BOLIVAR – Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo., has released a resource designed to make the Southern Baptist Convention’s statement of faith more accessible to today’s congregations. The “We Believe” project, a series of short videos highlighting the Baptist Faith & Message 2000, was developed last summer. SBU President Rick Melson expressed his excitement about the resource, saying, “As a lifelong Southern Baptist, I'm delighted that our faith statement at SBU is the Baptist … [Read more...]
Missouri Baptist family launches coffee company to help trafficking victims
MARSHALL – It is not uncommon for viewers to leave a movie with strong emotions. In fact, most movies are crafted to elicit an emotional response. But rarely is the intended response anger. This summer, after seeing “Sound of Freedom” in theaters, one Missouri Baptist pastor went home angry. David Slusher, who pastors Gill Memorial Baptist Church in Marshall, Mo., recalls being deeply affected by the film, which exposes the dark reality of human sex trafficking – a plight which goes … [Read more...]
‘Sacrificial giving’ sustains missionary family in Chile
SANTIAGO, Chile – Evangelism, discipleship, church planting, mentoring leaders – these are just a few of the objectives one missionary family is pursuing in their local community. Every step of the way, God has sustained Jason Frealy and his family through the SBC’s Cooperative Program and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. “Lottie Moon is crucial to everything we do as missionaries in South America,” the native Missourian shared. “Generosity of our Baptist brethren has enabled us to … [Read more...]
REVIEW: Though it’s an imaginative film, does ‘Journey to Bethlehem’ distract from Christ?
KANSAS CITY – With October barely in the books, Sony’s Affirm Films jumpstarted this year’s Christmas season with the release of “Journey to Bethlehem” on Nov. 10. Adam Anders – executive music producer for the comedy show, “Glee” – makes his directing debut with “Journey to Bethlehem,” which bills itself as an epic Christmas musical full of “humor, faith, and new pop songs.” On its website, the film claims to be a “unique new entry in the collection of holiday classic movies.” Like most … [Read more...]
KC ministry aims to be ‘church’s welcome mat’ this Christmas
KANSAS CITY – On Saturday, Dec. 16, one Kansas City ministry plans to distribute more than 100 Christmas baskets across the city. Volunteers with Refuge KC will deliver baskets of donated gifts to the homes of refugees from all over the world. Richard Casebolt, the founder and director of Refuge KC, explained that each basket will be filled with items purchased by local church partners – including cooking spices, seasonal oven mitts, interactive games, and fleece blankets. Additionally, … [Read more...]
Milo church celebrates ‘house that God built’
MILO – After years of working and waiting, Milo Baptist Church here officially dedicated its new building on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 24. They celebrated with a special time of worship and fellowship, marking the culmination of countless hours of labor put in by Milo’s members and volunteer teams from across the state. More than 50 people attended the service, enjoying congregational singing, responsive reading, special recognitions, and a slideshow memorializing the building process, which … [Read more...]
Missouri Baptists reach over 1,300 Mississippi inmates through vision clinics
PARCHMAN/GREENWOOD, Miss. – A team of Missouri Baptists facilitated vision clinics in October at two Mississippi prisons, sharing the gospel widely as they provided inmates with glasses. The trip was a joint effort of two Missouri-based nonprofits, Vision 3:16 and Focus On Missions. Both organizations, with roots in local Baptist churches, are geared toward vision ministry and often collaborate on projects. Steve Smith, the founder of Focus On Missions and a member of First Baptist, … [Read more...]
‘Rapidly growing’ Burmese church aims to reach youth, raise leaders
PURDY – The year 2020 was a difficult one for churches across the nation. With the emergence of COVID-19, many church members chose to stay home and worship online, hoping to hinder the virus’ spread through social distancing. Outreach ministries were put on hold and gatherings were suspended. Despite coronavirus concerns, a small group of Burmese immigrants began gathering for worship in 2020 and, today, Farm Chin Baptist Church (FCBC) is a growing community seeking to make a kingdom … [Read more...]
Forest Park Church, Joplin, aims to shine bright at home, across the globe
JOPLIN – Mexico, Brazil, Tanzania… These are all nations whose people have been blessed by the missionary heart of one Missouri Baptist church family. But this year, Forest Park Church in Joplin, Mo., is shifting its focus toward also reaching a single small city – its own. Under new leadership, the church is placing a renewed emphasis on local ministry in order to engage the inhabitants of Joplin and the surrounding communities. Senior Pastor Brian Jump explained that reaching the local … [Read more...]
‘No bench members’ as church rallies to bless North County, St. Louis
Cross Keys Baptist, Florrisant, serves 300-plus at back-to-school bash FLORISSANT – Despite soaring temperatures, the congregation of Cross Keys Baptist Church (CKBC) in Florissant, was determined to serve the community with a Back-to-School Bash, July 29. For several hours, church members welcomed local families in the CKBC parking lot, offering free backpacks, children’s books, and other resources for the new school year. The event exemplified the church’s efforts to renew community … [Read more...]