Frank Stevenson, sales manager for Palmetto Bus Sales, presented keys to a new 32-passenger Starcraft bus for Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Center to South Carolina Baptist Ministries for the Aging president Richard McLawhorn Aug. 1. Also pictured are Martha Franks Center administrator John Medlin and Gerald McNeil, chairman of the finance committee for SCBMA. A large portion of the bus was paid for by contributions made by residents and friends. A short dedication service was held, and residents and staff rejoiced and gave thanks for having obtained this long-awaited addition. The slogan for South Carolina Baptist Ministries for the Aging facilities, “Martha Franks – A Christ-centered retirement community,” will be reflected on both sides of the bus.
A 12-member team from Scranton Baptist Church, Williamsburg Association, participated in a mission trip to the Gulf Coast July 1-5. In partnership with Jackson County Association, the team assisted Pine Lake Baptist Church in Vancleave, Miss., with a block party July 4, which resulted in 75 prospects for the church. The team also assisted East Howard Baptist Church, an inner-city church in Biloxi, Miss., with their food pantry and clothes closet.
Bethel Baptist Church, Olanta, sent 10 of its members to Itacoatiara, a city in the Amazon Rain Forest of Brazil, July 7-15, to build a church and encourage the people there. Team members were Judy and Fredis Strickland, Martha Prince, Frank Sistrunk, Jerry and Jay Jay Fennell, Diane Baxley, pastor Todd Fleming, Patricia “Bit” Lee, and Steve Floyd. While taking a break from bricklaying, groups went out into the neighborhood and distributed candy and toys. The offerings taken during Bethel’s VBS were used for the children’s ministry, which grew from 10 on the first day to about 70 the last day. Seventeen children expressed a desire to learn more about Jesus.
A team of youth and adults from Dean Swamp Baptist Church, Springfield, traveled to the Raleigh-Durham area for a World Changers construction project June 24-July 1. The group joined more than 400 volunteers from across the Southeast to complete roofing, painting and other home repair projects. Participants included (first row, l to r) Glen Mullikin, Brooke Baughman and Marie Porter; (second row) Brady Baughman, Daniel Porter and William Porter; (third row) Sammie Baughman, Nick Brayton, Braxton Baughman and Cory Dunker.
The congregation of Cedarwood Community Church, Waterloo, dedicated their new worship center July 16. A member of Laurens Baptist Association, the church celebrated its 10th anniversary Aug. 8.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Loris, held groundbreaking for a new sanctuary July 23. Participants included pastor Doyce Norris, the building committee and several members.
Summerton Baptist Church recently sent eight volunteers on a mission trip to Hoboken, N.J., to assist Harborview Community Church, a new church plant in association with the North American Mission Board’s “New Hope New York” emphasis. Volunteers handed out free breakfast bars to commuters on their way to New York City and invited them to the new church. In addition to helping promote the services, the volunteers participated in prayerwalking and painted a public school, as Harborview is meeting in a public school. Pictured are Janie Cogdill; Anna Pierce; Rob Pierce, senior pastor of Summerton; Ashelynn Pierce; Sarah Martin; and Rachel Whetsell. Not pictured: Lauren Whetsell; Nancy Pierce; and Dylan Jackson, pastor of Harborview.
The Acteens at First Baptist Church, Clinton, received their crowns and scepters at the Missions Recognition Service on May 3.
A group from Cudd Memorial Baptist Church, Spartanburg, went on a mission trip to Brunswick, Ga., May 27-June 1. Working through Golden Isles Ministries, the 142-member team ministered at the beach, in a children’s shelter, nursing homes, soup kitchens, apartments, a mall, parks, a Habitat warehouse and area churches.
Evergreen Baptist Church, Effingham, held Vacation Bible School July 13-15, assisted by James Island First Baptist Church’s youth group “Outbreak.” The group was led by their minister of students Josh White. For crafts, the children and youth made their own tie-dye T-shirts. Larry and Ann Hatchell of Evergreen Baptist organized volunteer workers who passed out flyers about the three-day event, which consisted of morning and evening sessions.
Approximately 80 children attending Vacation Bible School at West Creek Baptist Church, Batesburg, raised $1,122 to help 31 children in Costa Rica go to camp this summer. Nestled in the hills of Costa Rica, about an hour from San Jose, Camp Brittney was founded by Kenneth and Dayna Bledsoe, members of Good Hope Church, Saluda. The Bledsoes and their two children, Hunter and Holli, went to Costa Rica for one year to learn about the Hispanic culture and language. They returned with a vision to start a camp where children can hear about Jesus and his love. The camp’s first week-long events were held in July, with 60 attending the first week, and about 40 attending the next.
Vacation Bible School – Arctic Edge – was held June 19-23 at Mountain Creek Baptist Church, Anderson, with assistance from Parkwood and North Anderson Baptist churches. An offering of more than $200 for missions was raised by the 75 children who attended.
Mount Olive Baptist Church, Nichols, conducted Vacation Bible School July 10-14. The focus of study was “The Life of Joshua: Soldier of the Lord.” The material was written by Ricky Hardee, minister of education and youth. The children raised a total of $702.74 in support of Samaritan’s Purse: Sudan Project. The money will be used to help rebuild Christian churches that have been burned by Muslims in the Sudan.