Florida
For the past five years, chaplains Tommy and Sandy Simmons have served in prison ministry at Desoto County Jail in southwest Florida. In what has been described as the “forgotten ministry” of local churches, prison ministry, although demanding, brings many victories, said Tommy Simmons. The chaplains focus their efforts not only on the offenders but also the offenders’ families, and they have seen many “incredible stories of life change,” the Florida Baptist Witness reported.
Georgia
This past June, Jarrod Kinsey became the first full-time pastor in 15 years for Georgia’s Cave Spring Baptist Church. Even amid the pandemic, the church is renewing its focus on outreach, including a fellowship outing at a local lake, and is continuing ministry to students at the Georgia School for the Deaf. Since Kinsey’s arrival, the congregation has recorded four salvations, The Christian Index reported. “We’re doing whatever it takes to reach others with the good news,” Kinsey said.
Louisiana
Citing a continued increase in COVID-19 cases, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards announced on Nov. 24 that his state would move back to a modified version of Phase 2 of reopening. Under the order that expires Dec. 23, attendance at churches will continue to be limited to 75% of a worship center’s seating capacity, The Baptist Message reported. In making the announcement, Edwards said, “We don’t have a moment to waste. Everybody has to do their part.”
Mississippi
On Nov. 3, Mississippi voters approved Initiative 65 to legalize medical marijuana. “Initiative 65 is another significant step in blurring the lines of morality in Mississippi. I’m prayerful, however, that it will serve as a clarion call for the church to be more effective as salt and light in the world,” said Shawn Parker, executive director-treasurer of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board, the Baptist Record reported. Mississippi is the 35th state to legalize medical marijuana.
Tennessee
To enhance its special needs ministry in Middle Tennessee, Brentwood Baptist Church recently broke ground on the Rowen Glenn Center, the Baptist and Reflector reported. Upon completion of the 15,000-square-foot facility, care and services will be provided for preschoolers through adults. “Our continued prayer is that every single individual and family that comes our way will immediately know they are valued,” said Tiffany McCullough, Brentwood’s special needs minister.
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