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.

ERLC Endorses Pro-Life Bills & Pastors Preparing Their People For An Election Year

A trio of pro-life bills, endorsed by the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission and other pro-life groups, were either introduced, reintroduced or passed last Thursday. And, the calendar has turned over, and we are now in the thick of a political season in a presidential election year. Pastors around the country understand the gravity of this moment and want to lead their people well. So, what does that look like?

Poll Finds Respect for Religious Diversity, House Speaker Addresses March For Life & Reasons Why Some Prodigals Return

More than 90 percent of American adults support religious pluralism, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty found in its latest Religious Freedom Index, contrary to acts of religious hatred and intolerance amid the Israel-Hamas War. Addressing a crowd he called “a beautiful picture of America,” U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson laid out his philosophy for the American pro-life movement in a speech at a rally just prior to the 51st annual March for Life last Friday. And, we’ve all had family members and friends who have made bad choices and wandered from their faith and their family.

Church Open Doors For The Cold, 2024 World Watch List & The Word And Prayer Manifesto

Pastor Chris Simmons and Cornerstone Baptist Church in Dallas have learned that opened doors tend to open hearts. They know this. Open Doors has revealed their Top 50 countries where it’s most dangerous for Christians. And, with less than 18 hours before the crucifixion, Jesus made certain His disciples understood the inseparable relationship between prayer and the Word.