Mackenzie Brown, the fourth-ranked archer in the world, was upset in the round of 16 on August 8, ending her hopes for a medal and bringing her first Olympic competition to a close. Despite the disappointing outcome, Brown’s Olympic journey was made with the support of her family and home church, Flint Baptist Church in Flint, Texas. “She really walks the walk,” Senior Pastor Sam DeVille said of Brown. “She really is a true disciple of Jesus Christ.” Read…
Ill. missions experience ignites a fire for the gospel at home
It took a trip to Bangladesh to remind Gail Faulkner of what she’d lost by living for 10 years in the comfort of the United States. “Without realizing it, I had become comfortable and apathetic,” said the former IMB missionary, who served with her husband, Chip, in South America and the Caribbean before moving to Bethalto, where he pastors First Baptist Church. Read…
Teens serve new churches
In July, IBSA and Judson University held the third-annual ChicaGO Week, a mission experience for students that partners them with leaders planting new churches in the city and its suburbs. Being a pastor of a yet-to-be established or newly-established church is a different beast, said Danny Walls, “and it’s a cool thing to get to hang out and hear their heart and their vision and see what God’s doing through them. It’s pretty awesome.” Read…
Pastor ‘Date Night’ aims to encourage
An August 12 event for pastors and their wives gave around 70 couples an opportunity to enjoy a meal, be encouraged, and laugh together about some of the challenges of ministry life. All without paying for a babysitter. The “Pastor Date Night” was held at the IBSA Building in Springfield and sponsored by LifeWay Christian Resources. Read…
Devore to retire after 43 years at BCHFS
Dennis Hydrick is the new executive director of Illinois Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services. Hydrick began working alongside current Executive Director Doug Devore Aug. 15, and will take sole responsibility for the role Jan. 15, 2017. Devore has served 43 years with BCHFS, including 21 years as its leader. “My family and I were humbled by the offer to join the ministry of Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services,” Hydrick said. Read…