SBC Life Articles by Jason Skinner

GARDENDALE, Ala. (BP)–When Lee Roy Hicks retired at the age of 65, he wasn’t exactly sure how he would be spending his twilight years. But there is one item Hicks purposely left off his retirement agenda: stopping. “A lot of men who retire … they go home and die. But thanks to the good Lord, […]

BAY MINETTE, Ala. (BP)–Depending on which way one is traveling down Highway 193 in south Alabama, a small sign conspicuously placed in a resident’s yard can either give passersby a message of the Lord’s goodness or his wrath. For example, those driving south might be encouraged by the warm, uplifting words of David found in […]

RICHMOND, Va. (BP)–A basketball in the hands of Michael Jordan immediately transforms into something else, becoming almost like a quill dipped in the poet’s ink. In the same way, a basketball in the hands of a missionary in a foreign country can become a powerful instrument for sharing the gospel. That’s because in some places […]

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (BP)–At the conclusion of a recent University of Alabama football game, backup quarterback John David Phillips made his way, like he does after every contest ­- win or lose -­ to the center of the field. Once there, he kneeled, took the hand of an opposing player, bowed his head and began to […]

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (BP)–In Christian circles, they are called “tentmakers.” According to the dictionary, they are “moonlighters.” To Southern Baptists, they are known as bivocational pastors.They are ministers who, like a New Testament apostle named Paul who happened to make tents for a living, have found an additional occupation outside the clergy. They could be bankers, […]

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP)–Say cheese!” (click) “Well, that’s over with, let’s go get something to eat.” And so it goes with families getting their pictures made for the church pictorial directory. Show up, look pretty and don’t forget to smile.For those who give their time to making sure the book turns out just right, however, this […]

BESSEMER, Ala. (BP)–The newspaper of today serves many functions: to disseminate information, line animal cages, decorate refrigerators (cartoons and funny clippings), advertise products and services -­ and change people’s lives. At least that’s what the July 17, 1997, issue of The Alabama Baptist did for two recent graduates from the Bessemer Rescue Mission City of […]

IRONDALE, Ala. (BP)–Sitting back on a comfortable couch, Tiema Muhando recalled the blessings God has given him since leaving his homeland of Kenya more than 10 years ago. Not only has he escaped the poverty and daily hardships of life in the rural village of Kakamega where he was born and raised, he now has […]

AUBURN, Ala. (BP)–In the locker room before an Auburn University football game, pre-game rituals run amok. There are ankles and wrists being taped, equipment firmly fastened, perhaps even heads banging into lockers. But at locker No. 31 belonging to sophomore free safety Rob Pate, there is another, much more emotion-laden activity taking place. Before every […]

SELMA, Ala. (BP)–Driving home from church late one evening three years ago, Ralph Derryberry saw a familiar sight coming toward him on the side of the road. It was the same black man who for weeks had been walking the streets of Selma, Ala., sometimes standing for hours on street corners and often seen talking […]