(RNS)—Winning an Olympic medal is hard. Surprisingly, winning one when you’re fasting for Ramadan is not that much harder. At least, not for Suleiman Nyambui of Tanzania, who took silver in the 5000 meters at the 1980 Summer Olympics while…
Plan will allow one of Virginia Baptist Homes’ retirement communities to end bankruptcy
DALEVILLE, Va.—A federal bankruptcy court judge in Roanoke, Va., approved a reorganization plan July 12 that will allow one of Virginia Baptist Homes’ retirement communities to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Glebe, located just outside Roanoke, filed for bankruptcy…
HERITAGE: ‘While yet day’
In its 225 years High Hills Baptist Church at Jarratt, Va., has witnessed many sunrises. Each one brought challenges and opportunities. At the front of the church’s sanctuary there are two tablets memoralizing early pastors: Josiah C. Bailey (1813-1881) and…
OPINION: I want to be Judi Dench
When I’m asked what actress I admire most people are often surprised by my response. I suspect they think my answer will be someone closer to my age or at least one of the classic examples like Meryl Streep. But…
Virginia Baptist Foundation awards scholarships
RICHMOND, Va.—The Virginia Baptist Foundation has awarded scholarships totaling $82,500 to 50 recipients from across Virginia, it has announced. The Foundation hosted its fifth annual scholarship recognition ceremony recently at the Virginia Baptist Resource Center. “We have the privilege of…
Organization says SBC is ‘bullying’ Air Force chaplain to explain presence
(ABP)—A chaplaincy organization supportive of last year’s repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that banned gays from serving openly in the military accused the Southern Baptist Convention of bullying and intimidation for asking an Air Force chaplain to…
VITAL SIGNS: What’s on your menu?
Let’s start with a disclaimer. I know that congregations and restaurants are not in the same business. I understand that thinking like a restaurant can lead to embracing the consumer culture of the day. I know all too well that…
Latino Network to sponsor youths attending global Baptist conference
RICHMOND, Va.—The Latino Network of Virginia Baptists has announced plans to sponsor 10 Latino youth to attend the Baptist Youth World Conference next summer in Singapore. The conference, sponsored by the Baptist World Alliance, is expected to draw about 6,000…
OUT LOUD
“As Muslims, when we see President Morsi, we feel just as the black people of the United States feel about Barack Obama. Here is somebody who looks like me, who represents me.” Ali el-Banna The Egyptian lawyer spoke to the…
OPINION: Waiting for the bullets
What went through her mind during the final minutes of her life? What feelings of terror flooded her heart as she crouched on the rock-strewn barren ravine bank just outside her native village of Charikar in Afghanistan? Powerless to prevent…
Bible museum planned for Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON (RNS)—A large-scale Bible museum will open in Washington, D.C., within four years, say planners who have been touring the world with portions of their collection. Cary Summers, chief operating officer of The Museum of the Bible, a nonprofit umbrella…
VITAL SIGNS: Describe a healthy pastor search process, please
The search process for a new pastor is both an exhilarating and a risky time for a congregation. Healthy congregations go at this task from the framework of a spiritual discernment process that is unique to the free-call tradition of…