By Grace Thornton
The Alabama Baptist
When it comes to Baptist life Alabama has made a name for itself — and some of those well-known ministries, organizations and companies will be hosting booths at the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) annual meeting in Birmingham this June.
Here’s a list of the exhibitors from the state, along with their booth number on the exhibit hall map, which is accessible in the SBC Annual Meetings app (see “SBC app offers annual meeting resources“) or the meeting program.
Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (SBOM) — booth 2205
This is SBOM’s first opportunity to launch a booth at the SBC annual meeting, and Executive Director Rick Lance invites you to stop by and say hello. The booth will contain various resources, and state missionaries will be there to network and fellowship with Alabama Baptists and others who stop by. Visit alsbom.org to learn more.
Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes (ABCH) — booth 1400
For those interested in exploring what foster care and orphan ministry looks like in the church ABCH will be showcasing personal experiences, insights and encouragement from SBC and ministry leaders through a series of interviews throughout the annual meeting. To view a schedule of who is speaking when visit alabamachild.org/SBC19.
Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center — booth 2015
Shocco’s booth will be near the exhibit hall entrance, and Wendy Westerhouse, Shocco’s sales/public relations associate, said they are looking forward to showing some Southern hospitality to the SBC family.
“We will have several staff who will be delighted to hear Shocco stories from friends all across the country and share about Shocco with those who may not know us yet,” she said. To learn more about Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center, located in Talladega, visit shocco.org.
Samford University/Beeson Divinity School — booth 415
If you’re looking for a place to charge your phone the staff of Samford and Beeson invite you to drop by. They’ve got that plus complimentary snacks, coffee and other drinks at their seating area.
They will also host a series of live interviews throughout the day with Samford alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the university.
National WMU/WorldCrafts — booths 2209 and 2309
The exhibits for national Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) and WorldCrafts will be combined this year, highlighting ways to be involved in missions discipleship, leadership development and compassion ministries of WMU.
Several conversation areas will provide a backdrop for scheduled features such as hearing from WorldCrafts artisans; Pure Water, Pure Love water filter demonstrations; and more. Sandy Wisdom-Martin, national WMU executive director-treasurer, and Linda Cooper, national WMU president, also will sign copies of their 30-day devotional, “On the Journey.”
Youthministry360 (YM360) — booth 449
Youth leaders wear many hats. So the staff of YM360 say their goal is to make those leaders’ lives simpler. The Birmingham-based ministry partners with churches to provide resources such as curriculum and events like summer camps. Check them out at youthministry360.com.
Courage to Lead — booth 445
If you’re looking for a café stop during the meeting Courage to Lead has got you covered. The Trussville-based coaching ministry will have a café set up at its booth, and while you’re there find out more about coaching for church and nonprofit ministry leaders. Learn more at couragetolead.com.
Lifeline Children’s Services, Inc. — booth 301
Lifeline Children’s Services — a Birmingham-based adoption, orphan and foster care ministry — will host a lemonade stand to collect money for orphaned and vulnerable children.
You also can visit one of several information meetings at their booth if you’d like to learn more about international adoption, family reunification through foster care and ministry to women in crisis pregnancies. To learn more visit lifelinechild.org.
LIVE Design Group — booth 224
LIVE Design Group is an architecture and interior design firm specializing in worship, theater and academic facilities — and they invite you to dream with them, even undergo a simulated 3D goggle experience. To learn more visit livedesigngroup.com.
Matt Adams, Illusionist — booth 447
Like sleight-of-hand illusions? Stop by Matt Adams’ booth. Adams, who lives in Harvest, is a master illusionist and evangelist who loves sharing Jesus with local communities through entertaining magic shows. Visit mattadamsmagic.com to learn more.
The ESB Group — booth 226
The ESB Group’s motto is to provide clarity in sound and vision so the Word can be communicated to the world. That’s what they do through the design and integration of audio, video, screens, speakers and theatrical lighting. In 16 years they have served more than 300 churches. To learn more visit esbgroup.net.
Auburn AV — booth 352
J.M. Anderson said his company’s goal is to offer top quality audio, video and lighting system design, installation and programming, as well as equipment rental and event production. Learn more at auburnav.com.
Quality Counts, Inc. (Background Checks) — booth 323
Times are scary for the church and other ministries, said Sam McLamb of Quality Counts, a Tuscaloosa-based organization that conducts background checks.
“We recognize that hiring new staff members and enlisting volunteers is one of the most important responsibilities within a faith-based organization,” he said, noting their services are comprehensive and affordable with unmatched support and unsurpassed quality.
Alabama Army National Guard Chaplaincy Recruiting — booth 2906
Have you ever considered being a chaplain? The Alabama Army National Guard presents “a unique ministry and service opportunity,” said Gary W. Riddle Jr., battalion chaplain and specialty recruiter for the Alabama Army National Guard. Stop by the booth to discover ways you can invest in ministering to the state’s soldiers.
Complete Signs — booth 541
This Dothan-based company designs, manufactures, installs and services signs of all kinds nationwide. They’re a nationwide leader in LED displays. Learn more at completesigns.net.
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