By David Dawson [email protected] APISON — With prayer, planning, promotion and persistence, the congregation at Apison Baptist Church has transformed a simple food pantry into a thriving ministry.  And they’ve done it in the span of about six months. When Apison Baptist officially took over leadership of the food pantry last August, the ministry was feeding roughly 300 families each month.  Now, that number has essentially tripled, with an estimated

By Lonnie Wilkey [email protected] McMINNVILLE — After graduating from high school, Jim Ramsey  attended college for one semester, then joined the Navy Reserves. He planned to return to college later, but life happened as it often does and he didn’t return to college UNTIL decades after his high school graduation. At the age of 67, when most men are retired and no longer thinking about college degrees, Ramsey learned about

Editor’s Note: This article will be updated as more information becomes available. Compiled by B&R staff NASHVILLE — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced during a press conference Jan. 23 plans for a new fetal heartbeat bill. The announcement apparently means that Senate Bill 1236, which would have protected life from conception, will not be considered by the Senate this year. The new approach announced by Lee will include abortion restrictions

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] FRANKLIN —  Jean Canida, a member of First Baptist Church, Mount Juliet, has been named the recipient of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board’s first “Light Award.” Mark LeMay, facilities/risk management manager for the TBMB, said the Light Award is based on Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your