Arkansas
In February 2018, Crossroads New Baptist Church near Little Rock, Arkansas, was close to shutting its doors. Attendance had dwindled; the church building was in disrepair; the pastor had resigned, Arkansas Baptist News reported. After four months of dedicated prayer, church members began to see new life for the church. Today, at 50 years old, the congregation is reaching people with the gospel, has repaired its building, has called a pastor and is looking forward expectantly to its next 50 years.
Florida
When stores in northeast Florida receive a delivery of “Yulee BBQ Sauce” they’re getting more than a collection of sauces. “They’re getting a chaplain and pastor,” said Jimmy Flanagan, creator of Yulee BBQ Sauce and pastor of Duval Station Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida. Flanagan, who personally makes the deliveries to his customers, uses the sauce as a platform to share the gospel, the Florida Baptist Witness reported. “I pray before I make every delivery,” Flanagan said.
Georgia
On June 30 Shorter University sold the Georgia Baptist Conference Center at Norman Park, Georgia, for $1.2 million, the Christian Index reported. Sold in an auction, the property had been appraised for considerably more than the sale price. The Norman Park property had been gifted to Shorter University by the Georgia Baptist Mission Board in March 2016.
South Carolina
Columbia Metro Baptist Association recently made the transition to a virtual office. In a June 27 social media post, George Bullard, executive director for the association, said, “We discovered during the pandemic we do not need an office.” In addition to virtual meetings, associational leaders will gather primarily at local churches to meet in person as needed. The move to a virtual office is intended to help the association deepen its connection with and service to congregations.
Tennessee
Professions of faith and baptisms have increased significantly over the past year at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Covington, Tennessee, with 13 new members and nine baptisms. “I believe that God is moving in His church because God’s people are praying and asking God to move,” said pastor Gary Stafford. He said the church is rejoicing about the new believers and has been awed by how God has enabled Oak Grove to regain momentum after COVID-19 challenges, the Baptist and Reflector reported.
Share with others: