Beech Tree News Network

Dear Editor,
As you are aware by now, Butler County is set to have a wet/dry vote January 26, 2016.  Several months ago the group, Citizens for a Better Butler County, began petitioning for the call to vote.  They amassed over 1,400 signatures in a matter of months.  Their hope is that alcohol sales will help Butler County by providing much needed revenue.  While we share their desire for a better Butler County, we disagree with their solution.
Many of our Gasper River Association churches maintain the old church covenant which reads, “We also engage… to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage.” Since the formation of our association in 1812, we have made our position on alcohol clear.  We believe abstinence is the better way.
It is well known that poverty and addiction go hand in hand.  It is also well known that alcohol is a gateway drug.  Alcohol has been called the “most dangerous widely-available drug.”
We acknowledge that the Bible does not command abstinence, but it does warn against the use of alcohol.  Here are some of the things it says:
Those in position of leadership should not consume alcohol (Prov. 31:4-5; 1Tim. 3:3).

It can ruin a life (Prov. 20:1, 23:35)
We members of the Mission Board of the Gasper River Association of Baptists have no authority over the churches or membership that makes up our association, but we urge you to make your voice heard on January 26, 2016.  Brothers and sisters, in keeping with the spirit of our covenants, we ask you to vote “NO” on the wet/dry vote.
Sincerely,
Director of Missions Rev. Ray Gilliland and The Mission Board of the Gasper River Association of Baptists