LifeWay: ‘Loving’ No. 1 parental trait

NASHVILLE (BP) – Most Americans believe good mothers and fathers must be loving, supportive and protecting, but fewer see the necessity of parents having a commitment to Christianity or religion, according to a LifeWay Research survey released May 7.

The survey, conducted in March, gauged opinions of the expected roles of parents at a time when Americans typically begin giving thought to Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

According to the survey, “loving” is the No. 1 characteristic deemed mandatory for mothers (85 percent) and fathers (79 percent). After “loving,” four of the next five characteristics are shared, including “supporting,” “protecting,” “encouraging” and “involved.” 

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‘I dreamed you were coming’

CHOSICA, Peru – “God gave me a vision that you would come,” said Isabel, who welcomed a group of International World Changers (IWC) students into her home in Quirio, Peru, July 19.

Peruvian Salomon Quispe (far left) translates as Matthew McClintic from Highland Heights Baptist Church, Benton, and Amanda Webb, representing South Carolina Baptist Collegiate Missions in Columbia, S.C., pray for Isabel; her niece, Yuli; her son, Eric, and his friend, Paulo.She said, “I dreamed that people would come in two groups of three to visit my home,” which is how they arrived.

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'Slip Disc' used as evangelism tool: Tossing to share the gospel

BEEBE – Looking for a new and innovative way to share the gospel? Consider getting in the game by using a ‘Slip Disc.’

From beach outreach to vacation Bible school, The Slip Disc offers a great way to tell others about Christ in a nonthreatening way, said Jackie Gibbs, founder of Slip Disc Ministries along with his wife, Geri. The Gibbses reside in Beebe and are members of First Baptist Church, Cabot.

Whatever the activity, the discs provide a connection point, allowing people to “earn the right to be heard,” said Gibbs.

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During record-setting season: ASU players win big, mature in Christ

No. 73 Tom Castilaw, a 6-foot-3-inch, 280-pound center on Arkansas State University’s (ASU) football teamBill Sorrell
Special to the ABN

JONESBORO – Tom Castilaw, a 6-foot-3-inch, 280-pound center on Arkansas State University’s (ASU) football team, made a splash when he got baptized.

As he was immersed, water overflowed the baptistery at Jonesboro's Calvary Chapel Church, and since then, tarps have been placed on the floor to protect nearby music instruments.

"I had no idea it happened. A couple of hours after the service people were telling me. It was comical," said Castilaw, who also has a presence in the weight room with a 445-pound bench press, 685-pound squat and 365-pound power clean.

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For Fair Oaks pastor: Prayer ministry emerges from Facebook

FAIR OAKS – While it seems every week there is a new spam or “phishing” attack on social networking sites, a rural Arkansas pastor is using Facebook as a platform for effective prayer ministry.

Brodbent“About a year ago, I was spending a lot of time reading gossip, garbage and solicitation on Facebook,” said Al Brodbent, pastor of Fair Oaks Baptist Church near Wynne. “I was ready to quit using it, and then the next day  (I) saw where two people had requested prayer about a matter. I decided to pray every day for their request and let them know I was praying. It had a positive influence on me as to, ‘Maybe I am onto something,’ … as well as influencing that person on the value of prayer.”

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