Wolf Stake Baptist Church, Beaverdam Baptist Association, was honored at a presentation ceremony July 5 by the North American Mission Board for being the best per-capita giving church for 2008. Missions Service Corps missionary Jon Varner presented a certificate and addressed the congregation about his work at Clemson University, where he ministers to more than 900 international students from more than 90 countries. Using China as an example, Varner emphasized the value of home missions as he reminded the congregation that while witnessing to a member of China’s communist party in China was difficult, he was able to share the gospel with one in his own living room. At the conclusion of the service, the members of Wolf Stake Baptist presented Varner with a gift of $400 for his ministry.
Anderson University president Evans Whitaker hosted Akinori Taguchi, the president of the Japan Baptist Convention, in a visit the first week of July. Anderson University and the Japan Baptist Convention have formed a partnership in which Baptists in Japan are given the opportunity to study at Anderson. This fall, Taguchi’s son will join another Baptist from Japan as the first two students to participate in the partnership. The students will receive their entire college education at Anderson. More Japanese Baptists are expected to come to Anderson as the partnership develops over the next few years. Pictured (from left) are Whitaker; Taguchi; AU freshman Yuzuri Taguchi; and Akihiko Shigemi, AU Japanese student coordinator.
Five Forks Baptist Church, Simpsonville, sent a group of 28 youth and adults to “Be The Church” in New Orleans June 14-20. They cleared lots in the Lower Ninth Ward, handed out cold water throughout the city, played several worship concerts, and visited two nursing homes during the week. This was the second year a team of youth served in New Orleans.
The Mission Friends and GAs of Barkers Creek Baptist Church, Honea Path, recently held a Teddy Bear Tea Party. Each person brought a teddy bear, which was given to Stephanie Spitz, founder of Snuggleables. Spitz, an Anderson University student, then delivers the bears to children’s hospitals and rescue squads.
A group of 10 youth from Green Sea Baptist Church, Waccamaw Baptist Association, accompanied by pastor Tim Nugent and his wife Penni, attended the South Carolina Baptist Convention’s Youth MusicArts Camp/Summersalt at White Oak Conference Center in Winnsboro June 15. They joined a group of more than 420 youth and their leaders at the week-long camp that offered fun, fellowship, music, preaching, worship, Bible study, and personal devotions. The camp theme was “Captive,” based on Colossians 2:8, which says: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world, rather than on Christ.” Pictured are (front row, l to r) Bobby Whittington, Joshua Dorman and Morgan Hodge; (middle row) Jesse Nugent, Brittany Hinson, Erin Norris, Sarah Norris, Kasie Williamson and Penni Nugent; (back row) Tim Nugent, Robert McGougan and Anthony Millington.
Members of Little Bethel Baptist Church, Mullins – led by pastor Mike Watkins and members of the building committee – participated in a groundbreaking ceremony June 14 for the construction of a new fellowship hall. The building is expected to seat approximately 250 people. Pictured are (l to r) Watkins, Carl Hardee and Nelson Jones.
Graham Baptist Church, Sumter, chose “Crocodile Dock” as the theme for this year’s Vacation Bible School. God’s attributes were emphasized during the week, as participants were taught to “fear not, because God is always with them, God cares, God is powerful, God gives us life, and God does what he says he will do.” Average attendance for the group, which ranged in age from birth to adult, was 180. Lynn Davis was VBS director at Graham Baptist.
Willow Swamp Baptist Church, Norway, held Vacation Bible School June 14-17. Each class collected coloring books, crayons and stickers to send with church members Renee Durr and David Pregnall, who were scheduled to leave for a mission trip to Peru on July 4. A nightly competition among the classes was held to raise money for the Brookland Campus of Connie Maxwell Children’s Home in Orangeburg. The youth won one night, and the first, second and third grade classes won the other two nights – for a total contribution of $801.52. Pictured are Randy McManus, left, administrator of the Brookland campus of Connie Maxwell, and Jason Metcalf, pastor of Willow Swamp.
“Truth Trek” was the theme for Vacation Bible School held recently at Beulah Baptist Church, Florence Baptist Association. Pictured at right are the “Truth Trekkers” who participated.
“The Wildwood Forest” was the theme for Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church, Gray Court, held June 15-20. Total VBS enrollment was 38. Saturday’s commencement included a slide/video presentation of the week’s activities, as well as snow cones, lunch and crafts made during the week. Sammie Godfrey is pastor.
The “Boomerang Express” Vacation Bible School pulled into First Baptist Church, Honea Path, June 8-12. High attendance for the week was 383, with an average attendance of 369, and 15 children made professions of faith. An offering of $787.62 was taken for Matthew’s Hope, an organization that helps underprivileged children. Rita Green, children’s director at First Baptist, was VBS director. Mike Moody is pastor.