George Müller

One of my heroes in the faith is George Müller. He lived in the 1800s and cared for 10,024 orphans in his lifetime by means of the “faith principle,” which meant he would pray to God and never directly ask another person for money.

Nor did he ever borrow money for anything. He was renowned for great faith in our Lord and peaceful trust in God’s provision, even when a deadline loomed and food was short.

The Lord has shown our family His unending faithfulness. This doesn’t mean that there have not been difficult seasons – we’ve journeyed through many and are in one currently. It means that no matter what happens today, we have decided to trust in the Lord with all our heart. We have decided to endure, to persevere, to keep moving forward in faith. We know nothing and no one can thwart His plans to glorify His Name and use our circumstances to sanctify us to be more like Him.

When we said “yes” to adopt our daughter in 2018, the Lord had to make a way where there was not a way. We did not have the additional $20,000 to pay the adoption attorney, nor did we have any of the travel expenses needed to live across the country for several weeks, all within a 48-hour deadline. [Read more…]

Lonnie Wilkey

The 2025 Vacation Bible School season is over for most churches but this year’s VBS will remain in my memories because it is the year I returned to my roots.

For the first time in six decades, I volunteered to work in VBS, serving at Enoree Baptist Church in Travelers Rest, S.C., where my wife and I joined after our retirement.

It’s not that I have been away from VBS completely. As a journalist and retired editor of the Baptist and Reflector I have written numerous VBS articles over the years. The stories were not “have to” write articles. I chose the VBS “beat” because of what those three letters represent — sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with boys and girls. [Read more…]

Randy C. Davis

We loved our church family.

Jeanne and I were in our second year of marriage and my second year as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Leakesville, Mississippi. It was my first pastorate.

Our parsonage had a large living room, and we invited the church’s 35 regular attenders for Thanksgiving.

That night, Jeanne and I experienced what it meant to be loved as the church’s pastor and first lady. We were newlyweds with no new furniture and very little good furniture.

That same night, the church gave us two nicely wrapped large boxes containing a matching set of tables for our den. They also gifted me a new shotgun, hoping it might improve my aim when hunting with the guys. [Read more…]

Nancy Duggin

As the dawn of a new school year stretches before you, pause — breathe deeply, gather your children close, and look back before getting caught up in shopping for school supplies, new clothes, learning new schedules, and meeting new teachers.

Slow down long enough to savor a few moments reflecting on the previous school year. Sit with your children and together recall the treasured moments of the previous grade.

Focus on the memories now woven into their hearts: the laughter shared with newfound friends, the spark of discovery when a lesson took root, the patient encouragement of teachers who helped them grow in confidence and competence.

As the school year unfolds, pray for every adult within the school — those who lead, guide, inspire, and care for students.

[Read more…]

Joe Sorah

Sometimes it takes a shark to focus on catching the right fish.

The Tennessee Baptist Mission Board hosts a variety of Off the Grid experiences designed to help pastors and ministry leaders unplug and recharge mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It is part of the effort to strengthen gospel leaders, and healthy ministers lead to healthy churches.

One of our Off the Grid opportunities is a deep-sea fishing expedition. Recently a group of 24 pastors and ministers paid their way to Destin, Fla., for a day upon the Swoop II with an eye toward catching every fish within miles of the boat. [Read more…]

Hardwick

We are now closer to 2050 than we are to 2000. Let that sink in, and consider this: What gospel impact will you and your church have in the next 25 years?

I vividly remember 2000. Perhaps you also remember the excitement and anticipation of the new millennium mixed with the fear of “Y2K.” It doesn’t feel like it was that long ago, yet no one argues that we now live in a very different world.

This milestone isn’t a call to reflect on what’s happened since 2000. We can’t lead for tomorrow looking into a rearview mirror. [Read more…]

Ronald Reagan was the first presidential candidate I voted for. He is the presidential gold standard, in my opinion. I miss his leadership and his whimsical humor.

Chris Turner

One of my favorite Reagan jokes was about a boy selling puppies outside a Democratic fundraiser, encouraging people to buy a “Democrat puppy.” Republicans met at the same venue two weeks later, and a reporter at both events said, “Hey kid, you were out here selling these puppies as Democrats. What are you doing here now trying to sell them as Republicans?”

Then the president, with impeccable comedic timing, delivered the punchline.

“The kid says, ‘Now they’ve got their eyes open.’” [Read more…]

Thank you, Tennessee Baptists.

Randy C. Davis

In some ways, that seems inadequate to express the depth of my gratitude, but please know I mean it with all sincerity. What the Lord has done through Tennessee Baptists — you — over the past 15 years in terms of Golden Offering missions giving is nothing short of phenomenal. Let’s take a look.

Fifteen years ago, Tennessee Baptists gave $1.5 million through the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions (GOTM), and last year, you gave $3.1 million, including Golden Opportunities giving. That’s an incredible increase in giving. You doubled your giving! That is mind-blowing. [Read more…]