[1]LifeWay Women’s Leadership Forum aims to bring unity among dispersed leaders
By Joy Allmond
NASHVILLE (BP) – This year’s LifeWay Women’s Leadership Forum won’t look like it has in years past, but more women in more locations will be in attendance – even though there will be fewer than ever on site.
[2]The on-site location at Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tenn., is sold out at 500 in-person attendees for the Nov. 12-13 (capped for COVID safety measures and to comply with local guidelines). But virtual registration is open to any woman, anywhere in the world.
And even though women will be scattered far apart as they hear from sought-after authors and teachers, this year’s forum theme, “unity,” is aimed at bringing leaders together in a time of division.
“The Lord knew we would need to focus on the ‘unity’ aspect of ministry,” said Kelly King, women’s ministry specialist for LifeWay.
“This theme was determined long before so many, divisive, painful cultural moments of 2020 occurred – and certainly before the pandemic was upon us. My prayer is that, ultimately, this theme can help us remember that while it seems everything else around us is changing, our calling to make disciples will never change.”
[3]Keynote speakers include podcaster and author Jamie Ivey, author and pastor’s wife Dorena Williamson, leadership expert Kadi Cole, Bible teacher Lisa Harper, LifeWay President and CEO Ben Mandrell, best-selling author Angie Smith, entrepreneur and speaker Ruth Chou Simons and worship leader Travis Cottrell.
Believers in Madagascar partner to craft Bible stories in local dialects
By Tess Baker
[5]MADAGASCAR (BP) – In the last 10 years, believers in southwest Madagascar have crafted more than 100 local dialect Bible stories that are now told over the radio each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. Missionaries secured a weekly 20-minute radio segment for the stories when COVID-19 prevented churches from meeting in person.
Antonny, one of the local pastors, receives text messages after the stories play. More than 15 people have contacted him asking about salvation, discipleship opportunities, local churches, or to share stories with others. Pastor Antonny and his church have followed up as coronavirus restrictions allow.
One of those who has reached out is a witch doctor who asked for prayer for delivery from evil spirits. Another was a young girl who had a baby soon after hearing the stories. She asked Pastor Antonny for a Bible name because of her excitement from hearing the stories. She named her newborn Samuel.
Louisiana churches invited to get hurricane recovery help
By Sara Drott/Carey Baptist Association
LAKE CHARLES, La. (BP) – Churches are invited to an informational meeting on Oct. 27 at East Ridge Baptist Church in Lake Charles, La.
Alan Weishampel, pastor of East Ridge, and Louisiana Baptists staff members will be present. The meeting is sponsored by the Louisiana Baptist Convention and is a joint venture of GEC/Myer, Rostan Solutions and Ratcliff Construction.
The companies bring expertise in their areas of focus including navigating the FEMA application process along with professional engineering services and accurate construction cost estimates and services.
Churches will benefit by having experienced professionals working with them to secure grants and move forward with recovery and building concerns.