By Marilyn Stewart, NOBTS communications NEW ORLEANS (NOBTS) – The voices of 1200 women from 15 states and 250 churches—a sold-out crowd—filled the chapel at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary as they gathered to praise, learn, and fellowship at the Abide Women’s Conference, Feb. 3-4. Kelly Minter, Lifeway author, Bible teacher, and podcaster, headlined the third annual event that came days before the launch of her latest book, the 90-day devotional “The Blessed Life.” “It has been our prayer that God would ignite a passion in the hearts of all that came for His glory,” said Tara Dew, wife of President Jamie Dew and one of three plenary speakers. “Whether in our homes, workplaces, neighborhoods, or among the nations, God wants to use His children as missionaries so that all may know Him.” “Women Living Missionally” was the conference theme. Co-sponsoring aspects of the event with NOBTS and Leavell College were the International Mission Board and the North American Mission Board. The partnering entities provided exhibits, door prizes, swag items and other gifts. Other partners and exhibitors included: Lifeway; WorldCrafts, the compassion ministry of the National WMU; the Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) … [Read more...]

By Julie Walters, SBC WMU BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (SBC WMU) – Keith Gates, a judge and member of First Baptist Church, Winnfield, has joined the Southern Baptist Woman’s Missionary Union staff as a ministry for consultant for Royal Ambassadors, Challengers and Youth on Mission. “RAs changed my life as a camp staffer in the early 2000s,” Gates said. “Developing a better RA program, at least in my circle of influence, has been a passion of mine since then.” Gates brings ample experience with RA programs in multiple churches and the Louisiana Baptist Convention. He has served as a leader of RA chapters at First Baptist Church, Lafayette, Goldonna Baptist Church and FBC Winnfield. Gates also is on the state RA Council, where he will continue to help plan RA Congress (a weekend missions conference for first to sixth grade boys) and other activities around the state. In addition to running Gates Law Firm in Winnfield as an attorney, he also serves as a judge for the City Court of Winnfield and adjunct professor at Northwestern State University, where he teaches in the pre-law and paralegal studies program. “We are excited for Keith to join our team,” said Joye Smith, affinity networks manager for national WMU. “He brings a … [Read more...]