A group of 13 adults and youth from West Side Baptist Church, West Columbia, went to Iquitos, Peru, June 3-12. The group traveled by boat six hours down the Amazon River to the village of Huanta, which served as base camp. From there, three different teams went by boat each day to nearby villages. The team gave testimonies, shared Bible stories, played with children and shared the love of Christ with all. “Hopefully doors were opened for our missionaries working out of Iquitos,” said team leader Frank Strange. “Our prayers are for God’s work to continue in the villages.”
Ten children were baptized June 27 after making professions of faith during Vacation Bible School at Padgett’s Creek Baptist Church, Union. Also pictured are the church’s pastor, Carrol Caldwell, and church workers.
Ben Abernathy, a member of Samaria Baptist Church, Batesburg, may think twice before issuing another challenge to the children during Vacation Bible School. As an incentive, Abernathy promised he would dye his hair pink (the children chose the color) and leave it that way one day for every $50 the children raised for Connie Maxwell Children’s Home. Over four nights, the children raised more than $650, which meant their VBS director had to sport his pink locks for 12 days. More than 25 children made decisions for Christ during the week.
On June 27, Bedon Baptist Church, Walterboro, celebrated Eick Bjork’s 10th year as pastor. His wife Janet was also honored. A video presentation during the morning worship was followed by dinner on the grounds. The Bjorks have two children.
H. Bowden Powell Jr., 94, was honored June 13 with a Lifetime Deacon award by First Baptist Church, Florence. Powell, who is a Gideon, and his wife Dot have been members of the church since 1945 and have been active in numerous leadership roles, including Sunday school, church training, choir and as a deacon. Another church member, Harry Baker, was also honored with a Lifetime Deacon award. Pictured, from left, are pastor Daniel Inabinet and Dot and Bowden Powell.
The 50+ Fellowship of First Baptist Church, Newberry, recently recognized members who have served in the military. Fifteen World War II veterans, those of the so-called “Greatest Generation,” were presented a distinguished service award for their courage. “These men and women survived the Great Depression and were responsible for defeating those who attacked our nation,” said Jack Briggs, a member of the 50+ Fellowship. “Their goal was to get back home and move on with their lives, and they did just that. They worked equally hard to share their faith. Church growth reached an all-time high due to their dedication.” World War II veterans, pictured, included (front row, from left): Clyde Miller, Harold Leavell, and J.P. Herrin; (back row): Bob Simpson, Larry Senn, Dick Morton, Arthur Schlock, Gordon Leslie, Tom Buzhardt and Andy Jones.
The children of Mt. Bethel Baptist Church in Belton, in keeping with their Vacation Bible School theme, Saddle Ridge Ranch, experienced one of the wonders of God’s creation on June 24 – the softness of a horse’s nose. The children were able to pet and ride Dixie Chick, the horse of Mike and Julia Barnes of Honea Path.
The youth of Bethcar Baptist Church, Wagener, recently traveled to Rock Cave, W.Va., for a week of missions work at New Hope Community Church. They are pictured praying before their departure.
Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Conway, held Vacation Bible School June 14-18. Enrollment was 80. Activities included crafts, music, and classes from preschool to adults.
Woodlawn Park Baptist Church, Mullins, held Vacation Bible School June 6-11. Total enrollment was 198, with average attendance of 143. Nine professions of faith were reported.
Bethel Baptist Church, Prosperity, recently hosted the third annual South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Mobility-Impaired Deer Hunt. The event was for 19 hunters, including wounded active soldiers and veterans. Freedom Isn’t Free Lodge, base site for the hunt, was founded by a longtime member and deacon of Bethel, who served in Germany during the Vietnam War. Partnering with the Southeastern Paralyzed Veterans of America, an old rescue squad building has been converted into a lodge that accommodates up to 20 individuals for free overnight hunting and fishing trips. Sixteen events have been scheduled this year.
United Baptist Church, Spartanburg, which has long hosted a Cambodian ministry, will send its first mission team to Cambodia July 8-24. Pictured at a June 27 commissioning service are Jim Goodroe, director of missions for Spartanburg County Baptist Network, and team members Sam Duong (Cambodian pastor), Mary Hensley (Cambodian ministry director), Chanda Brouk of Gate City Baptist Church, Greensboro, N.C., and Docnga and Vanny Sap (Cambodian church members).
William Wilson, right, is the new pastor of First Baptist Church, Lynchburg. He is pictured with Richard Harris, director of missions for Santee Association.
Trustees and staff members recently took time out from a board meeting of South Carolina Baptist Ministries for the Aging at Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Community in Laurens. Pictured, from left: Jack Allison, a retired judge and member of Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church, Gaffney; Warren Fowler, retired director of missions and a member of Macedonia Baptist Church, Gaffney; Dina Hair, administrator at Martha Franks; and Tom Turner, president of SCBMA.