SOMERVILLE—A team of four mission volunteers serving on the Cross Partners Ministry team returned last month from two weeks in the Republic of the Philippines. They served with over 10 churches in two different Baptist associations and participated in over 40 evangelistic crusades with the Filipino Baptists on Luzon Island. Led by Dr. Charles Pratt, president and founder of the Cross Partners Ministry, Inc., the team saw 2,897 professions of

SELMER — Sometimes the best way to help is by assisting those who are assisting others.  That’s exactly what First Baptist Church Selmer is doing in the wake of the deadly tornadoes that tore through parts of Tennessee during the first week in April.  With the church’s ROC building (which, fittingly, stands for “Reaching Our Community”) serving as home base, FBC Selmer is housing Disaster Relief volunteers from Alabama. Will

NASHVILLE — Businessman and entrepreneur James Wesley “Jim” Ayers died on April 1, 2025, after battling several health issues. He was 81. Born in Parsons, Tenn., Ayers lived by the Bible verse from Luke 12:48: “To whom much is given, much is expected.” This principle guided his extensive business career and philanthropic efforts. A self-described entrepreneur since childhood, Ayers began shining shoes for 10 cents a pair. By age 10,

JACKSON — A weather event, likely a microburst carrying heavy rain and intense winds, caused major damage to the west end of Union University’s Penick Academic Complex April 3 around 8:30 p.m. No students or personnel were injured. Union canceled all classes and activities in the PAC on Friday as contractors and engineers assessed the damage and university leaders made plans for how to manage the disruption. “I want to

MARYVILLE—Reverend Charles Joseph Ballard Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior, surrounded by the love of his family, on Saturday, March 29, at the age of 82. He was born at the Methodist Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., on February 19, 1943. He graduated from Central High School in 1961, attended Memphis State University, and then went on to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Growing up