Union Baptist Church, Marion, held a Community Fun Day June 30. The gospel was presented by pastor Ricky Day several times during the day, and the Webb Quartet from Mullins provided music. More than 200 people attended this outreach program which offered food and games.
It has long been a tradition at Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Conway, that the offering taken during VBS be used for a mission project that the children can understand. Because two church members were making a mission trip to Belize this year, the children contributed flip-flops, bars of soap and toothbrushes, items needed by the children of Belize, in addition to an offering. Each night, the children were asked to bring in a different item. Many of the children emptied bags of each item every night. The 80 children who attended VBS contributed 115 pairs of flip-flops, 180 bars of soap, and 310 toothbrushes, as well as $1,600 to help with shipping costs.
Mary Alice Bailey Brewington celebrated her 90th birthday June 27. A reception, attended by family and friends, was held at New Hope Baptist Church, Cross Anchor. Brewington, a lifelong member who faithfully attends all activities, serves as secretary of the Fidelis Sunday School Class. She also was postmaster of Cross Anchor Post Office for 47 years. With her is pastor Perrin Powell Jr.
Short-term missionaries from Bethel Baptist Church, Olanta (an Acts 1:8 church), recently completed a mission trip to the hills of eastern Tennessee. The group of 27 completed home repairs, conducted backyard Bible clubs, fed the hungry, and hosted a block party with more than 200 in attendance. Participating in the trip were Buck and Diane Baxley; Bryan Elmore; Betty, Matt and Bryce Elmore; pastor Todd Fleming; Penny, Ben, Adam and Catherine Ann Fleming; Nell Floyd; Lydia Knight; Donald and Frankie Langston; Mildred Dowling; Patricia Lee; Doug, Janie and Mike Lovelace; George and Martha Prince; Frank, Jeannie, Sam and Brooke Sistrunk; and Ray and Tracy Strickland.
Mechanicsville Baptist Church, Welsh Neck Association, baptized 20 as a result of VBS. Mechanicsville has baptized 40 this year. In late April, the church held a tent revival and baptized 18 at the lake in Hartsville. “It’s good to see kids, teenagers and adults come to know the Lord,” said pastor Frankie Tanner. He said that the leadership of the church and the gift of evangelism were two visible factors.
Ed and Judy Holloway of Locust Hill Baptist Church, Travelers Rest, were recently commissioned to serve a two-year term as project managers for collegiate evangelism through the North American Mission Board’s Missions Service Corps. They will work with colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada.
Harbour Lake Baptist Church, Goose Creek, held Game Day Central Vacation Bible School, averaging 120 children each night. Twenty-six children made professions of faith.
Carrol Caldwell, “decorated” pastor of Padgett’s Creek Church, Union County Association, celebrated his 74th birthday June 24, enjoying desserts and ice cream with many friends young and old.
Faith Baptist Church, Swansea, recently sent a team of 10 adults and young people on a mission trip to Romania. While there, the team taught personal hygiene, Bible lessons, and cut hair for more than 150 children in a children’s camp. Faith Church has a vision of purchasing land and a building for a church plant in the village of Cominish. People there have to walk for two hours to attend the closest Baptist church. Pictured in the center is Romanian pastor Cornel Fedor and his wife Adela.
In honor of Mother’s Day, the Young People’s Class of Nebo Baptist Church, Gresham, made “promise flowers” to present to their mothers. Attached to the flowers were slips of paper with written promises to their moms to do something that would make their moms proud. Pictured are (l to r) Bailee Cribb, Audrey Hinson, teacher Nyla Richardson, Coulter Johnston, Hunter Jackson and Brandon Richardson.
Fellowship Baptist Church, Lexington, held its Vacation Bible School July 13-15. Pastor Roger Clark, right, delivers a message from Jeremiah while working at the potter’s wheel.
Bold Spring Baptist Church, Lakelands Association, held an outdoor “Bible Club Corner” Bible School July 16-19. Approximately 50 children in the Bradley/Callison community attended. Morning activities began with sports and games, followed by age-appropriate Bible stories, instruction, discussion, craft projects, music and prayer. Evening activities targeted adults and featured special music, personal testimonies and preaching by Bold Spring’s pastor Chuck Keller. Approximately 60 adults attended. This event was in addition to Bold Spring’s Vacation Bible School, which was held in June.
Philadelphia Baptist Church, Pauline, held a July celebration featuring a barbecue dinner, music by Jessie Sprinkle, and a parade. Children decorated their bikes and four-wheelers, and the youth decorated a float. Grand marshals were interim pastor Gideon Long and his wife Lois.
A group of 23 from Clarendon Baptist Church, Alcolu, First Baptist Manning, and Emmanuel Baptist Church, Manning, served on a World Changers mission trip to Durham, N.C., July 7-14.