thetribe, Tulsa (11/28/2009 11:13:40 PM)

couldn't you study that in America for a cheaper price, and save some money

Elusive, Owasso (11/29/2009 1:03:29 AM)

Congratulations Twila, enjoy your vacation.

Eld. G, (11/29/2009 8:33:25 PM)

As a Minister and Church Elder myself I find this totally out of order with what the Lilly Foundation had in mind for grant monies given. While the Lilly Foundation does have a Clergy Renewal Program of up to $50,000...the rules state that only $15,000 of that can be used for expenses on the "renewal program " and not the $31,000 this pastor is saying is being used to travel overseas to study how other churches overseas worship... then people wonder why Christians get such a bad wrap. Very poor judgement call to use this monies to go on a 2 month sabbatical; sounds more like an excuse to have a dream vacation. Folks, we as Church Elders, Pastors, and Board members are absolutely going to have to wake up and get with the program and quit this nonsense and start doing what God called us to do which is to preach The Word and help those in need, not think of ways to use God's name to better ourselves. I myself do not take a salary because there are people in our church who need it a lot more. I challenge you to look at what you are doing and ask the question " Am I truly doing what God called me to do ? is it His Will that is being done or Mine ? ...food for thought ....Eld. G

Basil, Tulsa (11/30/2009 9:06:00 AM)

Here in Oklahoma, one may get the idea that the Southern Baptist interpretation of the scriptures and type of worship is the norm, since it's the largest denomination in our state, but that is far from true. In reality the Southern Baptists are only a tiny percentage of Christians worldwide. So, travelling can be one way to put things in perspective, helping one to see the greater depth of belief and practices worldwide. For example, the Orthodox Church has around 300 million members worldwide, yet most Oklahoman's don't really know much if anything about it, although there is an Orthodox temple in Hartshorne, which has been there since before statehood.

Basil, Tulsa (11/30/2009 10:05:57 AM)

I'm surprised by some of the negative reactions in the comments on this story. This is a grant given by a private foundation, not American tax dollars.

If someone wins a dream home and vacation on Extreme Makeover Home Edition we all cheer and get excited for the family, but this pastor wins a dream trip and some of us are on the attack? Why can't we just feel good for the family and the adventure they've been awarded?

EagleMom, Classified (11/30/2009 2:02:54 PM)

Twila, so happy for you. You are a blessing to all those who know you and appreciate your service to the community. Be renewed and blessed.