IBSA News

Illinois Baptist State Newspaper

News

Q&A: Sandy Wisdom-Martin elected to lead National WMU

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The news spread quickly among Illinois Southern Baptists that one of their own was named to serve as executive director/treasurer of Woman’s Missionary Union. Sandy Wisdom-Martin, an Illinois native who grew up near the small town of Marissa, was unanimously elected by the WMU executive board at a special-called meeting July 29-30 in Birmingham, Ala.  Read…

Pastor ‘Date Night’ aims to encourage

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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

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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…

Church ‘banding together’ after fire

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An early morning fire caused extensive damage to the facilities of Taylorville Southern Baptist Church. Firefighters were called to the church at 3:23 a.m. on Sunday, July 24. Several neighboring fire departments worked together to put out the fire, which took about an hour to get under control, the Springfield State Journal-Register reported.  Read…

Lee honored in St. Louis; Search continues for new WMU head

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Wanda Lee, who has served 16 years as executive director of Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU), was recognized during the Southern Baptist Convention in June for her long-standing commitment to missions. Lee announced in January that she will retire from the Birmingham-based Southern Baptist auxiliary once her replacement is named. A search committee, including Illinois WMU President Jill McNicol, currently is reviewing resumes for the post. Read…