Georgia
Twelve-year-old Malachi Russell, a member of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, used his cancer battle to talk about hope and share the gospel. When the youngster learned he was expected to live only 17 months after his cancer diagnosis, he made a list of 17 people with whom he would share the gospel. Some of those 17 people made salvation decisions after Russell’s death on Sept. 10, and more than 100 others made salvation decisions during Russell’s celebration of life, The Christian Index reported.
Florida
After Hurricane Sally created a path of destruction near Pensacola, Florida, on Sept. 16, Florida Baptists responded by distributing food, cutting trees, clearing debris and offering other tangible expressions of God’s compassion. Such actions often provide opportunities to verbally share a gospel witness, the Florida Baptist Witness reported. “It’s God’s love on display in a tangible way. It’s … just trying to be the hands and feet of Jesus by loving our neighbors as ourselves,” said Nathan Brown, pastor of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church in McDavid, Florida.
Louisiana
In the aftermath of Hurricane Laura’s assault on Louisiana, more than 150 people have made professions of faith in Jesus, Louisiana’s Baptist Message reported. “Many … come simply seeking physical relief, and we meet many needs, without strings attached. But we also give them spiritual relief,” Louisiana Baptist disaster relief chaplain Mark Morelock said.
Mississippi
On Nov. 3, Mississippi residents will vote on the legalization of medical marijuana in their state. Two initiatives will be on the ballot, with each outlining different regulations. If one of the initiatives passes, Mississippi will be the 35th state to legalize medical marijuana, Mississippi’s Baptist Record reported. Numerous polls in recent years have shown a majority of Mississippians support legalizing the medical use of marijuana.
Tennessee
In a nation filled with fear over COVID-19, racial turmoil and political divisions, God is the only answer, said Don Pierson, pastor of Stewart’s Chapel Baptist Church in Flintville, Tennessee. The pastor has served in many crisis situations, including a stint as chaplain in New York City following the 9/11 attacks and also in hunger relief in Gaza, reported Tennessee’s Baptist and Reflector. The primary goal of prayer should be a deep intimacy with God, he said.
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