Kevin and Naomi Scantlan of Columbia, Mo., feel called to international missions. But as integrated technology services analysts at University of Missouri Health Care and church lay leaders, committing to years abroad really isn't feasible. That's why they're planning their…
BGAV annual again produced in electronic format
RICHMOND — For the second year, the Virginia Baptist Annual is being produced in electronic format and distributed on a CD in order to reduce expenses. This year's edition — the 2007 Annual — is also available on the Virginia…
Bluefield College board approves strategic plan
BLUEFIELD (ABP) — Bluefield College will focus on academics, global service, expanded resources and partnerships as part of its new five-year strategic plan. Trustees of the Virginia Baptist school approved the four-part plan at their April board session. The strategic…
Aid groups feel the pinch of rising food, gas prices
WASHINGTON (RNS)—Dramatic increases in food and gas prices are leaving some religious hunger-relief groups praying for relief. Problems already were apparent in 2006, but U.S. churches now report increased difficulty getting meals to people who need them. Food distributors see…
“Grading Center” a ministry of Temple in Newport News
NEWPORT NEWS — Too old for meaningful ministry? Not according to a group of women and one man from Temple Baptist Church in Newport News. For 28 years the church has provided ministry in Newport News and other Hampton Roads…
SBC’s CP runs 0.97% ahead of pace for 2007
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) — Year-to-date contributions through the Southern Baptist Convention's Cooperative Program are 0.97 percent ahead of the same time frame in May 2007, according to a news release from SBC Executive Committee President and Chief Executive Officer Morris…
Rising cost of fuel, food prompts adjustments by relief groups
With oil trading at about $130 a barrel in New York and London markets and gas at the pump inching toward $4 a gallon in the United States, some international relief agencies have found the task of getting assistance to…
Beulah Church braves weather for missions
Amid torrential downpours of rain and a tornado watch, a mission team from Beulah Baptist Church in Warsaw spent three days at Camp Piankatank, May 8–10, doing repairs and pressure washing and painting the cabins. Camp Piankatank is a Baptist…
NAMB trustees review evangelism initiative
PORTSMOUTH (BP) — The Southern Baptist Convention's North American Mission Board trustees heard plans for a new national evangelism initiative and elected Tim Patterson as their new chairman during a May 20-21 meeting in Portsmouth. In a week highlighted by…
Virginia Baptist Historical Society focuses on stewardship at meeting
RICHMOND—The Virginia Baptist Historical Society and the Center for Baptist Heritage and Studies faithfully propagates Virginia Baptist principles, and at its May 20 convocation and annual meeting at Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond focused on an often overlooked Baptist…
Pastors ask town to ban Sunday morning sports
HANOVER TOWNSHIP, N.J. — It is a weekly ordeal at the Rev. Donald Mossa's church. The moment the youth choir sings its last note, a swarm of parents descends to rush their kids to soccer games. Or they call to…
Conservatives warn of gay marriage lawsuits
WASHINGTON — California's decision to legalize same-sex marriage could “spawn lawsuits all over the country,” trampling states' rights and limiting religious freedom, a coalition of conservative groups warned May 29. The Washington-based Family Research Council issued that warning the same…