DR Teams Respond to Panhandle Wildfires, Evangelicals Back Immigration Reform & Pastoring Through an Election Year

In the wake of devastating wildfires that sweeping through the Texas Panhandle, Governor Gregg Abbott declared a state of disaster for 60 counties. American evangelicals have complex perspectives on immigration and want a nuanced political response, but most want Congress to act soon. And, in the Baptist Press Toolbox, Rick Harrington, a pastor in Massachusetts offers guidance for believers in an election year.

Royalty Rates Push Religious Webcasters Out of Market, Send Relief Partners Persevere in Ukraine & The Value of Keeping Alert

Noncommercial religious broadcasters are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review copyright royalty fees, alleging they favor secular speech over religious expression. In the midst of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, which has tragically claimed over 10,000 civilian lives, the story of Luba, a woman whose life was shattered by the bombing of her home in Bakhmut, highlights the profound impact of compassion and faith. And, in the midst of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, which has tragically claimed over 10,000 civilian lives, the story of Luba, a woman whose life was shattered by the bombing of her home in Bakhmut, highlights the profound impact of compassion and faith.

ERLC Releases Guide For Gender Confusion, An Answer to Prayer by a Mississippi Church & Essential Resources for Sermon Illustrations

While Augusta, Georgia may be known as the home of the PGA Masters tournament…it like most cities…has great needs. An envelope with a suspicious white powder on it found at the Louisiana church membership of U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson revealed no toxicity in field tests, the FBI said Feb. 19. And, Theologian Chuck Lawless is experiencing neuropathy in his feet – that’s a tingling sensation that eventually leads to numbness.

770 Volunteers For Augusta Serve Tour, White Powder Scare At Mike Johnson’s Church & Signs of Spiritual Neuropathy

While Augusta, Georgia may be known as the home of the PGA Masters tournament…it like most cities…has great needs. An envelope with a suspicious white powder on it found at the Louisiana church membership of U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson revealed no toxicity in field tests, the FBI said Feb. 19. And, Theologian Chuck Lawless is experiencing neuropathy in his feet – that’s a tingling sensation that eventually leads to numbness.

ERLC Releases First State Policy Agenda, Alabama Ruling on Frozen Embryos & Spiritually Gifted for Vital Work

The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission has released its first state public policy agenda, which examines upcoming pieces of state legislation that are noteworthy. The Alabama Supreme Court ruled last week that frozen embryos are “children” for the purposes of a wrongful death lawsuit. The decision reverses two lower court rulings. And, shadow Christians can feel unimportant and believe their contributions don’t matter, since they and their efforts reside behind the scenes and out of the spotlight.

Florida Church Expands Outreach, Remember Rhonda Kelley & Turning To Prayer

With a recent mission trip to Australia, Fruit Cove Church in North Florida has reached its goal of extending its missions footprint to all seven continents. Author, speaker and a mentor to many, Rhonda Kelley was known for her vibrant spirit and dedication in serving women in the local church, in the seminary classroom, and at the state and denominational level. And, Augustine is credited as having said, “God had only one Son who never sinned, but He never had any sons who didn’t suffer.”

Celebration of New Missionaries, Nicaragua’s Crackdown on Catholic Church & Steps for Starting New Groups

62 new missionaries were commissioned last week by the International Mission Board. The celebration took place in Phoenix, Arizona. In a concerning turn of events, the situation for the Catholic community in Nicaragua has deteriorated. This year alone, nineteen priests have been forcibly expelled. And, Lifeway discipleship expert Ken Braddy offers tips on starting new groups in your local church.

American Jews Feel Unsafe After Israel Attack, John Cooper Has Something to Say & God Faithfully Keeps His Covenant

Nearly 80 percent of American Jews felt less safe after the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, and fearing antisemitism, many changed their public behavior, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) said Feb. 13 in its new report on antisemitism. John Cooper, the lead vocalist and bassist of the rock band Skillet. Cooper has penned “Awake & Alive to Truth,” a book that explores themes of truth and personal conviction. And, a Lifeway Bible study says, “Wedding ceremonies typically include the exchanging of vows. A couple declares their commitment to each other by saying, “I do.” God established marriage as a covenant. It is a formal commitment before God.

Heroic Missionary Forgotten Over Metal Illness & The Privilege of Prayer

Thomas Jefferson Bowen, a pioneer Southern Baptist missionary to Nigeria in the mid-19th century, significantly impacted Christian missions in Africa. Hailing from Georgia, Bowen ventured to Nigeria in 1850, dedicating himself to spreading the Gospel. And, a Lifeway Bible study titled “The Privilege of Prayer” emphasizing the vital role of prayer in Christian life.

CVS Employee Fired for Discrimination, Adoption and Foster Care Summit & Developing a Two-Room Strategy for Prayer

In Florida, a legal dispute has emerged involving Gunna Kristofersdottir, a former CVS employee who was fired for refusing to sell birth control, citing her religious beliefs. Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas is partnering with Send Relief and other organizations to host an Adoption and Foster Care Summit. And, building on the foundation of open dialogue with God, Kie Bowman introduces us to the second critical aspect of his “Two-Room Strategy for Prayer” the listening room.

Jewish Americans Reluctant To Display Their Faith, Mobilizing Black Churches To The Nation & Learning From Gen Z

The National Summit on Antisemitism recently revealed a troubling insight: nearly half of Jewish Americans are reluctant to openly display their faith, driven by a fear of rising antisemitism. Keith Jefferson, a retired missionary, is spearheading an ambitious initiative to galvanize Black churches in the United States towards global missions, with a particular focus on Brazil. And, in the Baptist Press Toolbox, Jacki King says Gen Z is making an impact that should be well-noted.

Ultrasound Machine in New Mexico, Serving With Boldness & Jesus Meets Our Deepest Needs

Thanks to God’s faithfulness, the generosity of donors and the hard work of partners, there’s a new ultrasound machine in New Mexico. This one is in the Legacy Pregnancy Resource Center in Hobbes, New Mexico. The day after Alli McCarty graduated college, she went on her first mission trip. She wasn’t a believer yet, but a few weeks after that life-changing experience, she put her faith in Christ. A desire for missions was ignited. And, in Acts 3 a man asked Peter and John for money. The giving of alms to the poor was a regular expression of faithfulness and worship to God.

Religious Freedom Summit, New Ministers’ Tax Guide & Preparing Your Church For A Recession

Religious freedom impacts economic prosperity and political rights, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Jan. 31 in his keynote address at the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington. GuideStone Financial Resources has released its most popular annual publication, the 2024 Ministers’ Tax Guide for 2023 Returns prepared by Richard Hammar, available now for GuideStone members. In the Baptist Press Toolbox, Kenneth Priest and Richard Baker write, “A recession is coming.”

Congress Holding Social Media Executives Responsible, Most Evangelicals Chose Christ In Childhood & Regular Biblical Intake Makes A Difference

Congress is holding social media executives responsible for actions they say turn a blind eye to human trafficking and look for ways to attract children to the social media platforms. Most adult evangelicals were saved in childhood with several factors influencing their decisions, according to newly released findings from Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research and Consulting. And, David Chancey encourages believers to “Find a place that is your place for a quiet time with God. Just you, your Bible, and God.

Church In Gaza Hit Hard In War, ERLC Pushing Against Assisted Death & A Message Of Hope

A church building built in Gaza in 1954 has been heavily damaged in the Israel-Hamas War, former pastor Hanna Massad told Baptist Press. The Gaza Baptist Church is the only Baptist church in Gaza. Despite it being legal in 10 states and Washington DC, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission is still pushing back against doctor-assisted suicide and euthanasia. And, Texas pastor Danny Forshee knows people need hope.

Religious Donors Keep Giving Amid Inflation, Preparing For An Election Year & Praying For The Lost Before It’s Too Late

More than 8 in 10 (81 percent) faith-based givers who donated money in 2023 gave funds to houses of worship, and 60 percent gave $1,000 or more, according to “Giving in Faith: Exploring Key Trends in Religious Giving,” a joint 2024 report from Givelify, a mobile and online app, and Indiana University’s Lake Institute on Faith & Giving. Dan Darling from the Land Center at Southwestern Seminary believes God’s people should Honor those who are in public office, even when we disagree. And, in the Baptist Press Toolbox, Kie Bowman talks about the straight-line principle of prayer.

Helping Ukraine Meet Mental Health Needs, Brothers Row To Raise Money For Send Relief & Shadow Christians

Believers from across the world continue to help Ukraine meet mental health needs exacerbated by Russia’s latest war on the country, a conflict nearing its second anniversary. When Timothy Hamilton texted his brothers a link to the World’s Toughest Row endurance race with the suggestion that they should participate together, not all his brothers were easily convinced. And, when you encounter the word “shadow,” what images and thoughts cross your mind? Tales have probably conditioned us to think of lurking dangers and the need for heightened awareness.

Woman Conceived In Rape Thankful For Life, Christian Couple Beaten In India & Praying An Uncomplicated Prayer

Chrystal York was 13 when she learned she was conceived after her mother was raped by a man whose advances she rejected. A mob of 300 people beat and threatened to kill a Christian couple at a police station in Karnataka State, India, after the wife was falsely accused of forced conversion, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) said Jan. 23. And, as an evangelistic pastor, Charles H. Spurgeon felt a passion and sensed an urgency for the salvation of the lost in his city.