October 19, 2026
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Confluence students answer calls to faith, ministry, and mission

Students pray at the altar on the last day of Confluence, Oct. 11, 2026. (Index/Henry Durand)
MCDONOUGH, Ga. — The Georgia Baptist Mission Board’s annual collegiate gathering, Confluence, led to at least 22 professions of faith, 118 responses to a call to ministry, and 651 other decisions or commitments. 
Trending stories
Members worship in Transformation Church's newly renovated sanctuary. (Photo/Transformation Church)
Transformation Church embraces Great Commission in Lula
LULA, Ga. — Transformation Church in Lula is very much akin to the New Testament church because, in many ways, it reflects the spirit of the church described in Acts 2:44-47. It is not a large church, and it is not a wealthy church, but the people are excited about their faith, seeking to meet the needs of their community, and welcoming everyone to be a part of their family.
Evangelist Doug Elks. (Photo/Festival of Hope, Frank Simme)
Monroe Festival of Hope sees 96 professions of faith
MONROE, Ga. — Rain fell on the opening night of the Festival of Hope at American Legion Post 64 Fairgrounds, but the four-night evangelistic event continued and resulted in 96 professions of faith.
Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers gather outside a trailer in Florida. (Photo/GBDR)
Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief deploys to Florida after Hurricane Isaias
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — About 50 Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers are working in the Florida Panhandle after Hurricane Isaias brought destructive winds, flooding, and widespread damage to the region.
Members, families, and friends gather at the groundbreaking for a 2,400-seat worship center. (Photo/Burnt Hickory Baptist Church)
Burnt Hickory breaks ground on 2,400-seat worship center
POWDER SPRINGS, Ga. — Burnt Hickory Baptist Church broke ground Sunday, Oct. 11, on a 2,400-seat worship center as part of its “All In” initiative, a project church leaders say will provide needed space for a congregation that is already holding five Sunday morning worship services in two auditoriums.
Evangelism conference to equip Georgia Baptists with practical tools for reaching the lost
WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Georgia Baptists will be encouraged and equipped to maximize their evangelism efforts during a one-day conference on Monday, Nov. 9, at Second Baptist Church in Warner Robins, just before the Georgia Baptist Convention Annual Meeting.
Baptist Life

Fellowship Baptist sees attendance grow as young people catch fire for the Lord

(Photo/Fellowship BC)
GIBSON, Ga. — Fellowship Baptist Church in Gibson has more than doubled its Sunday attendance in the past year, and Pastor Jonathan Rosier says much of the spiritual energy is coming from teenagers who returned from summer camp determined to share the gospel. The 226-year-old church has grown from about 85 on Sunday mornings a year ago to an average of 220.

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Rebeca Couto, a global missionary partner from the Azores Islands, practices writing characters with her tutor in Japan. (Photo/IMB)
Rebeca Couto moved from one volcanic archipelago to another, leaving Portugal’s Azores islands to anchor her life in Japan. The percentage of evangelical Christians in the Azores and Japan is similar, with both populations under 1%.  
The sanctuary inside North Knoxville Baptist sustained heavy smoke damage on the morning of Oct. 14. (Photo/North Knoxville Baptist Church)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Smoke stains the sanctuary of North Knoxville Baptist Church, and the foyer is heavily damaged, but the congregation says it is not going anywhere.
The Truett McConnell University campus in Cleveland, Georgia. (Photo/TMU)
CLEVELAND, Ga. — As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms how organizations operate, compete, and make decisions, Truett McConnell University’s Hans Hut School of Business is taking intentional steps to ensure its graduates are prepared to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven workplace.
Jerico Vasquez
ROME, Ga. — Pianist Jerico Vasquez will present a faculty recital on Monday, Oct. 26, at 7:30 p.m. in Brookes Chapel at Shorter University. The event is free and open to the public.
Georgia
Attractions are seen at Six Flags Over Georgia, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) northwest of Atlanta, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, in Mableton. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Georgia amusement park to reopen as scheduled days after roller coaster death

ATLANTA (AP) — Six Flags Over Georgia is set to open its gates Friday for the first time since a man fell to his death from one of the amusement park's towering roller coasters.

This combination of photos from 2017 to 2022 shows the logos of Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat on mobile devices. (AP Photo, File)

Court lifts block on Georgia law that restricts children’s access to social media

ATLANTA — Georgia can enforce a 2024 state law that seeks to limit social media companies’ access to children under a new ruling by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The Protecting Georgia’s Children on Social Media Act passed the General Assembly with broad bipartisan support, but an organization representing online platforms sued and secured a preliminary injunction last year.
The Nathan Deal Judicial Center, which houses the Georgia Supreme Court, in Atlanta on Dec. 10, 2025. (Index/Henry Durand, File)

Georgia Supreme Court ruling could shift more fire costs to property taxpayers

ATLANTA — In a ruling with potentially far-reaching consequences for homeowners and businesses, the Georgia Supreme Court on Wednesday struck down a fire service fee levied by Chatham County.
A roller coaster is shown at Six Flags over Georgia on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026 in Austell, Ga. (AP Photo/Emilie Megnien)

Man killed on a Six Flags roller coaster was thrown from the ride and hit other patrons, police say

MABLETON, Ga. (AP) — A 42-year-old man killed while riding a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia was thrown from his seat and struck other patrons before landing below the ride, police said Tuesday.

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Nation
People leave a family meeting area following a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, in Bend, Ore. (AP Photo/Joe Kline)

Teen shooter kills 4 at Oregon elementary school before being shot by a witness

A 16-year-old shot his way through locked doors to get into an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, killing three children and a teacher. He was then shot by a person at the scene who followed him inside, authorities said.

The FBI seal is pictured in Omaha, Neb., Aug. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

Authorities investigate letters with 'suspicious substances' sent to congressional, election offices

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal authorities are investigating letters with “suspicious substances” that have been mailed to congressional and election offices nationwide and are urging recipients to treat the mailings as “potentially hazardous.”
Homeland Security officers carry boxes from the Washington residence of Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, during a search. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Rep. Ilhan Omar's phone seized and relatives subpoenaed in criminal probe, AP source says

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal authorities investigating Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar seized the Democratic lawmaker's phone and have issued more than a dozen grand jury subpoenas, including to some of her relatives, according to a person briefed on the probe.
The U.S. Department of Justice logo adorns a podium, May 4, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

Justice Department threatens California with legal action over claim of noncitizens on voter rolls

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Justice Department has threatened California with possible legal action over what it says are noncitizens believed to have received mail ballots for next month’s midterm elections.

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World
A car drives through a security booth at the entrance to Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, Canada, on Monday, Oct. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Ty O'Neil)

Canada deploys 50 investigators to probe military base fire that killed 4 soldiers

WAINWRIGHT, Alberta (AP) — Fifty investigators are examining circumstances around a fire at a Canadian military base that killed four soldiers and injured 39 others, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday, as questions mount over why training continued despite officials knowing a fire was burning nearby.

Australian independent member of parliament Helen Haines speaks to journalists in the Press Gallery at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. (Mick Tsikas/AAP Image via AP)

Australian prime minister says lawmaker critically injured by car is 'no accident'

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A car hit an Australian federal independent lawmaker on Monday, critically injuring her in an apparently deliberate attack, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. The driver was arrested.
People ride in a pickup truck during a funeral procession for a Houthi officer in Sanaa, Yemen, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. The Arabic banner reads, "Martyr Mazen Abdallah." (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrahman)

Houthi rebels strike Yemen's government forces with ballistic missiles, killing at least 53

CAIRO (AP) — Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck Yemeni government forces with ballistic missiles on Monday, killing at least 53 soldiers at a military camp in one of the deadliest attacks since a resurgence in fighting this summer, Yemeni military officials said.
Youths break a store window in Paris, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

France's prime minister calls for localized curfews in cities to curb rioting and looting

PARIS (AP) — French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu says he has instructed prefects to impose “very limited” and “localized” curfews in cities to prevent more rioting and looting, following this weekend's violence that notably targeted city halls, other public buildings and hundreds of businesses across the country.

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Perspectives
John Spencer
I am the middle child in my family. I have two sisters on either end. The great thing about being the only boy was I usually had my own room growing up. The only drawback was that I also had the extra bed in my room. That meant when family came to stay with us, they bunked with me.
Steve Foster
A church can offer evangelism training, host outreach events, and run community ministries without ever developing an evangelistic culture. Programs fill a calendar. Culture shapes a people. The difference matters.
Ralph Fudge
C.S. Lewis called pride the utmost evil (Mere Christianity). He said pride leads to every other vice and is the complete anti-God state of mind. Pride has been the chief cause of so much misery in every nation and family since the great “fall” of man.
Ben Bradley
Ever since Zoran Mamdani won the New York City mayor’s race, candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America have been winning primaries across the country. In several cases, newcomer socialists have defeated long-standing Democratic incumbents. Now, politicians on both sides of the aisle are left wondering what happened.
(Index/Henry Durand)
Picture a church meeting that ends with hope. The need is clear. People agree that something must change. Heads nod, the motion passes, and the pastor goes home encouraged. Six weeks later, little has happened. The same questions return. A few hallway conversations grow louder. The people who said yes begin asking whether this is really the right time.

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Business
A tugboat pushes a container ship to a port in Yantai, eastern China's Shandong province on Oct. 14, 2026. (Chinatopix via AP)

China's economy accelerated in the July-September quarter on robust exports

HONG KONG (AP) — China said Monday its economy grew 4.5% in the July-September quarter from a year ago, fueled by robust exports, moving closer to meeting its official annual growth target for the year as trading partners seek to balance their trade deficits with the country.

The Social Security Administration office is seen in Mount Prospect, Ill., Oct. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

Social Security recipients to get 3.6% cost of living boost, an average of $75 per month

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Social Security Administration projected Wednesday that the annual cost-of-living adjustment for older adults and people with disabilities will go up by 3.6% beginning in 2027, with some recipients complaining that is not enough to offset soaring prices.
(Photo/NOBTS)

New Orleans Seminary partners with The Worship Initiative and SBC Worship for night of worship celebrating Center for Worship Studies

NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary hosted a worship night Oct. 6 in partnership with The Worship Initiative and SBC Worship. The event was held in celebration of the ribbon-cutting for the seminary's new Center for Worship Studies, which took place earlier in the day.  
The U.S. Department of Agriculture seal is seen on a podium during a news conference in Washington on July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

More than 160,000 pounds of meat bearing false USDA inspection labels recalled

NEW YORK (AP) — More than 83 tons of meat are being recalled across the U.S. because the products were not properly inspected by federal authorities and were shipped out with falsified inspection stickers, the Department of Agriculture said.
A hiring sign is displayed at a grocery store, in Schaumburg, Ill., Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Claims for unemployment benefits drop to 197,000, the lowest since mid-July as layoffs remain rare

WASHINGTON (AP) — Fewer people applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week, as U.S. jobless claims remain at historically low levels and most Americans enjoy job security.

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Sports
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kendal Daniels is taken off the field after being injured during the second half in Atlanta, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Falcons linebacker Kendal Daniels carted off on stretcher after third-quarter tackle

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels was injured and left the field on a stretcher in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears. The Falcons said that Daniels was alert and had movement in all his extremities and was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for further evaluation. He was seen after the game in the locker room walking under his own power.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams throws a pass in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Caleb Williams completes first 12 passes in return after missing 3 games as Bears top Falcons 31-23

ATLANTA (AP) — Caleb Williams had been “itching” on the sideline while missing three straight games. Finally cleared to play, Williams performed as if determined to make up for lost time. Williams completed his first 12 passes in his return from a hamstring injury, D'Andre Swift ran for two touchdowns, and the Chicago Bears beat the Atlanta Falcons 31-23 on Sunday.
Miami running back Javian Mallory (21) celebrates with offensive lineman Ben Congdon after scoring a touchdown during the second half against Florida State, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Miami takes No. 1 in the latest AP Top 25 after a week of upsets

Miami is No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 for the first time since 2002, No. 2 BYU has its highest ranking since its 1984 national championship season, and Notre Dame and Georgia stayed in the top five Sunday after both lost close games.
Auburn kicker Alex McPherson (38) kicks the game-winning field goal as time expires against Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

Alex McPherson kicks 34-yard field goal as time expires to lift Auburn over No. 1 Georgia 27-24

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Alex McPherson kicked a game-winning 34-yard field goal as time expired and Auburn, led by quarterback Byrum Brown's dominant running game, upset No. 1 Georgia 27-24 on Saturday.

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