BCM/D NEWS
As SNAP benefits at risk, food pantries prepare
By Scott Barkley
(BP) The uptick in those visiting The Good Samaritan Ministry began weeks ago, Wilma Erickson noticed.
“It’s really almost doubled,” Erickson told Baptist Press Thursday (Oct. 30). “On Tuesday, we had 50 families over four hours and it wiped us out of produce, milk and eggs. I’ve seen a lot of senior citizens and single parents, especially, who are used to getting a lot on SNAP but were cut back, and now they’re getting nothing starting in November and they’re panicking.”
Young Adults Gather at Skycroft for Worship, Rest and Renewal
Following a successful “ABA Big Event” youth gathering earlier this year, Arundel Baptist Association (ABA) pastors hosted a young adult gathering at Skycroft Conference Center on Oct. 31- Nov. 2. About 70 young adults in their 20s and early 30s showed up ready to worship, grow, and experience God on South Mountain. The ABA and the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware helped with resources.
The organizers, representing multiple ABA churches, were excited. Matt Gardner, youth pastor of The Church at Severn Run, said, “We began meeting and praying about this event so long ago. Seeing God provide and bring it all together is a huge blessing.”
Hurricane Melissa set to be before/after event for Jamaica
By Scott Barkley
NASHVILLE (BP) – Southern Baptist leaders are encouraging churches to pray for and consider how to contribute financially for those in the path of Hurricane Melissa.
Melissa is a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph and is expected to turn northward later today or tonight, bringing “catastrophic and life-threatening winds, flooding, and storm surge for Jamaica,” reported the National Hurricane Center in Miami today (Oct. 27).
86-year-old takes 107th mission trip with IMB, but who’s counting
By Sue Sprenkle and Shane Adams (IMB)
Larry McCallon is 86 years old, but don’t tell the group of 13-year-old boys clustered around his table. Sure, they see him as an adult; after all, they respectfully call him “Mr. Larry.” But deep down, he’s one of them and so much more — friend, spiritual mentor, confidant, co-conspirator and jokester.
Disability Ministry Homecoming Dance Brings Joy
On Friday, Oct. 24, Berlin First Baptist Church hosted a homecoming dance for individuals with disabilities. Partnering with nearby Fathom Church, the event was held in Fathom’s spacious renovated barn, located behind a cornfield — a perfect setting for what, for many high school students, is a treasured autumn tradition.
5 Reasons Delegation Strengthens Your Ministry
By Colin Pugh
1 Empowers Growth
It can be hard to let go when you wonder if others will handle ministry with the same care or maturity. But delegation gives people the chance to grow in responsibility, faith, and skill. Rather than carrying too much yourself, you bless others and multiply the work of the church.