Don Harper is motivating a new generation of minority students at Anderson University through his book, “Blessed is the Man,” and through involvement with AU’s Diversity and Inclusion weekend. The book is filled with stories of God’s providence, especially the story of how his dad, an African-American farmer, received a loan to purchase 80 acres […]
In 1980, I preached in revival services at Martha Drive Baptist Church (Pleasant View today) in Anderson. I met a young, outgoing college student at Anderson University named Tim Clark. He was a vibrant and dedicated follower of Jesus and grew to be a great servant leader. Fast forward to today: He has retired after […]
Shandon Baptist Church in Columbia, one of the largest churches in the state, has called Daniel Dickard as its next senior pastor. He comes to the church from Friendly Avenue Baptist Church in Greensboro, N.C., where he served for five years. He began his service at Shandon on Feb. 26. He stated, “We believe Shandon […]
I have already experienced a very nice retirement celebration, listened to kind words from various people, and moved out of my office at The Courier (which was a good thing, considering it flooded on Christmas night!). I am still working as editor at the request of the search committee of The Courier, who have been […]
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson recently reported that human trafficking in the state has increased. In the annual report of the task force he chairs, he stated, “In 2022, South Carolina saw a substantial increase in labor trafficking cases, while the number of children identified as sex trafficking victims continued to rise as well. […]
Not so long ago, a nation was formed on the soil of an expansive continent. About 90 percent of its founding fathers were Christian. Their faith was reflected in the laws they enacted, the constitution they wrote, and the Declaration of Independence they produced. Christian colleges dotted the landscape. Great leaders emerged from this God-blessed […]
What does the sanctity of human life have to do with personal health and well-being? Everything! Genesis 1:27 says, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Because human beings are made in the image of God, we must see human life […]
What are you looking forward to in 2023? For me, it is discovering what assignment God has for me following my retirement from The Courier. I will miss the great Courier staff and the fellowship we have enjoyed, but as the saying reminds us, “Life goes on.” Art Linkletter’s attitude toward aging was, “Live until […]
Christmas in America has so many facets, traditions, and activities. It is enough to keep people busy for weeks! Some things are soundly biblical — Jesus was born in Bethlehem; Mary, his mother, was a virgin; shepherds were summoned by angels to visit the manger; and some time later, Magi from the land of the […]
Albert Allen, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Newberry, is the new president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. He has served as a pastor, missionary, chair of the SCBC Executive Board, and president-elect of the convention. He graduated from the University of South Carolina Law School in 1986 and practiced law until 1987 […]