Strengthen: Sheep and shepherds, part 2
Rarely does a week go by without a conversation taking place in my world related to either a pastor expressing frustration regarding the congregation he serves or a church member expressing disappointment in their pastor. The common denominator in these conversations appears to be the unmet and maybe the unrealistic expectations on both sides of the equation. These conversations have caused me to think more directly about what...
Lost things: The Heart & Hand Thrift Center story
BETHANY—There’s nothing quite like a good treasure hunt through a thrift store. Whether someone is just looking for a new crystal candy bowl or eagerly searching for the last element of their Fall Festival costume, thrift stores seem to be such a treasure trove. Antique hunters and quiet browsers alike are guaranteed to find more than a good steal when entering Heart & Hand Thrift Center on Council Road and N.W. 23rd Street. Amid...
Altus shows neighborly love: Three churches unite for revival, outreach
ALTUS—If the events of August were any indication, the Gospel message of Jesus is on the advance in Jackson County, Oklahoma. Three area Southern Baptist churches—Altus, Friendship; Altus, Martha Road; and Blair, First—combined for a series of revival events, community outreach and evangelism efforts that yielded much fruit. Called “Love My Neighbor 2017,” God gave the idea first to Kevin Baker, pastor of Altus, Martha Road. “It was...
Duncan completes ‘Finish Well Ride’ in Canada
From the plains of Oklahoma to the mountains of Canada, and all 2,700 miles in between, it can most assuredly be said that Alisa Duncan finished the “Finish Well Ride” exceptionally well. Duncan started her journey at the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO) on July 20 and completed her trek on Sept. 9 in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. Previously, Duncan has ridden her bike from Guerrero, Mexico, where she lives as a missionary,...
Strengthen: Sheep and shepherds
Rarely does a week go by without a conversation taking place in my world related to either a pastor expressing frustration regarding the congregation he serves or a church member expressing disappointment in their pastor. The common denominator in these conversations appears to be the unmet and maybe the unrealistic expectations on both sides of the equation. These conversations have caused me to think more directly about what...
Pitman brings ministry challenge at The Call
SHAWNEE—Hundreds of young people attended The Call Conference at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), Aug. 26, to gain a greater understanding of what a call to ministry means in their lives. Now in its seventh year, The Call Conference has been established as a follow-up event to many who answered a call to ministry this summer, with 1,098 such decisions made during the eight weeks of youth camp at Falls Creek Baptist Conference...
