When 10 members of the all-black choir at Mount Zion Church in Killen, Ala., flew to Scotland in January on their first overseas trip, they were treated like long-lost family members. “They really, really loved us,” recalled Docary Ingram, pastor…
New DOM elected for Middle District
James G. Hamacher has been elected executive director of missions by the Middle District Baptist Association, a fellowship of churches in Amelia, Chesterfield and Powhatan counties and part of the city of Richmond. Hamacher will begin his ministry June 1….
Surrendering all
Cover Story for May 26, 2005 Even people from the humblest of beginnings need to realize God has a purpose for their lives, talk show host Oprah Winfrey told a crowd of church goers during her recent visit to a…
Construction volunteers sought for Grenada
Volunteers are being sought for a Virginia Baptist construction project in Grenada. Two or three volunteers are needed to help build two frame houses on the Caribbean island. The project is at the top of the Grenada Baptist Association's help…
Letters to the Editor for May 26, 2005
Inmates appreciate Herald Our ministry receives the Religious Herald you send, and we greatly appreciated the kindness you have shown us through your giving. As you are aware, our ministry here is not supported by the state but relies on…
Children’s Home walk-a-thon continues to raise funds for ministry
The annual walk-a-thon held by the Virginia Baptist Children's Home & Family Services continues to be the fundraising highlight for providing benevolent care to the hundreds of at-risk children and youth, as well as adults with developmental disabilities, who turn…
World Baptists focus on unity, not squabbles, says BWA executive
Baptists of the world are more interested in unity and ministry than in denominational squabbles like the one dividing Baptists in the southern United States, said Denton Lotz, general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance. “It's a lot better to…
Beheading of Christian is 2nd in Bangladesh
A Baptist lay pastor has been beheaded in Bangladesh, the second Christian leader to lose his life in that country in a year, according to a Christian news organization. Dulal Sarkar was attacked by Muslim extremists as he returned home…
Church & People News for May 26, 2005
Staff Changes Alan Stanley, to Christ Church, Manassas, as pastor. Todd Higginson, resigning as pastor of Boulevard Church, Richmond, to accept the call as resident minister intern at Franklin Church, Franklin. Steven R. Gibson, to Franklin Church, Franklin, as…
The spiritual ‘Vietnam Syndrome’
Another View for May 19, 2005 By Erich Bridges The 30th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War brought countless replays of the news footage showing American helicopters lifting off from the roof of the U.S. Embassy in Saigon…
Health insurance is great – when you’ve got it
Guest Editorial for May 19, 2005 By Robert Parham “How much do you think this bottle of pills costs?” asked my wife, several days after I had returned home from a month in the hospital for the treatment of acute…
Some megapulpits face transition, while others struggle
Analysis for May 26, 2005 By Greg Warner Two more Baptist megachurches are venturing into mostly uncharted waters-replacing legendary preachers-where success has proven rare. Jerry Vines announced May 1 he will retire next February as pastor of the 28,000-member First…