Jesse Lyautey

RICHMOND, Va. (BP)--Author and speaker Beth Moore calls Christians to unite in prayer for missionaries around the world in her new daily devotional book, "Voices of the Faithful."
      Moore and missionary Kim Davis, her partner on the project, collaborated with nearly 300 Southern Baptist missionaries who contributed to the 366-day devotional with stories of sacrifice, hardships and joy in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.
      "My earnest prayer is that once you feel like you know a handful of missionaries personally, your motivation to remember them, pray for them and support them in any of many ways will explode into a full-fledged partnership," said Moore, who wrote introductions for the book and each monthly set of devotionals.

Well done Richard and Kaye Rolfe, who served 25 years in Columbia, listen to a choir sing "Well Done" at the close of a service for retiring missionaries July 17. Photo by IMB

ROCKVILLE, Va. (BP)--Serving in the Middle East, Southern Baptist workers Pat and Judy Hoaldridge faced persecution in the form of newspaper articles and fliers that called for throwing them out of their neighborhood -- as well as threats against their lives -- all during the first years on the field.
      Yet as a result of the public attacks, people knew where to find the couple to ask about Jesus -- and the Hoaldridges were able to help start churches all over the area.
      "After the construction of the new church a party was organized to thank neighbors for their patience," Judy Hoaldridge said.

RICHMOND, Va. (BP)--The International Mission Board’s vision for Kingdom growth is laid out in a new book by Jerry Rankin titled, “Empowering Kingdom Growth: To the Ends of the Earth.”
      In it, the IMB president shares not only the vision but also practical ways Southern Baptists can become involved in carrying out the Great Commission.
      While the book seeks to help pastors encourage and inform their congregations, Rankin hopes the book also will be useful to missionaries, volunteers and others with hearts for the lost world.