Tennessee

PROMINENT TENNESSEE BAPTIST DONOR DIES AT 81

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,

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STORM DAMAGE FORCES PARTIAL CLOSURE OF UNION’S LARGEST BUILDING

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

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UNION HOSTS SIX-DAY SCRIPTURE READING MARATHON

Bible read aloud from start to finish on campus lawn JACKSON — Anyone walking past Union University’s Great Lawn in recent days could hear Scripture being read aloud, played through speakers outside of a small white tent beneath Miller Tower. As part of the 2025 Spring Bible Conference hosted by Union’s Ryan Center for Biblical Studies on March 21-22, Union held a Scripture-reading marathon in which hundreds of faculty, staff,

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SALUTING ‘CAPTAIN’ NIMMO

For nearly 40 years, Mary Nimmo has been the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board’s secret weapon. Operating mostly behind the scenes — which is exactly where she prefers to be — Mary has quietly and effectively been the “glue” of the Baptist and Reflector. From handling advertising to organizing subscriptions to proof reading, Mary has worn many hats. And she’s worn all of them with excellence. Although she would never say

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RISING ABOVE THE FLOOD

Brentwood Baptist volunteers rebuild home ERWIN — The rain had been relentless for days as Hurricane Helene swept through in late September last year. Bryan Nicholas and his girlfriend watched as water levels rose, transforming their familiar yard into a treacherous landscape. By 10:30 the next morning, the Nolichucky River had swollen to waist depth. article continues after video “It was starting to go over the driveway in the fields,”

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WMU SET TO GATHER AT FBC DICKSON

DICKSON — The Tennessee Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) will host its annual Missions Get-Together on Friday and Saturday, April 4-5, at First Baptist Dickson, according to event coordinator Vickie Anderson, who has been involved with the event for almost 30 years. The gathering features general sessions, breakout sessions, a missions fair, and — new this year — a missions-focused family game night. “Through our breakout sessions, we try to cover

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MARYVILLE REVEREND DIES AT 82

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

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HOW TO HAVE CHRIST-CENTERED ETHICS WITH AI

Editor’s note: Baptist and Reflector editor Chris Turner sat down with Scott Rae, professor of Philosophy and Christian Ethics at Biola University in La Miranda, Calif., last month. They discussed Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how Christians can ethically approach this fast-changing technology. Baptist and Reflector: As a Christian educator seasoned in apologetics and ethics, how do you see AI aligning with and/or challenging Biblical worldviews and values? Rae: I’d put

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OSWALT UNPACKS GOD’S COVENANT WITH ISRAEL AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE

JACKSON–John Oswalt, visiting distinguished professor of Old Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary, spoke at Union University about God’s covenant with the Israelites and how it helped them learn about God’s character. “If you remember nothing else from these four hours, remember this: obedience to the covenant is not the way to God, but it defines the walk with God,” Oswalt said. Oswalt was the plenary speaker at Union’s 13th annual

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FOUR GENERATIONS FROM ONE FAMILY BAPTIZED AT HICKORY VALLEY

Baptist and Reflector SPARTA — Hickory Valley Baptist Church in Sparta has been the site of four generations of baptisms from one family. The sequence of baptisms, which has taken place over many years, started when Tommy and Nancy Lynn were baptized. Next was their daughter, Sherry McDonald, followed by Sherry’s daughter, Shayna Rowland, and then, recently, Shayna’s daughter Lyla Rowland. In the top photo, pastor Doug Benningfield stands with

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RISING ABOVE THE FLOOD

Brentwood Baptist volunteers rebuild home ERWIN — The rain had been relentless for days as Hurricane Helene swept through in late September last year. Bryan

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