ORLANDO, Fla. (BP)--According to the Gospels, the Virgin Mary was overwhelmed in hearing from the Lord’s messenger that she was going to give birth to a son. She knew she possibly would have to raise her child as a single mother. Where did she turn for help?

• Research results were released in the May/June edition of Facts and Trends magazine that show the spending priorities of clergy and the people in the pews don’t always match.
• 31% of ministers state that their top priority is to build, expand, or update their church’s buildings and facilities.
  • Next is increasing community evangelism activities (16 percent)
  • Paying off debt (12 percent)
  • Adding staff (10 percent)
• Among laity, three priorities are tied for the top position:
  • paying off debt (18 percent)
• • increasing social programs, such as helping with homelessness or education (18 percent)
  • building, expanding, or updating church facilities (17 percent)

WASHINGTON (BP)--Herbert Lusk II used to walk the streets of Memphis as a self-proclaimed “angry black man.” Now he stands behind a Baptist pulpit and among fellow advisers to the nation’s president.