Pastor Larry Allen and a mission team from Buck Creek Baptist Church, Longs, spent a week in Belize, Central America in July. The children’s team held activities for kids of all ages, then gave out food, clothing and shoes. The construction team built a home for a family of 7 and also built an addition to a school.
During the September 11 Day of Caring at the Coastal Center in Summerville, Charleston Southern University, a group of faculty, staff and students worked to beautify the garden. The area was given a fresh layer of pine straw and 27 bags of trash were collected.
Macedonia Baptist Church, Columbia, collects clothing – particularly back to school clothing for kids – two to three times each year to be given out to the needy. Clothes are collected from individuals in the church and community and washed, cleaned and ironed before distribution. School supplies are also collected and given out. Patrick Dye is pastor of Macedonia.
The Women Serving Christ Mission Group and the congregation of Crescent Hill Baptist Church, Columbia, recently participated in a mission project,”Christmas in August.” The group collected 39 toothbrushes; 33 tubes of toothpaste; 37 bars of soap; 24 bottles of shampoo; 115 razors; 15 cans of shaving cream; 66 wash clothes/towels; 146 rolls of toilet paper; 49 rolls of paper towels; and an activity box full of crayons, books, games, and bubbles for children. The donations were delivered to Mike Wallace, missions development director for York Baptist Association, to be used by several ministries, including Midtown Ministries and Christian Women’s Job Corps.
The youth from First Baptist Church, Hartsville, did a puppet show for the residents at the Reagan and Bowden House. The night was part of a renewed emphasis on local missions and ministry to be done on Sunday nights. Jessica Sullivan is director of youth ministries. Ryan Goodroe is pastor of First Baptist.
Lakewood Baptist Church, Sumter, observed homecoming Sept. 28. Evangelist Scott Eadie was guest speaker, and the Believers Quartet provided special music. Pastor Samuel Thompson welcomed 283 persons in attendance; 17 made professions of faith, and there were 60-75 rededications. In preparation for homecoming, Lakewood’s membership obtained an old battered lighthouse, refurbished it and placed on the corner of the property. “We want everyone to understand that the lighthouse is a picture of Jesus, who is the light of the world,” said Thompson. Pictured in front of the lighthouse are Eadie, left, and pastor and Mrs. Thompson.
Louise Chastain was honored by Clearview Baptist Church, Travelers Rest, where she has been organist for 47 years. She is a member of the Mission Minded Sunday School Class, the senior adult program and the prayer chain. Presenting a plaque of recognition is Travis Burns, worship and outreach pastor.
Hazel “Red” Horton, a longtime member of Crestview Baptist Church, Lancaster, was honored as an honorary lifetime deacon on Sept. 14.
Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Conway, set a goal of 200 for each Sunday school in September. Yellow T-shirts with the logo “Be One of 200” were worn each Sunday. The church averaged 198 per Sunday, with the last two Sundays having 209 and 219, respectively, resulting in a 141 percent increase over last year’s average. Ten people also accepted Christ and nine have been baptized, said pastor Tom Swilley.
Mabel Allen was honored by Latta Baptist Church, Pee Dee Baptist Association, where she has been WMU director for the past 10 years. She was given a plaque of appreciation for her years of service.
Construction is underway for new facilities following a fire which destroyed Hillcrest Baptist Church, Dalzell, on Feb. 17. The church reports that building costs have been overwhelming, still leaving the church approximately $18,000 short of the amount needed to complete the construction.
The Swansea First Baptist Church Kenya mission team has returned from East Africa. The group did evangelism and held two medical clinics and a women’s conference. Members of the team include, from left, Faye Stabler, Mary Corley, Deloris Zeigler, Ed Huggins, Nancy Redmond and pastor Terry Wilder.
Frankie Tanner, pastor, of Mechanicsville Baptist Church, Darlington, baptized three people Sept. 28. The church has baptized a total of 68 persons this year.