Local survivors partner with MBC Disaster Relief in Louisiana DERIDDER, La. – During most disasters, it’s American Red Cross volunteers that distribute the thousands of hot meals cooked and packaged by Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers. In hurricane-battered DeRidder, it was a hurricane survivor named Mitch, along with other local residents. DeRidder is a city of about 10,000 in western Louisiana. When Hurricane Laura hit, she hit the city hard. After making landfall Aug. 26, … [Read more...]
‘God did a work’
Despite storms, cancer, pastor’s broken neck, Pioneer Baptist Church sees God’s blessings BIRCH TREE – Pioneer Baptist Church has been through its shares of trials during the past 12 months. Yet pastor Robert Gifford says the church has also seen God’s faithfulness and blessings beyond their expectations. The congregation nestled in south-central Missouri saw their pianist and worship leader encounter severe cancer, a storm blew through and left a giant tree in the middle of the church … [Read more...]
‘Barabbas’ tells biblical parable … that’s not in the Bible
EDITOR’S NOTE: Once a month in 2020, The Pathway will examine a classic Hollywood retelling of a biblical story, compare it to the actual Word of God, and discuss its artistic merits. Viewed critically from a biblical worldview, the stretch of biblical epics from the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s can prompt discussion and appreciation for God’s truly magnificent story. To see all the Movie Club entries, visit www.mbcpathway.com/movieclub. The Movie 1961’s “Barabbas” is a different sort of … [Read more...]
Climbing poles, preaching to souls
HARTSBURG – God can use anyone, any setting and any time to call someone to the gospel ministry. For Johnie Hendrix, that call came through a co-worker during a meeting at an electric co-op: “Johnie, have you ever thought about pastoring a church?” But like many calls to follow the Lord in obedience, the path for Hendrix wasn’t as straight or as direct as he might have hoped. Climbing poles, digging holes In 2015, Hendrix was an electrical lineman in southwest Missouri. He and his … [Read more...]
Flying veggies lead to gospel encounter
HANNIBAL – Sometimes God causes a gospel opportunity to fall into your lap. Literally. Southside Baptist Church Pastor Scott Hawes and a deacon were hauling a load of fresh produce to giveaway. Going around a bend, the plastic wrap securing the load came loose and wrapped around the wheel of the truck, throwing half a dozen 25-lb baskets of food into the road. “It could have been bad: fruit and vegetables flying through the air,” said Hawes. “My heart just sank. We could have hit a car or … [Read more...]
MBCH celebrates 80 permanencies, moves forward with strategic plan
BRIDGETON – Trustees met via videoconference and in person – spread out across the MBCH’s chapel – for their board meeting July 28. Though they noted many challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, bright spots emerged as well. Trustees celebrated 42 permanencies in the second quarter, and 80 in 2020 thus far. They lamented a recent United Supreme Court ruling that repealed restrictions on abortion, but celebrated other rulings that affirmed religious ministries like MBCH can hire … [Read more...]
Fall DR training dates set
SPRINGFIELD – This year has been all about the unexpected, and two remaining Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief trainings this year can equip volunteers prepare to bring help, hope and healing when the unexpected strikes again. “A prepared volunteer is the best volunteer,” said Gaylon Moss, director of Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief. “Training gives people a chance to sharpen their skills so they can be more effective as a believer; not only in their physical work, but in their spiritual … [Read more...]
‘Greatest Story Ever Told’ sports greatest cast ever assembled
EDITOR’S NOTE: Once a month in 2020, The Pathway will examine a classic Hollywood retelling of a biblical story, compare it to the actual Word of God, and discuss its artistic merits. Viewed critically from a biblical worldview, the stretch of biblical epics from the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s can prompt discussion and appreciation for God’s truly magnificent story. To see all the Movie Club entries, visit www.mbcpathway.com/movieclub. The Movie 1965’s “The Greatest Story Ever Told” is a … [Read more...]
JESSE JAMES: ‘Baptists did not weep at his funeral’
KEARNEY – Ken Parker, pastor of First Baptist Church, here, told The Pathway that many members of the church in 2020 would rather forget their congregation ever had any connection to Jesse James, even if it was 150 years ago. Though his name has attained a sort of mythical folk hero status in popular culture, there’s no doubt he was still a notorious outlaw. See related story: Jesse James was – at one time – a Missouri Baptist, but his relationship with his church was… complicated The … [Read more...]
Jesse James was – at one time – a Missouri Baptist, but his relationship with his church was… complicated
KEARNEY – Poring over microfiche of Kearney’s First Baptist Church business meeting minutes, one finds the November, 1867 membership list. At the top of the page, in the left-hand column in tight, careful script, lies probably the most famous – or, more rightly, infamous – name in Missouri Baptist history: Jesse James. As one might imagine, the role that an outlaw plays in First Baptist Church’s past is met with mixed emotions. “Some don’t want to admit he was ever a part of the church,” … [Read more...]
Saying so long (and how the news makes us dumb)
The nature of journalism – particularly Christian journalism – and reporting the news – particularly as it relates to God’s people – have been on my mind lately. They’re on my mind because, after 15 years and more than 300 issues of The Pathway, I’m headed for something new and exciting. Though I’m extraordinarily sad to say goodbye to you as readers, I’m delighted to tell you I’m moving from Jefferson City to Kansas City and will soon marry my fiancée, Melissa. I covet your prayers as I … [Read more...]
COVID-19 hits four Noel churches, four pastors
NOEL – Even as many Missouri Baptist churches take precautions – some of them extraordinary – to safeguard from the COVID-19 pandemic, interaction with the community and workplace transmission has infected some worshippers. Joshua Manning, pastor of Community Baptist Church in Noel, said his congregation and the community took steps to “flatten the curve,” but transmission of the coronavirus from day-to-day contact at members’ workplaces has touched a large percentage of the … [Read more...]
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