ST. LOUIS—Here at the Thrive Mobile Medical Center, where babies are being saved through ultrasounds, the culture of life is often quite personal and practical for Nurse Manager Diane Vaughan. “Some of these babies are literally auditioning for their very life,” she said. Parked across the way from a Planned Parenthood clinic where abortions are performed, the mobile unit is an advocate for the kingdom of Christ on the streets of St. Louis. When a pregnant woman arrives for free medical … [Read more...]
Six simple rules for an evangelistic church
A five-year-old slugger smacks the baseball out into the field and sprints toward third base. A tiny midfielder, playing her first soccer match, reaches down and scoops into her arms the ball rolling through the green grass toward her. A small child on the basketball court receives a pass from a teammate and excitedly races to the hoop … without remembering to dribble! If you have ever coached a children’s sports team then you know the importance of explaining the simple rules of the … [Read more...]
LINC helps mothers gain skills to succeed
WENTZVILLE—The long-term work of helping a single mother who perhaps has chosen to not abort her baby can be found right here within the confines of LINC (Love in the Name of Christ). LINC offers a variety of assistance programs, family activities, and life management training opportunities for people in St. Charles County. It is located in Hidden Valley Estates, a federally subsidized housing area with approximately 200 houses and 400 children. The ministry has been active since 1992, and … [Read more...]
Kinkade’s biblical worldview approach an example to all
Artist Thomas Kinkade, who brought the light and warmth of God to much of his art, died suddenly at his California home April 7. He was 54. Kinkade’s paintings is a grand example of how a Christian can bring a biblical worldview to one’s work for all to see and to the glory of God. Self-described as “The Painter of Light,“ Kinkade built a multi-million dollar empire off his renderings of light-infused tranquil landscapes that often featured churches and homes. A devout Christian, he once … [Read more...]
Mali’s Christians may soon be subjected to oppression
BAMAKO, Mali – Recent government coups are increasing the potential for persecution in one of the countries Missouri Baptists are working to evangelize, said Rick Hedger, partnership mission specialist for the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC). Mali is one of several nations in the “western Africa gateway cluster” that has partnered with the MBC since 2009. Hedger estimates that MBC churches have taken a dozen or so trips there in that time, though he and the International Mission Board … [Read more...]
MBC’s Hedger recounts stories of persecuted faith
JEFFERSON CITY – Rick Hedger enjoys a reasonable feeling of security and safety from his office in the middle of Missouri, but the partnership missions specialist for the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) has seen the evidence of persecution first hand. He tells a story about a 14-year-old girl in Senegal, one of the countries in western Africa the MBC has partnered with. A member of the “L” people group, she came to faith in Jesus despite facing great pressures from her family. “Coming … [Read more...]
Casinos seek bill for on-site credit
JEFFERSON CITY – Opponents of extending on-site credit to casino patrons are watching a maneuver by the industry to pass the legislation by attaching it to a bill unrelated to casinos. Among the opponents are a number of casino employees. “There are a handful of bills dealing with administrative issues with the lottery commission,” said Kerry Messer, legislative liaison for the Missouri Baptist Convention’s Christian Life Commission. “There is an effort underway to amend those bills to … [Read more...]
A ‘pro-choice’ Christian’s unique take on abortion
First let me say, I am a born again follower of Christ and I’m pro-choice. I know it’s shocking but I’m an American and have always had the freedom to choose when my choice does not adversely affect others. It’s the American way. Now that I have your attention, or perhaps your ire, let me clarify. I say I’m pro-choice, not to say I support abortion, but rather that the identifier for that side of the issue was selected very deceptively. In other words, I’d argue which choice we are … [Read more...]
Missouri Baptists weigh Chicago’s vast need for churches
CHICAGO – Chicago needs 20,000 strong churches in its metro area to have the same ratio of people to churches as Missouri. That means, according to Keith Draper, director of missions for the Chicago Metro Baptist Association (CMBA), the Windy City needs approximately 15,000 more churches than it has now. It would be an incredible feat, but it is also one that Draper said the CMBA is working toward. And the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) continues to be an active partner in that … [Read more...]
Governor Nixon schedules meeting with statewide disaster relief volunteers
JEFFERSON CITY – Gov. Jay Nixon will meet with volunteers and leaders from Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief and other organizations in regional meetings April 24-May 4. The meeting will focus on: Responding to the emotional and spiritual challenges of disasters; the role of religious leaders in response and recovery efforts; the support to faith communities available from the Missouri National Guard Chaplain Corps; how to organize and maximize volunteers for disaster response and recovery; … [Read more...]
Easter date calls to mind hope in Joplin
JOPLIN – Just one year ago, on Easter Sunday 2011, Brad Graves, a former North American Mission Board (NAMB) church planter, delivered his first sermon here as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church. One month later a deadly tornado ravaged the city, forever changing Joplin’s landscape both literally and spiritually. “I broke down and cried out to God saying He could have picked any pastor in America, but He chose me,” Graves said. “I take that very seriously and I am grateful for the honor … [Read more...]
2nd Springfield calls MBC’s Hughes as administrator
JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) Associate Executive Director Jay Hughes will be leaving the convention staff to become administrative pastor for Second Baptist Church, Springfield. He will begin his work at Second Springfield Aug. 1. Hughes, 41, began his service with the MBC in July 2003, serving as controller and later also as associate executive director, support services group. The Support Services Group includes the business services team, the technology team and … [Read more...]
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