University of Memphis baseball coach relies on his faith, develops close bonds with players  By Bill Sorrell Contributing writer, B&R MEMPHIS — On April 3, 2012, Clayton Gant, a senior pitcher at the University of Memphis, heard that his 19-year old brother Stephen Gant, who was going to pitch at Vanderbilt with potential to be a high Major League draft pick, had taken his own life. “I had to counsel

Adamsville pastor keeps ministering while awaiting transplant  By Lonnie Wilkey [email protected] ADAMSVILLE — It took a while, but Chad Ball has learned to say two words that aren’t in the vocabulary of most Southern Baptist pastors, “I can’t.” The 42-year-old pastor of First Baptist Church, Adamsville, was diagnosed in 2006 with FSGS, a leading cause of kidney failure. He further learned that his kidneys had been damaged by undiagnosed high

Selmer congregation gives property, buildings to sister church after unanimous vote By Lonnie Wilkey [email protected] SELMER — Though only 25 years old, Central Baptist Church in Selmer had fallen on hard times in recent years. Attendance had dwindled to less than 10 people and the church knew two years ago that something had to change for the church to survive, said pastor Stephen Davison. The members consulted with the local

Selmer congregation gives property, buildings to sister church after unanimous vote By Lonnie Wilkey [email protected] SELMER — Though only 25 years old, Central Baptist Church in Selmer had fallen on hard times in recent years. Attendance had dwindled to less than 10 people and the church knew two years ago that something had to change for the church to survive, said pastor Stephen Davison. The members consulted with the local