Baptist Press Archive

Thursday, April 16, 2020

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  • Pastors face mental health challenges amid COVID-19 pandemic
    by Tess Schoonhoven, posted Thursday, April 16, 2020 (4 years ago)

    BP illustration
    NORMAN, Okla. (BP) -- In recent weeks, as he has juggled altered responsibilities -- and added some new ones, too -- Tristan Martin has experienced an overwhelming sensation of busyness.

    Amid the social distancing required during the COVID-19 pandemic, Martin, pastor of Alameda Baptist Church in Norman, Okla., is shepherding a congregation of mostly senior adults. He's also helping to homeschool his young daughters while his wife, a behavior analyst working with autistic children, continues to work outside the home. Read More

  • Oklahoma Baptists mark 25th anniversary of OKC bombing
    by Bob Nigh/Baptist Messenger, posted Thursday, April 16, 2020 (4 years ago)

    Photo by Bob Carey
    OKLAHOMA CITY (BP) -- At 9:02 a.m. Wednesday, April 19, 1995, a huge explosion rocked downtown Oklahoma City, and a pillar of black smoke soared into the bright azure sky above the center of the state's capital. Shocked and stunned residents watched in disbelief, wondering what had happened.

    Thanks to almost immediate television coverage, it took only a few minutes for most residents to learn that the explosion was the result of a bomb placed in a 24-foot Ryder rental truck parked in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Read More

  • With average attendance under 10, Nevada church gathers amid pandemic
    by Diana Chandler, posted Thursday, April 16, 2020 (4 years ago)

    Submitted photo
    KINGSTON, Nev. (BP) -- Mule deer outnumbered the handful of Kingston Village Baptist Church members at a recent open-air Easter sunrise service. Worshipping during the COVID-19 pandemic is no bother for the church where attendance has been less than 10 for years.

    "We meet on Sunday mornings, a very small group of us, anywhere from three to five, for Bible study at 9:30," pastor Jim Fitch said. "And then our worship service is at 11 o'clock. We follow that with a fellowship meal." Read More

  • Bible Study: Believers' certain hope of restoration
    by Staff/LifeWay Christian Resources, posted Thursday, April 16, 2020 (4 years ago)

    The last few months have taught us that we live in a flawed world. Most of us would have never thought that the threat of an illness would lead to being locked in our homes. Despite today's difficulties, God offers the certain hope of redemption and restoration for those who believe. Read More

  • FIRST-PERSON: How to manage social distancing fatigue
    by Willie McLaurin, posted Thursday, April 16, 2020 (4 years ago)

    In most crises, we are accustomed to being inconvenienced for a few days or a few weeks, Willie McLaurin says. The real test of social distancing is now upon us. How do we maintain our sanity after Easter? Read More