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Articles by Marina Shelton
Boy who received Christmas shoebox now packs one
MAYFIELD – (KT) The little boy from a straw-roofed home in rural south India didn’t have much. But when Anvesh Kumar opened his first Operation Christmas Child shoebox, more than toys spilled out. God was writing a story with his life that would eventually take him to Mayfield, Kentucky. The gift he received would become the gift he gave. Kumar was about 6 when he was gifted his first shoebox from a church 18 miles from his village.
From India to Kentucky: The boy who received a Christmas shoebox now packs one
MAYFIELD, Ky. (KT) - The little boy from a straw-roofed home in rural south India didn’t have much. But when Anvesh Kumar opened his first Operation Christmas Child shoebox, more than toys spilled out. God was writing a story with his life that would eventually take him to Mayfield, Kentucky. The gift he received would become the gift he gave. Kumar was about 6 when he was gifted his first shoebox from a church 18 miles from his village.
Sixteen and sent: Teen revives Mission Friends at FBC Mayfield
MAYFIELD, Ky. (KT) - Mission Friends has returned to First Baptist Mayfield under unexpected leadership – a 16-year-old girl named Marlee Wilkerson. This high school student with a deep love for missions is helping shape the next generation of Great Commission believers. Debbie Samples, who serves with Women on Mission at First Baptist, had been eager to restart Mission Friends for several years.
A thousand days later: First Baptist Mayfield’s triumphant return after tornado
MAYFIELD, Ky. (KT) - Five hundred and sixty people gathered on the steps of First Baptist Church Mayfield’s sanctuary for Easter Sunday. But this was no ordinary service. It had been 1,008 days since the congregation had worshipped in that space since recovering from the tornado in December 2021. As the congregation walked in together, many were visibly emotional and in awe of the building they and their families have treasured for decades. “I was moved to tears to see God’s faithfulness.
Gospel moves: Murray State students turn formal fun into global impact
MURRAY, Ky. (KT) — More than $7,000 has already been raised for missions by 140 students at the Murray State University Baptist Campus Ministry (BCM) – and all of this came from nothing more than a spring dance. The BCM Formal at Murray State is a tradition that started eight years ago, and each year, more and more money is raised to fund gospel work across the globe. “I think this was the most fun, well-done and well-attended formal we’ve had thus far.
Apologist: proclaiming the Resurrection needs to be consistent
Metadata: Topic(s): Evangelism, Theology & DoctrineFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: DALLAS (BP) – Jeremiah Johnston says the seminal event in Christianity’s history should be raised up more often.
State of the Bible: 10 million more adults using Scripture, but numbers lag behind pre-COVID levels
Metadata: Topic(s): CultureFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: PHILADELPHIA (BP) – An estimated 10 million more adults qualified as Bible users in January 2025 than in 2019, the American Bible Society said in its new State of the Bible release, but usage still lags pre-COVID-19 readership by 14 million adults.
FBC Mayfield returns home on Easter, three years after tornado devastation
MAYFIELD, Ky. (KT) — “The building is nothing. Twenty-two million dollars, a newly renovated facility, it means nothing because in 15 seconds it can all be gone again. It really helps guide our perspective and keeps us grounded to what our mission is: making much of Christ,” said Paul Wilkerson, senior pastor of First Baptist Church Mayfield. First Baptist Church (FBC) in Mayfield, a church whose campus was severely damaged by an EF-4 tornado on Dec.
15 ways to honor and recognize church volunteers
Metadata: Format(s): Text Articles Share this post: Over my years of studying churches, I’ve watched for ways they recognize and honor volunteers – the folks who faithfully serve the Lord through serving in their churches. Here are some of those ways. 1. Commission them at the beginning of the year. Make a big deal about praying over and supporting volunteers, and you’ll likely have more folks ready to sign up. 2. Write thank you notes.
Colorado law would strip custody from parents who ‘misgender’ children
NASHVILLE (BP) – The Colorado House of Representatives has passed a law that would create legal grounds for the state to strip custody from parents who legislators say “misgender” their children. The bill would make using a person’s name given at birth or using a person’s biologically correct pronouns discriminatory actions under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act.
FBC Mayfield returns home on Easter, three years after tornado devastation
Metadata: Topic(s): Disaster Relief, National News, SBC NewsFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: MAYFIELD, Ky. (KT) – “The building is nothing. Twenty-two million dollars, a newly renovated facility, it means nothing because in 15 seconds it can all be gone again. It really helps guide our perspective and keeps us grounded to what our mission is: making much of Christ,” said Paul Wilkerson, senior pastor of First Baptist Church Mayfield.
Rebuilt and rejoicing: FBC Mayfield returns home on Easter
MAYFIELD, Ky. (KT) – “The building is nothing. Twenty-two million dollars, a newly renovated facility, it means nothing because in 15 seconds it can all be gone again. It really helps guide our perspective and keeps us grounded to what our mission is: making much of Christ,” said Paul Wilkerson, senior pastor of First Baptist Church Mayfield. First Baptist Church in Mayfield, a church whose campus was severely damaged by an EF-4 tornado on Dec.
Rebuilt and rejoicing: FBC Mayfield returns home on Easter
First Baptist Church in Mayfield, whose campus was severely damaged by an EF-4 tornado in 2021, will celebrate the long-awaited return to their campus on Easter Sunday. “The building is nothing. Twenty-two million dollars, a newly renovated facility, it means nothing because in 15 seconds it can all be gone again. It really helps guide our perspective and keeps us grounded to what our mission is: making much of Christ,” said Paul Wilkerson, senior pastor of First Baptist Church Mayfield.
Rebuilt and rejoicing: FBC Mayfield returns home on Easter
MAYFIELD, Ky. (KT) – “The building is nothing. Twenty-two million dollars, a newly renovated facility, it means nothing because in 15 seconds it can all be gone again. It really helps guide our perspective and keeps us grounded to what our mission is: making much of Christ,” said Paul Wilkerson, senior pastor of First Baptist Church Mayfield. First Baptist Church in Mayfield, a church whose campus was severely damaged by an EF-4 tornado on Dec.
FINDING HOPE: 140 students respond to gospel message in Paducah
PADUCAH, Ky. (KT) - Nearly 2.000 students crammed into the Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center on Wednesday night around one central message: the hope of Jesus Christ. Illusionist Jared Hall, 270 Collective worship band and evangelist Ken Freeman filled the night with compelling stories and songs. But what happened next could only be a movement of God. Dozens of students came forward to make a decision to follow Jesus.
FINDING HOPE: 140 students respond to gospel message in Paducah
Nearly 2.000 students crammed into the Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center on Wednesday night around one central message: the hope of Jesus Christ. Illusionist Jared Hall, 270 Collective worship band and evangelist Ken Freeman filled the night with compelling stories and songs. But what happened next could only be a movement of God. Dozens of students came forward to make a decision to follow Jesus.
Bible study at Murray State 'one of the coolest things'
MURRAY, Ky. (KT) - More than 200 students were crammed around the Sigma Phi Epsilon house at Murray State University on a recent Tuesday night -- sitting on everything from the fence to the rooftop. But what was unfoldingwasn't your typical college party. Rather, it was a Bible study encouraging students to direct their worship and affection to God. Madisyn Braden, a junior at Murray State, described the evening as "one of the coolest things" she's been a part of during her time there.
Bible study at Murray State ‘one of the coolest things’
MURRAY, Ky. (KT) - More than 200 students were crammed around the Sigma Phi Epsilon house at Murray State University on a recent Tuesday night — sitting on everything from the fence to the rooftop. But what was unfolding wasn’t your typical college party. Rather, it was a Bible study encouraging students to direct their worship and affection to God. Madisyn Braden, a junior at Murray State, described the evening as “one of the coolest things” she’s been a part of during her time there.
Training begins for Hope for West Kentucky evangelism campaign
Mayfield, Ky. (KT) — The RESET tour of training events for the upcoming Hope for West Kentucky campaign kicked off at the Graves County Baptist Association on Monday. Each stop on the tour is designed to provide training and resources to churches in western Kentucky as preparation begins for the November evangelistic event.
10 homes dedicated in Mayfield through The Hope Initiative
MAYFIELD — Ten new homes were dedicated to tornado survivors in Mayfield on Friday through a local church collaboration called The Hope Initiative. Gov. Andy Beshear spoke to open the dedication and acknowledged the diligent work of churches, donors and volunteers. He says it’s “the people of God coming together and getting the work done.” “Mayfield, you’ve gone from rebuilding homes to rebuilding neighborhoods,” he said.
Mayfield house dedication
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10 homes dedicated in Mayfield through The Hope Initiative
MAYFIELD, Ky. (KT) – Ten new homes were dedicated to tornado survivors in Mayfield on Friday through a local church collaboration called The Hope Initiative. Gov. Andy Beshear spoke to open the dedication and acknowledged the diligent work of churches, donors and volunteers. He says it’s “the people of God coming together and getting the work done.” “Mayfield, you’ve gone from rebuilding homes to rebuilding neighborhoods,” he said.
4 ways to use your church’s online presence to boost Easter outreach
With Easter drawing near, churches across Kentucky are strategizing ways to maximize their reach in the community. For many people, Easter is one of the times they are most willing to step inside a church. This is an incredible opportunity for churches to connect with guests and share the greatest story ever told: The story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. One of the most affordable and accessible outreach tools available to each church is its website and social media platforms.
Shelby Touched Twice Clinic keeps meeting community needs
SHELBYVILLE, Ky. (KT) - An army of more than 500 volunteers gathered at Shelbyville First Baptist Church on March 23 for the 15th annual Shelby Touched Twice Medical Clinic. They rallied around one mission: to demonstrate the love of Christ by meeting physical needs of those in the surrounding community. This year’s clinic was a memorable one, but not just because of the numerical anniversary.
4 ways to use your church’s online presence to boost Easter outreach
With Easter drawing near, churches across Kentucky are strategizing ways to maximize their reach in the community. For many people, Easter is one of the times they are most willing to step inside a church. This is an incredible opportunity for churches to connect with guests and share the greatest story ever told: The story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
4 ways to use your church’s online presence to boost Easter outreach
With Easter only a few weeks away, churches across Kentucky are strategizing ways to maximize their reach in the community. For many people, Easter is one of the times they are most willing to step inside a church. This is an incredible opportunity for churches to connect with guests and share the greatest story ever told: the story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. One of the most affordable and accessible outreach tools available to each church is its website and social media platforms.
FIRST-PERSON: It may not be a silent night
There’s not much that’s silent about motherhood. Since becoming a mother myself, I chuckle at the phrase “silent night, holy night” in the beloved hymn. During our difficult journey to have children, I dreamed of the days I could sit in perfect stillness with a small baby snuggled up against me.
Churches can help with recovery, which comes in many forms
ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (KT) - “What does it look like to "enflesh’Jesus?” asked Matt Beasley, lead pastor of Severns Valley Baptist Church (SVBC) as he addressed dozens in the Celebrate Recovery breakout at the REACH Evangelism and Missions Conference this week. This question can be answered in many different ways, Beasley said. But one primary way each local church can be the hands and feet of Jesus is through recovery ministry.
Shepherding is 'family reunion' for many pastors, wives
LEXINGTON, Ky. (KT) - It’s rare for pastors and their wives to get time away from life and ministry. The Shepherding Conference in Lexington provided just that for over 150 couples this weekend. Each aspect of the conference provides opportunities for couples to feel “loved, supported, refreshed, and connected with other pastors and their wives,” said Jessica Bunce, pastor’s wife at Liberty Baptist Church in Auburn.
YES conference welcomes record number of students
BARDSTOWN — “The people just kept coming!” exclaimed Dawn Cavanah, ministry assistant at the Kentucky Baptist Convention, as the Youth Evangelism Summit reached record-high attendance levels of 837 students, leaders and staff last weekend at Parkway Baptist Church. Speaker Garrett Wagoner encouraged students to seek God and pursue holiness above the other counterfeits the world offers. “Jesus offers real relationship,” he said.
Students flock in record numbers to Youth Evangelism Summit
VERSAILLES, Ky. (KT) – The Kentucky Community and Technical College System announced Friday that Paul Czarapata, the institution’s third president, departed from the system effective February 2, to return to his roots in technology. Czarapata became KCTCS president in April 2021, but was with the system for over...
Students flock in record numbers to Youth Evangelism Summit
BARDSTOWN, Ky. (KT) - “The people just kept coming!” exclaimed Dawn Cavanah, ministry assistant at the Kentucky Baptist Convention, as the Youth Evangelism Summit (YES) reached record-high attendance levels of 837 students, leaders, and staff this weekend at Parkway Baptist Church. Speaker Garrett Wagoner encouraged students to seek God and pursue holiness above the other counterfeits the world offers. “Jesus offers real relationship,” he explained.
Women asked to say 'yes' to God's calling, whatever, whenever it may be
ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (KT) - “Are you ready to lay your ‘yes’ on the table?” This was the resounding theme of the REACH Conference Women’s Track on Tuesday at Severns Valley Baptist Church, where more than 40 women listened eagerly to prepare for God’s call on their lives.
Women's track of REACH to offer challenges
From England to the Rio Grande, Sharon Beougher and Liz Encinia share deep missional roots. Both women plan to deliver a word of challenge and hope at the women’s track of the REACH Conference on March 14-15 in Elizabethtown. Beougher, wife of Kentucky Baptist pastor Tim Beougher, said it was her experience as a young missionary in England that changed her perspective on the importance of evangelism.
Women's Track of REACH to offer challenges
ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (KT) - From England to the Rio Grande, Sharon Beougher and Liz Encinia share deep missional roots. Both women plan to deliver a word of challenge and hope at the Women’s Track of the REACH Conference on March 14-15 in Elizabethtown. Beougher, wife of Kentucky Baptist pastor Tim Beougher, said it was her experience as a young missionary in England that changed her perspective on the importance of evangelism.
Church becomes hope for Dawson Springs community
DAWSON SPRINGS (KT) — Trent Keeton, pastor of First Baptist Church in Dawson Springs found himself and his family huddled under the church baptistry as the Dec. 10 tornado ravaged the town around them. Keeton, who has pastored the church since September 2019, said what ensued after the storm was a miraculous testimony to God’s plan to use their church.
Church becomes hope for Dawson Springs community
DAWSON SPRINGS, Ky. (KT) - Trent Keeton, pastor of First Baptist Church in Dawson Springs found himself and his family huddled under the church baptistry as the Dec. 10 tornado ravaged the town around them. Keeton, who has pastored the church since September 2019, said what ensued after the storm was a miraculous testimony to God’s plan to use their church.
Church starting to ‘look more like heaven’
By MARINA SHELTON, Kentucky Today LOUISVILLE, Ky. (KT) - Hurstbourne Baptist Church looked a little different last Sunday morning as hundreds stayed after the service to greet their new members: six families from the Congo. Despite cultural and language differences, greetings were exchanged and the church celebrated. “Our church will now look more like heaven,” said Chase Grubb, student and missions pastor at Hurstbourne.
Church starting to ‘look more like heaven’
By MARINA SHELTON, Kentucky Today LOUISVILLE, Ky. (KT) - Hurstbourne Baptist Church looked a little different last Sunday morning as hundreds stayed after the service to greet their new members: six families from the Congo. Despite cultural and language differences, greetings were exchanged and the church celebrated. “Our church will now look more like heaven,” said Chase Grubb, student and missions pastor at Hurstbourne.
Ministers' wives form bonds, get refreshed at conference
By MARINA SHELTON, Kentucky Today CEDARMORE, Ky. (KT) - More than 150 ministers’ wives gathered from across Kentucky at Cedarmore Camp and Conference Center this weekend. They were challenged, encouraged, and refreshed after a difficult year of ministry, said Peggy Berry who helped organize the event. Berry, who serves as the women and transition associate at the Kentucky Baptist Convention, knows that “ministers’ wives have a unique responsibility in the local church,” and often a difficult one.
Pregnancy support centers on the front line in the fight against abortion
"Am I pregnant again?" asked the young lady as she sat across from the nurse at Alpha Pregnancy Care Center in Hopkinsville. Amanda Westerfield, director of Alpha since 2016, explained that they see about 25 clients each month, a third of whom are abortion minded. But this one was different. This woman was coming for a visit after taking the abortion pill. It had been a few months and she had just received another positive pregnancy test.
Church-produced films bring Christmas cheer amid COVID
By MARINA SHELTON, Kentucky Today Churches around Kentucky typically gather in droves for Christmas programs this time of year. But COVID changed all that. Two churches decided to present their programs in the form of films this year to celebrate and spread the gospel message. “Our staff discussed in the early summer that COVID would prevent us from presenting our annual Wonder of Christmas production.
Some helpful principles on dealing with conflict within church
By MARINA SHELTON, Kentucky Today LOUISVILLE, Ky. (KT) - In a world of shifting expectations and polarized opinions, it is no surprise that conflict remains a force of division and frustration within the church. Whether it’s because of change, a difference of opinion, slander or gossip, churches are filled with imperfect people who are going to fuss from time to time. So how do Kentucky Baptists pursue peace, goodwill and purity amid conflict?
'When the gospel is proclaimed, something happens,' Gray tells convention
“What do you do when you feel like giving up?” asked Todd Gray, Kentucky Baptist Convention executive director-treasurer, during the 2020 KBC Annual Meeting convention sermon on Tuesday. Gray told messengers to remember the faith, remember the family and remember the fruit. Using 1 Corinthians 15:58 as his primary text, Gray reminded his listeners of the importance of faith in Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of ministry.
'When the gospel is proclaimed, something happens,' Gray tells convention
By MARINA SHELTON, Kentucky Today OWENSBORO, Ky. (KT) - “What do you do when you feel like giving up?” asked Todd Gray, Kentucky Baptist Convention executive director-treasurer, during the 2020 KBC Annual Meeting convention sermon on Tuesday. Gray told messengers to remember the faith, remember the family and remember the fruit. Using 1 Corinthians 15:58 as his primary text, Gray reminded his listeners of the importance of faith in Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of ministry.
Gray shows gratitude, offers encouragement to Ky. Baptists
By MARINA SHELTON and ROBIN CORNETET, Kentucky Today OWENSBORO, Ky. (KT) – Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Gray thanked Kentucky Baptists for meeting 2020’s challenges and encouraged their continued faithfulness in the coming year. “My first year as EDT has been lots of fun and full of surprises,” said Gray, during his inaugural mission board report since being named leader of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
Gray offers thanks and encouragement to Kentucky Baptists
By MARINA SHELTON and ROBIN CORNETET, Kentucky Today OWENSBORO, Ky. (KT) – Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Gray thanked Kentucky Baptists for meeting 2020’s challenges and encouraged their continued faithfulness in the coming year. “My first year as EDT has been lots of fun and full of surprises,” said Gray, during his second mission board report since being named leader of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
'When the gospel is proclaimed, something happens,' Gray tells convention
By MARINA SHELTON, Kentucky Today OWENSBORO, Ky. (KT) - “What do you do when you feel like giving up?” asked Todd Gray, Kentucky Baptist Convention executive director-treasurer, during the 2020 KBC Annual Meeting convention sermon on Tuesday. Gray told messengers to remember the faith, remember the family and remember the fruit. Using 1 Corinthians 15:58 as his primary text, Gray reminded his listeners of the importance of faith in Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of ministry.
Pastors challenged to be faithful to God, mission and ministry
By BRANDON PORTER, ROBIN CORNETET AND MARINA SHELTON, Kentucky Today OWENSBORO, Ky. (KT) – When Dan Summerlin agreed to a last-minute request to organize the 2020 Kentucky Baptist Pastors Conference in late 2019, he laughingly joked, "What could go wrong?" Little did anyone know a worldwide pandemic was on the horizon. Summerlin credits God's providential leading as he chose the theme “Faithful” long before pastors faced the many hurdles of COVID-19.
Registration underway for a unique KBC annual meeting
By MARINA SHELTON, Kentucky Today LOUISVILLE, Ky. (KT) -- Registration is underway for the 183rd Annual Meeting of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. The meeting is scheduled for Nov. 10 at Bellevue Baptist Church in Owensboro. There is no shortage of changes and guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of all in attendance.
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