CAPE GIRARDEAU – Sharing Jesus isn’t difficult. Just ask Rex Barker. Recently returned from his seventh trip to the Philippine island of Bohol and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, the retired school teacher and member of Linwood Baptist in Cape Girardeau has taken it upon himself to be the missionary to anyone and everyone who will listen. That goes for southeast Missouri as well as Southeast Asia. “In two weeks, we prayed for almost 10,000 students. That’s a ‘wow.’ The doors just … [Read more...]
Are all world religions equal?
In Cholula, Mexico, stands the Church of Our Lady of Remedies. It sits atop the largest archaeological site in the Americas – a pyramid laced with catacombs and filled with artifacts from pre-colonial days. According to some accounts, the natives of Cholula refused to welcome Spanish Conquistador Hernan Cortes in the 16th century. So to teach them a lesson, Cortes massacred thousands and ordered the people to build 365 Catholic Churches, one for each day of the year. They never reached … [Read more...]
How one Missouri church is seeking partnership in Mexico
PUEBLA, Mexico – Jason Walters wants his church to carry out the Great Commission by identifying its Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and ends of the earth. The student pastor of Canaan Baptist Church in St. Louis has taken mission teams to the United Kingdom and the Dominican Republic, and his church already partners with other churches in Iowa and West Africa. But when Walters and senior pastor Daniel Carr heard about the vision being cast by 60 churches in the Puebla/Tlaxcala region of … [Read more...]
100: churches: Mexico-Missouri partnership has 2020 vision
PUEBLA, Mexico – Angel Gonzalez hopes to provide counseling, legal advice, and English as a Second Language to his neighbors in the community of La Luna. Abednego Tamariz has a heart for the indigenous Nahuas people of San Miguel and is sharing the love of Christ with many who are enslaved by alcoholism, drug addiction, and domestic violence. Mauro Lara is grieved over six communities within driving distance of his home in the city of Puebla that have little or no evangelistic … [Read more...]
Mock disaster could bring 1,000+ to simulation
JEFFERSON CITY – A massive tornado will devastate the Jefferson City area May 3. More precisely, a massive hypothetical tornado will devastate the Jefferson City area May 3. The disaster simulation will be the largest Disaster Relief (DR) event in the state of Missouri, and will take place May 3-4 at the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) DR Head Quarters at 2552 High Point Road outside Jefferson City. “We’re inviting every unit and every volunteer from Missouri,” said Dwain Carter, MBC … [Read more...]
DR structure to make disaster response deeper
JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Baptists’ Disaster Relief (DR) response is going to be quicker and deeper according to a new structure for one the most highly visible ministries in the state. Instead of a single “white hat” to manage an entire state – usually the state DR director – there are now eight additional volunteers who can operate as white hats when multiple disasters strike or time and distance make it necessary. “I can’t do it all myself,” said Dwain Carter, the Missouri Baptist … [Read more...]
‘Is homosexuality the worst sin?’
A few years ago I joined leaders of LifeWay Christian Resources in a meeting with executives of a Nashville TV station. They were preparing to launch a new program catering to gays and lesbians. We asked them to reconsider. Among the TV executives was a lesbian. She wanted to know why Christians couldn’t just accept her for who she is. It was the only time I recall speaking up, and I said something like this: “I accept you for who you are, if you accept me. We are both sinners who … [Read more...]
Twin Rivers helps raise missions awareness
WARRENTON — For the second time in three years, Twin Rivers Baptist Association (TRBA) held a missions conference, bringing missionaries from the United States and the world to meet, dine, and fellowship with Baptists in St. Charles, Lincoln, Montgomery and Warren counties. Director of Missions Brent Campbell said that 15 missionaries from the North American Mission Board (NAMB) and International Mission Board (IMB) participated in events across 15 churches during the On Mission … [Read more...]
Making disciples or teaching the lesson?
My Sunday School teacher called early on a Saturday morning. “Mark, my store was broken into and completely vandalized. It’ll take days to repair. If you don’t teach tomorrow, then we won’t have Sunday School. How ‘bout it?” I agreed, but only out of pity. Prior to that moment, I had only taught a third grade Sunday School class with my wife. I actually got her to drive to church while I scanned the lesson plan. And I knew I was bad. Because of that experience I skewed spiritual gift tests … [Read more...]
Pop Quiz: What do you know about Islam?
Islam is the youngest and fastest-growing major religion in the world. But how much do you know about the beliefs and practices that Muhammad and his followers began exporting from the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century? Here’s a chance to test your knowledge. The correct answers follow the quiz. 1. The Arabic word “Islam” means: a) Holy war; b) Allah saves; c) Submission; d) True religion 2. Muslims believe the final written authority from Allah is: a) The Bible; b) The Qur’an; c) The … [Read more...]
Missouri Cooperative Program giving off to fast start in January, February
Missouri Baptists are giving more to missions through the Cooperative Program (CP) so far in 2013, according to just-released figures from the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC). In January and February, CP giving from MBC churches totaled $2.527 million, compared with $2.423 million during the same two months in 2012. That’s an increase of more than 4 percent. In addition, CP giving in the first two months of the year is running nearly 5 percent ahead of budget. Several factors are … [Read more...]
Church reaches youth through sports programs
SPRINGFIELD – Jeffrey Chavez admits his church plant, The Catalyst in Springfield, is not a traditional church. “Many churches start with congregations and develop ministries. We started with church ministries. It was sort of an upside-down funnel approach,” he said. “Ninety percent of our people are unchurched.” In September 2011, the church plant met in Chavez’ home, then moved to an athletic studio. It offers wrestling, track, mixed martial arts, karate, and jujitsu for youth, … [Read more...]