and Bruce Gourley and access to the excellent library facilities provided me with a unique research opportunity. I came with a goal in progress toward developing materials for a textbook on Baptist history, beliefs and practices. If adequate, the book will be used for leadership education and training in the Philippines. The full time reading opportunity with directions from Dr. Shurden as to resources (and his sharing of personal primary book materials) all assisted me greatly.

Dr. Shurden and Bruce Gourley both gave of their time at noon meals and evenings for enriching fellowship. I found the opportunity enhanced further when Dr. Shurden invited me to participate with a pastors’ reading group luncheon. The discussion, led by Dr. Shurden, centered on William Hull’s recent writing, The Meaning of the Baptist Experience. The pastors’ joint insights, in addition to the book, gave us meaningful considerations for church leadership application..

I came away from the Newman Scholarship experience helped along the way toward my personal goal and most appreciative of every aspect provided by the experience.