Florida
Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Florida, has paid off more than $38,000 in school lunch debt for students in Hillsborough County public schools and Pasco County schools. The church was already involved in ministry to schools through tutoring, mentoring, planning teacher appreciation events and gathering school supplies. Paying the school lunch debt was one additional way the church could demonstrate God’s love and provide hope during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mississippi
At age 83, Bill Duncan is the man Mississippi churches are apt to call as interim when they aren’t quite ready for a full-time pastor. Now in his third year as interim pastor at Siloam Baptist Church in West Point, the retired pastor, director of missions and church planter has provided pulpit supply and held eight interim posts with little interruption since 2002. He paused at age 75 for open heart surgery but credits God for good health and a “tremendous desire to keep serving.”
North Carolina
Baptists on Mission volunteers in North Carolina have been serving those impacted by a Feb. 15 EF3 tornado that tore through two counties in the state, the Biblical Recorder reported. At least three people were killed and 10 were injured. Damage was widespread. “Through [disaster response], we have a chance to meet deep physical and emotional needs while opening a door for eternal discussions,” said John McIntyre, senior pastor of Wrightsville Beach Baptist Church.
South Carolina
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed into law on Feb. 18 a bill to prohibit abortion after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, a ban commended by Southern Baptist leaders. The bill was suspended by a district judge the next day for a 14-day period. The Associated Press reports that 13 states have passed similar legislation, and all such laws have been suspended as they face court challenges. Arkansas passed a similar ban on most abortions on Feb. 22.
Tennessee
When the rental home of an Iraqi family of seven was demolished by fire in Knoxville, Tennessee, the displaced family spent a sleepless night in a local business where the father works. The next day, the family found a temporary home through the partnership of several local congregations and ministry groups. “We … want to show the love of Jesus through Christian hospitality,” said Cindy Hood, founder and director of Welcome House, one of the ministries that facilitated the family’s move into their temporary housing.
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