Rudy Gray

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Iva’s Union Church makes history with baptism

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... Continue Reading »

Unrest in America Creating Dangerous Climate

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... Continue Reading »

Editor’s Word: Independence Day

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... Continue Reading »

Regathering of the Church Occurring Cautiously, Carefully

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... Continue Reading »

Editor’s Word: Unusual Times

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,... Continue Reading »

Pray for the Persecuted Church

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... Continue Reading »

Federal Loans: ‘Should We or Shouldn’t We?’

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... Continue Reading »

Editor’s Word: Interruptions and Opportunities

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... Continue Reading »

Pickens couple: On Mission in Cuba

“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... Continue Reading »

Editor’s Word: Life Happens

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... Continue Reading »

Editor’s Word: Christianity in Decline?

We have heard so much in the last 10 to 20 years about the decline of Christianity in America. We should be multiplying our numbers, but we aren’t. The inseparable force of evangelism and discipleship should be producing more... Continue Reading »

A Blessed Man

In January, Don Harper became the first African-American to serve as trustee chair of any South Carolina Baptist Convention-related institution, including the Executive Board of the convention. His election as Anderson University’s board chair was historic, but it was... Continue Reading »