April 19, 2024
John SettersJohn Setters was recently honored for 50 years of service as church clerk for Oak Grove Baptist in Tifton, where he has been a member since 1963. He participates in Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief and is a chaplain for Truck Stop Ministries. Setters will retire from his position as clerk but continue as a Sunday School teacher.
Ruth Hufstetler retired on Sept. 30 as church clerk of Tabernacle Baptist in Cartersville. She had served in the role for more than 30 years.
Beginning on Jan. 1, Keith Ivey will begin as a consultant in Community Missions and Disaster Response for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. For the last ten years he has served as director of Georgia Mountain Resort Ministries. Ivey will continue in that role while assisting Community Missions and Disaster Response when available.
Grace Baptist Church in LaGrange held Vision Sunday Aug. 7 with the intent of inviting prospects. The following Sunday members identified 63 unchurched "family units," each consisting of 1-5 members. Pastor Donnie Benefield and others visited those identified prior to the church's Sept. 11 revival with evangelist Steve Franz. Due to that effort 12-20 visitors attended each revival service. Since then, an average of five different families have been visiting each Sunday. The first baptism service since the revival was held Oct. 2.
Montgomery Memorial Baptist Church in Gainesville recently held its Annual Fall Crusade Sept. 18-21, this year with evangelist Jon Reed. The outdoor meetings brought 25o in nightly attendance with 29 decisions made on-campus and four more saved off-campus. Six were baptized in the outdoor baptistery with an additional seven baptized on the following Sunday. Darryl Womack is pastor of Montgomery Memorial.
On Sept. 18 Bluffton Baptist Church held a dedication service for its newly-renovated sanctuary and church building. More than 100 attended the 10 a.m. gathering. The Pachitla Creek Pickers, a local bluegrass instrumental and vocal group, provided music alongside congregational singing. A reading of names contributing financial gifts to the project followed alongside a historical overview of the church and prayer of dedication. Pastor Michael Williams brought the message. Bluffton Baptist Church was formed in 1869.
Members of Crafters for Christ pray over items available for free to attendees at the Georgia National Fair. The group meets weekly at Smith Baptist Church in Vidalia and create items with a Scripture verse attached. In addition to items such as huggy bears, patriotic keyholders, and bookmark crosses, the group provided a cup of water to each guest and gospel tract.
