LOUISVILLE, Ky. (KT) – Racetrack workers on the backside of Churchill Downs number around 1,000. Pavel Urruchi, who has been the track chaplain since last November, sees it as his mission field. He wants to make sure each one of them has an opportunity to hear the gospel.

In the final months of 2023 and the beginning of 2024, the region of Brazil faced an unprecedented crisis—the worst drought in recorded history. This catastrophe struck hardest in the river communities, where livelihoods depend on abundant water.

W. Thomas Hammond Jr., executive director of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, and his wife Kerri led Georgia Baptists in a time of corporate prayer via livestream Wednesday morning on the National Day of Prayer.

Seminary training has always been more than taking classes. Formation for ministry has always been as important as the content of the curriculum. But the global pandemic in 2020 forged a new era in virtual education. Could the intangible qualities of seminary translate into an increasingly digital education space?

“When you hear me preach or teach, more than 99% of the time, I’m relaying what the Lord is working on in me,” remarked Wayne VanHorn, professor of Christian studies at Mississippi College. This is the reality of pastorship; God’s word must reach a preacher’s own conviction before he can properly teach the truth from the pulpit.

The prophet Elijah knew plenty about the ups and downs of following God. We can draw strength and encouragement from his true story. We can be reminded that through good times and bad, God is still with us, and will help us in staying the course.

In a troubling sign for many congregations, half of pastors say they are often or frequently lonely, according to a report of clergy health. Pastors may be healthy in many other areas, but most say they struggle with feeling lonely, according to a report from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — At a time when war and tumult are rampant across the globe, prayer warriors are believing God will hear their cry for help and relief. The 2024 National Day of Prayer is set to be observed on May 2.

NASHVILLE (BP) — Four recommendations released today are designed to “prioritize and emphasize the authority of messengers in defining the boundaries of our cooperation while clarifying and refining our structure,” said a statement from the SBC’s Cooperation Group.

I don’t know about you, but I struggle with my “thoughts” constantly. I read this in my devotional today from Lysa Terkeurst: “When I obsess over things out of my control, it makes me act out of control. A much better place to park my mind is to look for God’s protection, provision, and lessons on perseverance in the midst of whatever I’m facing.”

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Lifeway President and CEO Ben Mandrell announced the appointment of Joe Walker as its new executive vice president and Scott Arvay as its new chief operating officer. Lifeway trustees approved Walker and Arvay in their new roles during a special-called board meeting Wednesday, May 1, 2024. 

NASHVILLE (BP) – Strategic changes could be afoot at the SBC Executive Committee during Jeff Iorg’s first 100 days as president if his latest podcast episode is any indication.

In the heart of a conflict-stricken city in India, where tensions between the Christian majority Kuki-Zo and Hindu majority Meitei communities have left families displaced and homes destroyed, Send Relief’s blanket distribution project has brought more than just warmth; it has brought hope, faith and healing.

ROME, Ga. — Shorter University announced on Tuesday, April 30, that Hollywood star, director, producer and author Kevin Sorbo will be the featured speaker at Shorter University’s 2024 President’s Gala on Dec. 5, 2024.

FRANKLIN , Tenn. — The start of a new year will mark the end of an era for the Baptist and Reflector.  Lonnie Wilkey, who has served as editor of the B&R for 26 years, has announced his plans to retire from his position, effective Dec. 31, 2024.

This Thursday, May 2, is the National Day of Prayer. It was established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1952, and the date was set to the first Thursday in May by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.

Volunteers with Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief were called into action in the immediate aftermath of the deadly tornado outbreak in Oklahoma on Saturday, April 27. From preparing meals to chainsaw/debris clean-up to chaplaincy ministry, Oklahoma Baptist DR teams are already making an impact in hard hit areas of the state.

CINCINNATI (BP) — Michael Clary, pastor of Christ the King Church in Cincinnati, announced Monday his intention to nominate Wesley Russell, pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Pikeville, Ky., for second vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention at the annual meeting in June.

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Lifeway, B&H Publishing and Holman Bible Publishers recently announced the CSB “She Reads Truth Bible” achieved a Platinum Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) for selling more than 1 million copies.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Spurgeon College commissioned nine missionary teams to overseas service in Africa and Asia at a special chapel service on Tuesday, April 23. The ceremony also commissioned several graduate-level students who have completed rigorous training in the Fusion Master’s Cohort in preparation for service as career missionaries.

Christian business leaders from across North Carolina arrived on Southeastern Seminary’s campus on Wednesday, April 24, for the t-factor summit, a training initiative of Coca-Cola Consolidated. Grateful to host this training event, Southeastern endeavors to help equip and encourage Christians in the marketplace to make disciples of Jesus.

The Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde famously said, “I can resist anything except temptation.” The story of Joseph in the Bible provides for contemporary Christians both an example and a methodology for avoiding accusations and sins.

Daniel Holland, a rising senior at Georgia Southern University, has been selected as state president of Baptist Collegiate Ministries for 2024-2025. Holland, a marketing major, says he plans to attend seminary after graduation, and his ultimate desire is to serve as a pastor.

Destructive storms and tornadoes hit the Midwest over the weekend, leaving a wake of damage behind them. At least five deaths and more than 100 injuries have been reported in Oklahoma. Other states among those reportedly impacted by the storms include Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas.

CLEVELAND, Ga. — Truett McConnell University welcomes the public to enjoy an evening of music at The Nightly, TMU’s premier student coffee lounge. Join us for the Bear-ly Jazz ensemble’s Spring 2024 performance featuring a vibrant mix of swing, Latin, and pop jazz tunes.