EDITOR'S NOTE: This article first appeared in The Baptist Paper (click here). American missionary pastor Josh Sullivan is a free man and reportedly back safely with his wife and children, according to media reports. The 45-year-old missionary from Tennessee was rescued in dramatic fashion Tuesday (April 16) in South Africa following a deadly shootout between police and his kidnappers. Sullivan had been abducted at gunpoint while preaching a sermon April 10 at Fellowship Baptist Church … [Read more...]
New school year, same mission
by Shane Pruitt For many students and ministries, the start of a new school year feels the same as New Year’s resolutions for many adults. Most students see returning to school as offering more new opportunities and better chances to start over compared to the beginning of a new calendar year. As leaders, we tend to feel the pressure of overthinking what we will do differently in our ministries each school year. We want to be innovative, creative, and think outside the box or even crash … [Read more...]
Adam Groza nominated as Gateway president
by Tyler Sanders/Gateway Seminary ONTARIO, Calif. (BP) – Trustees on Gateway Seminary’s presidential search committee have nominated Adam Groza, vice president for enrollment and student services, as the candidate to serve as the seminary’s next president. “After a thorough selection process, we are thankful to be able to unanimously present a candidate to the full board,” said J. Robert White, chair of the search committee. “Adam Groza has demonstrated capable and godly leadership … [Read more...]
Evangelism under review: Great Commission Resurgence results being evaluated
by Art Toalston/The Baptist Paper EDITOR'S NOTE: Former Baptist Press (BP) editor Art Toalston, who served with BP from 1992 to 2015, has produced an in-depth, 9,000-word special report about The Great Commission Resurgence. His full report can be accessed here: https://www.arttoalston.com/?page_id=388. The abbreviated version of the report below was first published by The Baptist Paper here: … [Read more...]
Christian persecution rising; North Korea remains atop 2024 World Watch List
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article first appeared in The Baptist Paper (Click here to read the original report; to read other Baptist Paper reports on the persecuted church, click here). NORTH KOREA (The Baptist Paper) – North Korea remains atop the list of countries where persecution of Christians is highest, Open Doors reported Jan. 17 amid the release of its 2024 World Watch List. The annual report highlights the top 50 countries where Christians are most at risk for living out their … [Read more...]
Baptist partners in Japan ready to respond to earthquake damage
by Stephen R. Clark/The Baptist Paper JAPAN – A 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit western Japan on Jan. 1 — several aftershocks have since followed. It is reportedly the most serious and deadliest earthquake since those that hit the country in 2015 and 2016. As many as 55 are confirmed dead while rescue efforts are ongoing; many still remain without cell phone service, water, electric and other utilities. Coy Webb, crisis response director of Southern Baptist’s Send Relief stated, “We … [Read more...]
Send Relief videos show Baptist work in war-torn Israel
TEL AVIV, Israel (BP) – In the midst of the harrowing Israel-Hamas War, Baptist Village near Tel Aviv, Israel, stands as a beacon of resilience and compassion, dedicated to healing the wounds of displacement. Send Relief is partnering with Baptist Village to provide physical and emotional support to those displaced by the war. Baptist Village belongs to the Baptist Convention in Israel and was purchased by Baptists in 1946. But according to its website, today, most of its guests are … [Read more...]
‘Work in progress’: Chiefs long snapper thankful for faith, playing in 3rd Super Bowl
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article, written by Tim Ellsworth, was first published by The Baptist Paper here. KANSAS CITY (The Baptist Paper) – No matter how well he plays in Sunday’s Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles, James Winchester of the Kansas City Chiefs will not be the game’s MVP. No matter how perfect his execution, no matter how flawless his performance, Winchester’s name will only make the post-game writeups and highlight reels if he fouls things up. He can’t be the hero. … [Read more...]