By LORETTA FULTON As soon as Candy Key learned about Brian Massey’s Houses for Healing in Abilene, she knew that was the answer. The ministry provides free lodging, plus personal care, in one of four tiny houses on North Hickory Street for patients from surrounding areas who are undergoing long-term medical treatment in Abilene or for the families of those
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By LORETTA FULTON After spending parts of 14 summers at Duke Divinity School, Cisco College, McMurry University and Asbury Theological Seminary, Jeff Hatcher finally has made it. On June 7, Hatcher, who is pastor of Wylie United Methodist Church, was ordained as an elder in full connection — a United Methodist clergy classification — during the annual meeting of the
Read moreHunter Brown with flowered cross at Potosi Baptist Church. Photo courtesy Hardin-Simmons University By GRACE MITCHELL Hardin-Simmons University While Logsdon students take classes in preparation for ministry, many students are already putting their knowledge into practice in ministry positions. Hunter Brown has been serving as the youth minister of Potosi Baptist Church for almost two years. During that time, he
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IDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury Uncle Mort, who attains age 107 come July 4, issues requests for “no talking” and “no chore assignments” about this time every year. It’s no bother to Aunt Maude. In fact, she looks forward to the week or two annually when her hubby is in deep thought. She charitably calls such interludes “thought.” Others
Read moreBy LORETTA FULTON Tom Reeder preached his first sermon Sunday, June 9, as the transitional minister at First Christian Church. Reeder is replacing Susan Payne, who served First Christian for a little over a year as interim pastor. Her last Sunday before returning home to Tulsa, Oklahoma, was May 25. Reeder will be at First Christian for at least a
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By LORETTA FULTON “Do you know where to find out more about Jesus?” a group leader asked, as eager hands waited to shoot into the air. “In the Bible!” a bunch of tiny voices responded. Welcome to vacation Bible school, with sessions kicking off this week and running through much of the summer. First Baptist Church was one of the
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By LORETTA FULTON “For all those who are here to celebrate this fantastic time in our priest’s life,” the prayer leader said. And the enthusiastic congregation, packed into every available seat and standing space, responded with heart. “Lord, hear our prayer,” they entoned. The Golden Jubilee Celebration held for Rev. Msgr. Robert Bush on June 5 was indeed celebratory. That
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IDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury A retired school superintendent–weary of the sameness of approaching his job in the traditional manner–dreamed of serving in an unlikely place. The school was in a swamp long since drained, and locals said alligators hadn’t been seen there in years. During his professional years, the dreamer said he took on challenges daily, hoping
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ACU PRESS NEWS RELEASE Leafwood Publishers, an imprint of ACU Press, just released a new book by Shane J. Wood titled Between Two Trees: Our Transformation From Death to Life. Wood and his family are living in Joplin, Missouri, where he is professor of New Testament Studies and the Associate Academic Dean at Ozark Christian College. Wood explains the premise
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