BUENA PARK, Calif. (ABP) — The so-called “Birthers” claimed a small victory Sept. 8 when a federal judge set a tentative trial date of Jan. 26, 2010, for a lawsuit claiming that President Obama is constitutionally ineligible for his office….
Judge clears National Baptist Convention presidential vote
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A judge in Washington ruled Sept. 9 that the election of a new president of the nation's largest black Baptist convention could go forward as scheduled on Sept. 10. One of two candidates vying for the post,…
Virginia Baptist Mission Board seeking to fill long-term mission posts
A Venturer teaching English at a college in China. RICHMOND – The Virginia Baptist Mission Board is seeking to fill more than 20 long-term national and international mission positions in its Venturers program, a board leader announced Sept. 8. The…
VBMB executive committee hears reports during regular meeting
RICHMOND –The Virginia Baptist Mission Board’s executive committee heard a variety of reports – both from individuals and from committees assigned specific duties — during its regularly scheduled session Sept. 8. Eddie Stratton, treasurer of the Baptist General Association of…
Who are the hungry? Putting a face to people in need
PLANO, Texas (ABP) — Millions of the nation’s most vulnerable lie in bed each night struggling to win a seemingly hopeless battle — the rumbling sound of their empty stomachs drowning out any word of hope. But Christians nationwide involved…
Pastor accuses school district of duplicity in banning Obama speech
ARLINGTON, Texas (ABP) — A prominent black Southern Baptist pastor says a Texas school district should explain why it did not allow President Obama's Sept. 8 speech on education to be shown live in classrooms, but is planning later in…
Heeding the call: Historic church finds new energy in missions commitment
FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABP) — When churches fall on hard economic times, some congregations reduce the amount they give to missions. A Kentucky Baptist pastor believes they should do the opposite. “I think churches are in a survival mentality right now,…
Heeding the call: Missional church reaches out through health care
Mission Frankfort Clinic director Pat Hinson (right) goes over charts with Benjamin Huneycutt, volunteer doctor, at the start of a shift. FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABP) — The Mission Frankfort Clinic is a godsend for an average of 40 to 50 uninsured…
Heeding the call: Churches taking ownership of Great Commission
First Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, is working closely with several churches in the southern Mexico states of Chiapas, Oaxaca and Tabasco. These children are from Chiapas and their fellowship, El Buen Samaritano, is currently in construction of a new…
Heeding the call: Baptist college grad launches development non-profit
PLAINVIEW, Texas (ABP) — A “light-bulb” moment on his second trip to Kenya helped clarify Micah Evans’ call to mission service. “We were building a wall for a church there and using the indigenous stone to the area,” said Evans,…
Wardens walk fine line on religious materials for inmates
SAN QUENTIN, Calif. (RNS) — For Jarvis Masters, his Buddhist journals bring peace from the panic he feels on death row in California’s San Quentin State Prison. An article titled “Life in Relation to Death” by a Tibetan Buddhist lama…
Documentary-style film asks, How did the gospel become so divisive?
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Even though he always was taught religion and politics shouldn’t be discussed in polite company, Dan Merchant decided someone needed to start the conversation. In his documentary-style film, Lord, Save Us from Your Followers, which hits theaters…