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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Invested in theological education strategy, Arnetts left a lasting impact in Africa, the world

By Julie McGowan RICHMOND, Virginia— On March 14, International Mission Board missionaries Randy Arnett, 62, and Kathy Arnett, 61, were traveling to a theological training event when they were involved in an automobile accident in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Missouri-natives did not survive. The Arnetts, who served as theological education strategists for Africa, were traveling with fellow missionaries Jeff and Barbara Singerman, from Ohio, when the single-vehicle accident occurred about two-hours’ travel from Kinshasa, the nation's capital. The Singermans, who also sustained injuries in the accident, were transferred to Kinshasa for medical care. They have since been transferred to Johannesburg, South Africa, for continued care. The missionaries were driven by a Congolese national who also sustained injuries but has been released from medical care in Kinshasa. “Randy and Kathy Arnett in so many ways represent what is best about the IMB,” said IMB President David Platt. “They gave their lives and family for over 30 years proclaiming the gospel, planting churches, and training pastors and missionaries across Sub-Saharan Africa. They did all of this with a zeal for God’s name, a confidence in God’s … [Read more...]

LifeWay provides free security training to churches

By Aaron Wilson, LifeWay Christian Resources NASHVILLE (BP) - As pubic shootings continue to make headlines, many churches are evaluating how their facilities stand on security. LifeWay Christian Resources is helping churches make safety a priority by providing free security training through its Ministry Grid platform. “In light of current circumstances, we’ve offered this training to churches to make sure they’re prepared for the unexpected before it happens,” said Chandler Vannoy, brand manager for Ministry Grid. The free training first became available on Feb. 16—two days after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 people dead and 14 injured. Since that time, more than 2,000 people have registered for LifeWay’s free security training. “With so many churches expressing interest in this free training offer, we’ve decided to extend the offer to May 1, 2018,” Vannoy said. The free training was created by Brooks Security Consulting and includes topics such as: Church safety and security Church security team Emergency response planning Lockdown procedures Responding to an active shooting Dale Brooks, who is featured in the training, has recorded … [Read more...]