When Bethany Akridge was growing up, The Alabama Baptist newspaper was always laying around the house.
But it wasn’t until college that she picked one up and read it — all the way through.
“I was pleasantly surprised. Now I enjoy The Alabama Baptist every time I get my hands on a copy,” said Akridge, 26, a member of Bethany Baptist Church, New Brockton, where her father, Tony Dye, serves as pastor and her husband, Gunter, serves as minister of music and youth.
“I’m especially encouraged to hear about what God is doing in the lives of other Christians around the state,” she said. “What makes The Alabama Baptist so great is that it’s all about people.”
And she means it. After getting inspired by the stories, she became a correspondent writer for the paper and began meeting those people personally. They have inspired her, she said, and even given her ideas for her own life and ministry.
After writing a story about youth ministers in Guntersville joining forces across denominational lines to reach the youth in their community, she thought she and Gunter could better reach out to other youth ministries in their area. And a story about a special needs Vacation Bible School in Greenville “opened my mind about the importance of tailoring our methods to meet real needs.”
“The paper is a great source for ministry ideas — on a personal level and for my church,” Akridge said.
For Connie Perry a member of Blue Springs Baptist Church, Somerville, the state Baptist paper served to open her eyes to the persecution of Christians around the world.
“The Alabama Baptist keeps me informed about religious issues not only statewide but worldwide. Before I started reading The Alabama Baptist, I didn’t realize the extent of persecution that Christians face outside of America,” said Perry, 58.
And just like Akridge, Perry likes to read about people.
“The human interest articles are heartwarming and uplifting. Reading them affirms the power of prayer and the many blessings God has bestowed upon us.” (TAB)
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