Harris Baptist Church, Greenwood, held a reception Sept. 13 to honor Frank Thomas on his 30th anniversary as pastor. Thomas began his duties at the church in 1979. Personnel committee member Jerry Goldman, left, presents Thomas with an engraved watch and a trip for him and his wife on behalf of the congregation.
Seven members of New Prospect Baptist Church, Laurens, recently returned from a two-week mission trip to East Asia. The theme passage for the church’s first international mission trip was Psalm 67. The team spent each day prayerwalking and evangelizing with a group of IMB missionaries, and three professions of faith were made during the trip.
Thirteen members of Green Sea Baptist Church, Waccamaw Baptist Association, joined more than 300 youth and their leaders July 11-18 for a World Changers National All-Youth Project in Brunswick, Ga. The group spent their days replacing roofs, painting, scraping, pressure-washing houses and doing yard work in the Brunswick community. In the evenings, they participated in worship, Bible study and team-building activities. Pictured are (front row, l to r) Anthony Millington, Josh Dorman, Morgan Hodge and Bobby Whittington; (back row) Tim Nugent, Penni Nugent, Erin Norris, Kasie Williamson, Robert McGougan, Jesse Nugent, Sarah Norris, Jesse Keane and Jonathan Floyd.
Pastor Alan Quigley of South Main Street Baptist Church, Greenwood, and Martin Moore, church administrator of South Main Street, delivered school supplies and packed backpacks for needy students at the new Mathews Elementary School at the start of the new school year. Assisting Quigley and Moore is Carol Walters, left, case manager for Mathews Elementary.
Members who attended Vacation Bible School at Timrod Baptist Church, Kershaw Baptist Association, were challenged to reach a goal of $500 for muscular dystrophy, in memory of fellow church member Betty Martin, who worked with children and VBS at Timrod. Pictured at top are Marvin Lee Brown, who dyed his hair pink once a $250 goal was reached, and Ryan Jackson, who shaved his head after the $500 goal was reached. Next are several of Martin’s family members who attended.
Rebecca Futrell, a resident at Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Community, recently completed her second piece of cross-stitch art for the facility. First was a representation of the Italian villa that welcomes visitors to the campus, next a portrait of Martha Franks herself. The project took about seven months to complete and was presented to the facility’s executive director, Dina Hair. Hair said she will be proud to have the two “treasures” hanging in the hall of the main building, representing the “rich heritage of the past as well as the continued love and dedication shared by the staff and residents.” The Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Community opened in 1985 with missionary to China, Martha Linda Franks, as its founder.
The children of Cedar Shoals Baptist Church, Enoree, presented the musical “Arkeology” on Aug. 30. Stephen Cannon is pastor at Cedar Shoals.
Betty Plyler Ashe was honored recently by Lowrys First Baptist Church, Chester Baptist Association, for 50 years of service as Sunday school teacher of the Fidelis Class. Pictured with her is pastor Michael Shaffer, left, presenting a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the congregation.
Flint Hill Baptist Church, Fort Mill, hosted Victory Sports – a nonprofit ministry that uses sports to share the gospel with children – in May and June. A total of 300 children participated in the events. Each child was assigned a “buddy” who spent time with them and helped them play ball. After each game, the plan of salvation was presented, and at the end of the season, Bibles were given to the players and a hot dog supper was held. Pictured is the special needs group from Flint Hill.
Holly Springs Baptist Church, Pickens, sent a team of 17 volunteers to Moline, Ill., July 31-Aug. 8. This is the third summer Holly Springs has partnered with Northcrest Calvary Baptist Church of Moline, conducting backyard Bible clubs in area parks and Vacation Bible School at Northcrest Calvary. Pictured are (front row) team members Courtney Martin, Johnny Summey, Hannah Pimlott, Johnnie Newton and Amanda Cooper; (back row) Blake Patterson, Casey Stewart, John Summey, Pam Gravely, Jake Stewart, Julie Summey, Pat Stewart, Libby Pimlott, Janet Chastain, Brenda Martin, Carolyn Durham, Northcrest Calvary pastor Ron Philpot and Carol Ayers.
Mechanicsville Baptist Church, Welsh Neck Baptist Association, recently baptized 13 believers. Pastor Frankie Tanner says that “although our emphasis has been on making disciples, this year there are still those who have never said yes to Jesus,” adding that “one of the joys of pastoring this church is the gift of evangelism through individuals who go out and bring them in to hear the gospel.” Mechanicsville has baptized a total of 37 people this year.
On July 26, the Youth on Mission from Nebo Baptist Church, Britton’s Neck, presented to the congregation a PowerPoint display of their mission trip to Greenville. The show consisted of places and activities they took part in during the trip, including working with the local soup kitchen, visiting nursing homes, holding backyard Bible clubs, participation in ballooning and clowning and looking for prospects for the church. The group also participated in prayerwalking in the afternoons, which was a highlight of their trip this year. Many of Nebo’s Youth on Mission group have participated in mission trips for several years. Pictured are (front row, l to r) Katie Dennis, Karlie Bennett and Sherridan Williams; (back row) Whitney Hucks, Taylor Williams, Conli Williams, Austin Williams, mission leader Faye Rogers, Joshua Haselden, Will Richardson, Ashley Hucks and Blake Richardson. Not pictured: Lynette Reason, mission leader.
The WMU of Nebo Baptist Church, Britton’s Neck, gathered on Aug. 11 to plan missions projects for the upcoming year. Pictured are Gwen James, Jane Martin, Virginia Cribb, Faye Rogers, Cristy Everett, Nyla Richardson, Linda Sturms, Elaine Everett, Evelyn Pitts, Lynette Reason, Kim Cribb, director Jean Pace, and Bonnie Richardson. Not pictured: Phyllis Richardson.
Padgett’s Creek Baptist Church recently elected new deacons and a chairman of deacons. Pictured are (l to r) Tommy Inman, chairman; Kent Foster; Joey Duncan; and Carrol Caldwell, pastor.
Eleven people were baptized at Fort Johnson Baptist Church’s annual “Baptism at the Beach” on Aug. 30. Pictured are senior pastor Schuyler Peterson and Mary Lee Thomson.
Geraldine Eppley presents a copy of the book she compiled – a history of Tyger Baptist Church in Tigerville entitled “Through the Years” – to the church’s pastor, Glenn Gifford. She notes that Tyger Church, since its organization in 1800, “has stood as a beacon to the community of Tigerville” and that “God alone knows the seeds that were planted and where the harvesting was done.” Copies of the book are available from Eppley at P.O. Box 196, Tigerville, S.C. 29688, by calling 864-895-2678, or 864-616-0286, or by e-mailing geraldine-e@charter.net. The book sells for $12, with all proceeds going to the church.
Grace Baptist Church, Duncan, held Vacation Bible School June 7-11, with five salvations reported.