• Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • About
  • Home

Pathway

Missouri Baptist Convention's Official News Journal

  • Missouri
    • MBC
    • Churches
    • Institutions & Agencies
    • Policy
    • Disaster Relief
  • National
    • SBC Annual Meeting
    • NAMB
    • SBC
    • Churches
    • Policy
    • Society & Culture
  • Global
    • Missions
    • Multicultural
  • Columnists
    • Wes Fowler
    • Ben Hawkins
    • Pat Lamb
    • Rhonda Rhea
    • Rob Phillips
  • Ethics
    • Life
    • Liberty
    • Family
  • Faith
    • Apologetics
    • Religions
    • Evangelism
    • Missions
    • Bible Study & Devotion
  • E-Edition

More results...

Impacting lives: A Christmastime update from The Baptist Home

December 24, 2020 By Rodney Harrison

Christmas at The Baptist Home is a special time for residents and caregivers alike. Festive decorations enlighten each hall and resident room, while nativity scenes serve as a reminder of the true reason for the season. In years past, church members would fill their cars and trucks with food and supplies and bring them to The Home each Christmas. Appreciative staff and residents accepted those gifts as from the Lord, as they often sustained the ministry in those early days.

Although state and federal regulations now prevent us from taking gifts of home canned goods, fresh eggs, milk and venison, we still give thanks for the partnership we enjoy with the churches and families who support The Home with their gifts and prayer. This month, I have asked our campus administrators to share how The Baptist Home is impacting lives during the pandemic.

Chillicothe

For many, this year has been filled with anxiety, sadness, and fear at a level most of us have never experienced.  Yet at the birth of our Lord, the angel said to the shepherds, “Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”  The staff and residents have much to rejoice over this Christmas.  Despite COVID-19, God’s faithfulness has sustained us in a manner that has strengthened our trust and reminded us of our reliance on Him.  As we continue to minister and serve in His name, we say, “Glory to God in the highest!”

Arcadia Valley

More than ever, the residents and staff at Arcadia Valley have felt a great sense of “family.”  Although there has always been an atmosphere of love and family between the residents and staff, due to required social isolation, this year it is even more so.  The responsibility and privilege of caring for residents is a sacred entrustment.  Just as the birth of Christ occurred in a humble manner, at Christmas, as in every season, the love of Christ is being shared and expressed in simple, everyday ways that demonstrate the call to care for His children.

Ozark

Jackie Robinson once stated, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other people.” Here are some ways we are impacting lives at the Ozark campus:

I: Imaginative outside-the-box thinking to enhance those we serve

M: More smiles through activities that enhance those we serve

P: Praying for others

A: Accountability to each other and to those we serve

C: Character of staff who listen carefully to the needs of each resident

T: Time spent with those we serve

We strive to do our jobs better than we have ever done before, pressing on to excellence! (Philippians 3:13).

Ashland

Loneliness and isolation have become hallmarks of life for many in 2020, and we have all been reminded of how precious our communities really are.  Watching our residents and staff embrace safety precautions while still building a vibrant community has been a joy to behold.  It is wonderful to see residents enjoy our beautiful 73-acre campus, as they walk together each day and enjoy healthy fresh air and companionship that raises weary hearts.  Despite difficulties, people at The Baptist Home have lived and thrived together, and they continue to find joy and purpose as part of God’s remarkable kingdom.

One highlight of 2020 was a COVID-19 conversation between a resident and physical therapist who was making her rounds at The Home. This conversation led to the therapist trusting in Jesus Christ as her Savior, and serves as a reminder that God uses all things towards His good—even a pandemic—for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Comments

Featured Videos

Lick Creek Fellowship - A Story of Cooperation

A declining rural church faced closure after years of dwindling attendance and aging members. But after the doors closed, a small group stepped in to build something fresh from its legacy. Watch this video to hear this story of cooperation and new life.

Find More Videos

Trending

  • MBC names Rob Pochek to lead prayer and evangelism ministries

  • HLGU asks U.S. Department of Education for protection from unconstitutional mandate 

  • HLGU President: ‘Why I’m asking the Department of Education to protect religious liberty at Christian universities’

  • Rescued: Friends, family of freed missionary ‘filled with praise to God’

  • Raytown church finds new chance for life

  • Pianist, age 99, makes music at MBC church for 85 years

Ethics

HLGU asks U.S. Department of Education for protection from unconstitutional mandate 

Hannibal-LaGrange University

Hannibal-LaGrange University (HLGU), affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) since 1857, has formally requested a religious accommodation from the U.S. Department of Education from a Biden-era regulation, 34 CFR §668.14. Without timely action by the Department, the university intends to file a lawsuit seeking relief to safeguard its religious freedoms.

Legislative actions aim to protect unborn lives

Timothy Faber

More Ethics Stories

Missouri

R.A. Congress brings faith, fun to grade-school boys

Bonnie Carter

Boys in grades 1-6, along with leaders and volunteers, came from Missouri Baptist churches across the state and gathered at the Missouri State Fairgrounds for a fun-filled R.A. Congress, which showcased activities boys love along with showing them how to live on mission with God.

Copyright © 2025 · The Pathway