SBC Life Articles by Evelyn Adamson

WEST AFRICA (BP) -- Whipping desert winds fill the air with dust, which settles on the clinic's metal gate, muting its deep maroon color. A clinic worker opens the gate, and two grandparents step into the clinic with their 2-month-old grandson. Untying the wrap that holds the baby on her back, the grandmother slides him around in front and cradles him as she sits down. The baby's grandfather pulls up a chair and sits next to them. The emaciated baby lies motionless on his grandmother's lap. The simple move ...

A simple formula distribution project like this saves lives in sub-Saharan Africa.

LONDON (BP) -- Syria entered its fifth year of conflict in March with the grim report that an estimated 220,000 people have been killed since fighting began in early 2011. In addition, registered refugee numbers soon will hit the 4 million mark, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

JOHANNESBURG (BP) -- Severe rains have hammered Madagascar, Mozambique and Malawi in recent weeks, displacing more than 200,000 people and leaving hundreds more missing or dead. Baptist Global Response and International Mission Board personnel rushed aid to vital areas, delivering food and supplies to families with critical needs across southern Africa. Rivers swelled beyond capacity, converted plains into lakes, and completely erased villages. In Malawi, a reported 275 people are missing or assumed dead. Mozambique reported there were 11,000 homes destroyed and 88 fatalities.

As Ebola continues to make headlines, IMB writer Evelyn Adamson examines the personal impact Ebola has left on communities across West Africa and in the United States.

SOCHI, Russia (BP) -- After a long day of performing with her drama team at the recent Winter Olympics in Sochi, Tamara Wasylyshyn wanted nothing more than to step into the American fast food chain down the street, eat dinner and rest.

SOUTHEAST ASIA (BP) -- The constant tick, tick, tick of computer keys provides the backdrop as Don Patrick* and Rith Jaya* compare notes on flickering laptop screens. The men also swish the pages of a dictionary as they work together.

SOCHI, Russia (BP) -- Members of the Earl Brackin Band sing and strum their traditional bluegrass instruments, rendering a soul-stirring version of "I'll Fly Away," as dozens of Olympics fans gather to listen, some of whom capture the music on their smartphones.

SOCHI, Russia (BP) -- Amid tight security, the 2014 Winter Olympics commenced with impressive opening ceremonies, while Baptist volunteers from across the United States arrived to be part of the international festivities. Inside Sochi's "ring of steel," consisting of 40,000 armed Russian troops, anti-aircraft weapons and a myriad of military surveillance tactics, the five Olympic rings welcomed thousands of athletes, fans, diplomats and dignitaries to the Sochi Games. [QUOTE@right@180="Who knows what God is up to here? It’s humbling to have a front row seat."
-- Southern Baptist volunteer in Sochi]President Vladimir Putin ushered in the Games during the opening ceremonies at Fisht Olympic Stadium -- stirring a sense of competition, camaraderie and inspiration. Among those present is a select group partnering under the name Engage Sochi. Their purpose is simple: to make a difference for Christ before, during and after the 2014 Winter Olympics. The Southern Baptist volunteers journeyed thousands of miles despite persistent media attention to fears of terrorist threats. Engage Sochi is a network of Southern Baptists seeking to create opportunities for meaningful conversations with those living and working in Sochi or who are attending the Games. Volunteers hail from across the United States, including Oklahoma, Missouri, Colorado, Georgia and Alabama. Scheduled to perform are the Singing Men of Oklahoma, Woman's Missionary Union drama teams and ministry teams from Missouri and Colorado intent on sharing the love of Christ. Volunteers engage people throughout the community, walking in the knowledge that thousands around the world are praying for them and for Sochi during the coming weeks. "Never in our lives have we felt the prayers of people so tangibly," one volunteer said. "Even tonight, a casual conversation on the train turned into a person helping us, and a really good local contact was made." As people respond and ask questions, steps are taken to ensure that once they return home, they are connected with a local community of believers, regardless of where they live throughout the world. To stay connected with Engage Sochi during the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, visit the Facebook page for the outreach, Facebook.com/EngageSochi and use its hashtag for the games -- #pray4sochi. Engage Sochi prayer request The North Caucasus region of Russia, in which Sochi sits, has long suffered from political unrest. ...

SOUTHEAST ASIA (BP) -- Uncertainty rocked Vanna Keo* after her husband Kith* accepted Christ. She had never met any Christians before, and now her husband was one. In supporting her husband, Keo agreed to meet Don and Dayla Patrick*, IMB workers in Southeast Asia for more 15 years. The Patricks were the ones who shared the Gospel with her husband and led him to Christ.