INDONESIA (IMB) – Southern Baptists have a long history in medical missions and have continued to bring hope and healing during the COVID-19 crisis. Field workers around the world use hospitals and clinics as ministry centers to serve communities and offer physical and spiritual healthcare. In 1957, three Southern Baptist representatives—nurses Ruth Ford, Everly Hayes and Dr. Kathleen Jones—founded Kediri Baptist Hospital in the city of Kediri on the island of Java in Indonesia. In 1972, … [Read more...]
Retirees continue to train leaders in South Asia and Latin America
DICKSON, Tenn. – Derick and Celia Cobb* traveled from Tennessee to South Asia to Latin America, training local leaders who would, in turn, train others. The retirees have made multiple trips as volunteers to partner with Chase and Rita Tozer*, IMB workers in South Asia. The Cobbs’ history with the IMB began long before their involvement in South Asia. In the 1970s, they served in the Philippines before returning to their home church, First Baptist Dickson in Dickson, Tennessee. The Cobbs … [Read more...]
Baptists known for excellence in medical care in Indonesia
INDONESIA – Southern Baptists have a long history in medical missions and have continued to bring hope and healing during the COVID-19 crisis. Field workers around the world use hospitals and clinics as ministry centers to serve communities and offer physical and spiritual healthcare. In 1957, three Southern Baptist representatives—nurses Ruth Ford, Everly Hayes and Dr. Kathleen Jones—founded Kediri Baptist Hospital in the city of Kediri on the island of Java in Indonesia. In 1972, … [Read more...]
IMB virtually celebrates sending 61 missionaaries
RICHMOND, Va. (BP) – The International Mission Board (IMB) commissioned 61 missionaries in a virtual Sending Celebration on June 9. Three missionaries with links to Missouri were among the new appointees.. Sending Celebrations provide a forum for Southern Baptists to commission new missionaries and hear their call to missions. IMB trustees voted on and approved 59 of the missionaries this spring in a virtual board meeting. Two missionaries were appointed in January. The commissioning … [Read more...]
Missionary faces pandemic without fear after war, genocide, coups, terrorist attacks
SOUTH ASIA – In the 32 years he’s been on the mission field, Cole Elbridge* has ministered during a war, a genocide, two attempted coups, a civil war, a political insurrection and terrorist attacks. He’s stood up to armed bandits, ministered among Christian communities facing religious persecution, chose homelessness in order to minister to the destitute, was evacuated due to increased rebel activity and survived cancer. Elbridge has lived through famine, floods and cyclones. He’s … [Read more...]