Union Baptist Church of Iva is a rural church in Anderson County. Like most churches, it was following guidelines during the pandemic and not gathering together in its buildings. When the church met for its first regular worship service since the COVID-19 crisis, a history-making baptism highlighted the worship service. Jamilius Freeman, discharged from the […]
There is unrest in America as three distinct experiences intersect, creating a dangerous climate for many people. The unjust killing of a black man, George Floyd, at the hands of a white police officer in Minnesota lit a fuse of anger that resulted in protests and lawlessness as the nation continued to navigate life during […]
Mark Twain said, “True patriotism, the only rational patriotism, is loyalty to the nation all the time and loyalty to the government when it deserves it.” Even though America is going through hard times right now, we are blessed to live here. We have our problems, for sure, but we are also, with God’s help, […]
For Pastor Hank Williams and the congregation of First Baptist Church, Boiling Springs, the strategy for a safe regathering was captured in a slogan for social distancing: “From the street to the seat.” The church began regathering on May 17 with four services: two at 9:30 and two at 11:00, in two different locations on […]
To say we are living in unusual times is an understatement. COVID-19 has attacked the world, and we are forced to wage an unusual war against an invisible enemy. Some put their trust in science to discover a cure, develop a vaccine, and win the war. But even if scientists find ways to stop or […]
Worldwide, the Christian church continues to be persecuted. Statistics often differ, but they clearly show a pandemic of a different nature. According to the World Watch List from Open Doors, eight Christians died every day in 2019 for their faith in Christ. Jesse French, founder of Operation Orange Ribbon, a South Carolina-based ministry dedicated to […]
By this time, many decisions have already been made regarding what churches should do concerning the Federal Government’s offer of loans/grants to nonprofits. Because of the severe economic impact on small businesses and churches, the Small Business Administration made a special exemption for churches to pursue loans, which could turn into grants. The question most […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted life worldwide. People are dying. Hospitals are overflowing. Life is different during this season. The good news is that because God is sovereign, He is in the interruptions of life — even a worldwide pandemic. Nothing comes into this world that does not come through His hands first. For the […]
“The beautiful people of Cuba are looking for hope,” said Gary Frazor as he prepared for his upcoming mission trip to the island. “They find it in Jesus.” Frazor and his wife, Kim, have been on several mission trips to Cuba. He says he got hooked on mission work through his family. “My wife and […]
A popular phrase used in our culture is “Life Happens.” What does it mean? That depends on who you ask. Someone observed, “Life is always happening.” The phrase can refer to the variety of experiences, events, changes, challenges, tragedies or blessing that happen to us as we continue to live. The worldwide transmission of the […]