DALLAS (ABP) — Texas Christians — by reputation a determined, opinionated and politically powerful bunch — recently held another statewide prayer day. This time, though, it wasn't about abortion or gay marriage. It was about coal. On Oct. 19, a…
Pastor who lost job for convictions gives $250,000 to help ministers
RICHMOND, Va. (ABP) — At 88 years old, Henry Langford has enjoyed a life of diverse occupations — rural pastor, substance abuse counselor and tree farmer. He may be best remembered, however, as a Baptist preacher who spoke against racism…
American Baptists may sell historic ‘Holy Doughnut,’ Pa. headquarters
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (ABP) — Leaders of the American Baptist Churches USA will consider selling the facility jokingly known to some of the denomination's faithful as the “Holy Doughnut” — ABC's headquarters building near Philadelphia. In its Nov. 14-15 meeting,…
Central American Parliament honors missionary-pastor in Nicaragua
MANAGUA, Nicaragua (ABP) — Representatives of the Central American Parliament recently awarded a medal to Baptist World Alliance vice president Gustavo Parajón to honor his work for peace during the 1979 war between Nicaragua's revolutionary government and Contra guerrillas. A…
Special-needs ministry helps churches understand, utilize select members
MOUNT LEBANON, Texas (ABP) — Larry William's fourth birthday celebration was short-lived. He couldn't walk or talk like other kids. Soon, tests revealed a mental retardation that would lead Larry to a vegetative state by the time he turned 21….
Midwestern wins bidding war for Spurgeon book collection
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (ABP) — Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary recently won a bid to house the Charles H. Spurgeon Collection, a library featuring the works of notable Christian writers and personal essays that belonged to the legendary 19th-century preacher himself….
Virginia Baptist Mission Board takes show on the road
For the first time in decades, the Virginia Baptist Mission Board held its fall meeting away from Richmond as members traveled to Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center Oct. 10-11 to transact business and fellowship with fellow board members and staff….
An oasis of knowledge
The first inkling one has that the influence of Amman Baptist School is far greater than the number of Baptists in the country of Jordan would indicate is the traffic jam caused by parents dropping off their children at the…
Brannock is nominee for BGAV president
Three pastors and an attorney will be nominated for statewide offices at the Baptist General Association of Virginia annual meeting, Nov 9-10 in Virginia Beach. Virginia Baptists Committed has named a slate of candidates for all three offices. Boyce Brannock,…
Kingdom Advance 2.0
I sat in the modest home of an elder member of my church. There was a tear in his eye as he spoke. “Pastor, I don't want our church to die. Nobody in our congregation wants to see that church…
Aunt Ida and the church parsonage
Dear Jimmy, Well, since your Uncle Orley and the vet are out in the back pasture helpin' a contrary calf come into the world, and since my suggestions on the matter seem not to be highly prized, I thought I'd…
It’s always homecoming in Orange
Orange is one of the prettiest small towns in Central Virginia; and in the middle of its commercial district, there is a red-brick Gothic building which houses the Baptists. With its tower the Orange Baptist Church sits like a sentinel,…