Hunt’s Memorial Baptist Church, Easley, held a baptismal service for three of its members on Oct. 25. Pictured are (l to r) pastor James Wiles with baptismal candidates Dale Silsby, Josh Moss and Melanie Shelton.
Bethcar Baptist Church, Wagener, sponsored a fall festival on Oct. 31, with more than 200 in attendance. “Trunk or Treat,” inflatables, face painting, games, painting pumpkins and hay rides were provided for the children, while the adults enjoyed a time of food and fellowship.
Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Community dedicated a new flag pole and flags on Oct. 11 in memory of the late Jeff Futrell, a retired Baptist minister and former resident. The new American and Christian flags (first photo) were donated by Woodmen of the World. Special guests and speakers included Futrell’s widow, Rebecca, and other family members; J.D. Shiflet, pastor of Second Baptist Church, Laurens; and chaplain Russell Dean. Pictured in second photo are Rebecca Futrell, right, and Gene Alexander, field representative for Woodmen of the World.
Unity Baptist Church, Starr, held a special service Oct. 18 to recognize minister of music Joe Martin for more than 30 years of service. The church presented several gifts and held a church-wide luncheon in Martin’s honor, and several members of his family, including grandchildren, surprised him as special guests. Pictured are (l to r) deacon chairman Rick Isbell, Martin, and pastor Lloyd Robison.
Brad Whitt, pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Simpsonville, recently led his church in a Bible drive. More than 250 Bibles, New Testaments, and copies of the Gospel of John were collected, and the church continued to collect Bibles through November. The Bibles will be sent to Christians in Africa who cannot afford to buy their own. At least 200 million Christians in the continent have never owned a Bible, according to Tal Rutledge, vice president of Luke 19:10 Ministries in Greenville, who helped plan the Bible drive.
The Adult One special needs Sunday school class at South Main Street Baptist Church, Greenwood, recently held a balloon release to help spread the gospel. Attached to the balloons were postage-paid postcards telling the finders that God loves them, and asking that they return the card, telling when and where it was found. Pictured are (front row, l to r) Barry Davenport, Gary Moss, Dawn Burnett, Marian Blanton and Barbara Hix; (back row) David Hembree, Danny Hardy, Joyce Langley, Kenneth Hix and Sunday school director Leslie Leary. Alan Quigley is senior pastor and Andy Roberson is associate pastor at South Main Street.
The youth of Cassatt Baptist Church, Kershaw Baptist Association, recently painted an old car with scripture and words of praise, and parked it in the front of the church as a testimony to the community.
Tim Elmore, author of several books on leadership, spoke at Charleston Southern University’s convocation Oct. 28. Elmore said that habitual or natural leaders make up 10 to 15 percent of the population. He said the other 85 to 90 percent are also leaders – situational leaders. “These are leaders who, when put in the right situations that match their strengths, passions and gifts, know what to do,” he said. “Find the place where you are to be Jesus and influence others in that zone. Forget the badge and the title; just lead,” encouraged Elmore.
The Latta Baptist Church Relay For Life team was recognized this year for raising $5,318 for cancer research. The group also received an award for “Best Team Spirit” and a plaque for “Bronze Level Sponsor.” The Dillon County Relay For Life event is held each May. Pictured are (l to r) Laurie Allen, Robert Johnson, Vivian Johnson, Ralph Carter, Marcia Johnson, Donna Edwards, Betty Jo Johnson and team captain Dwight Bedinger.
Laurel Baptist Church, Greenwood, held its second Labor of Love Day on Oct. 24. A group of 46 church members went to 11 homes in their community to provide free labor to families who are unable to do the work themselves. Projects included roof repairs, painting, yard cleanup and light construction work. Another team provided lunch for the work crew and the entire church community.
The “Widowers and Widows” group at First Baptist Church, Bishopville, cleaned and dressed 100 dolls to be sent to an orphanage in Mexico and 27 dolls to be included in their Operation Christmas Child boxes. Chris Boykin Watson donated the dolls to the church in memory of her late mother, Eunice Boykin. Pictured is Mike Hawkins, who delivered the dolls to Mexico, with one of the young girls at the orphanage.
Members of Northside Baptist Church, Woodruff, have completed a total of three prayerwalks in their community – two of which were held in the pouring rain. “We are going to prayerwalk our entire area, maybe even the entire city,” said retired minister Carroll Waddell. “We have found out that prayer will change both the church and the community. There is a new loving spirit in the church now that wasn’t evident a few months ago. Praise the Lord!”
The Women On Mission of Rabun Creek Baptist Church, Gray Court, held a surprise 90th birthday party on Oct. 6 for two of its members, Helen Stansell (pictured below) and Louise Owens (who was unable to attend). The group also enjoyed a time of Bible study, food and fellowship.
Brown’s Chapel Baptist Church, Pacolet Mills, recognized minister of music Steve Wall, right, for 30 years of service during its Oct. 4 homecoming. He received a monetary gift from the congregation and a music stand and gift certificate from the choir. Presenting a plaque to Wall is pastor Ralph Jett.