God has been at work among N.C. Baptists.
Over the past year, we have encountered countless testimonies of God transforming lives and strengthening communities as we become a movement of churches on mission together. From Moore County to the Ukrainian border, God is using N.C. Baptists across the state, nation and world to make His name known.
As 2022 comes to a close, we want to take the opportunity to highlight some of our favorite stories from the past year. Each of the following articles, hand-picked by N.C. Baptist staff, tells a story of God’s grace and His redemptive power at work among all kinds of people, demonstrating what it means to be on mission for Him.
To read more stories of God’s transformative work, visit ncbaptist.org/articles. You can also follow @ncbaptist on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, where we regularly share other articles and testimonies.
‘I’ve seen the kingdom grow:’ Blue Creek sees renewed focus on discipleship
On Sunday morning, Oct. 16, Blue Creek Baptist Church baptized three people and saw 23 people become church members. In this article, Pastor Josh McCord shares how God prepared his church for such spectacular growth.
Young professionals find new life outside of party scene
Disillusioned by the party lifestyle, Stuart Valzonis made the decision to follow Christ and visit a church across the street from his new home. See how God has transformed his life and the lives of other young professionals to send them back into the harvest.
Many of us hope that we’ll someday have an opportunity to see what kind of impact we made during our lifetime. For International Mission Board missionary Sam James, confirmation of his kingdom impact came from an unexpected source: the granddaughter of a “favorite son” from his mission work in Vietnam.
NC Baptists respond to widespread power outages in Moore County
When an attack on two power substations in Moore County left 45,000 without power, Baptists on Mission was ready to respond. A follow-up on this story can be found here.
Charlotte pastor plants second church after months in hospital
Last fall, Oscar Muñoz returned home after eight months in the hospital and a rehabilitation center, where he recovered after battling complications from COVID-19. Weeks later, he returned to church, hauling a 12-liter oxygen tank. Read more about how Oscar leverages his “new life” to advance the gospel.
Identity crisis to identity in Christ: The fruit of college discipleship
“My identity was heavily rooted in softball,” Coleman said. Through a Bible study at Lees-McRae College to reach student athletes, God drew Cassidy Coleman to Himself and changed the trajectory of her life. Her new identity will last forever.
Worldwide expansion: NC Baptist church plant sees 5 churches planted in 5 years
As many people from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other areas of Africa resettled in High Point, N.C., Pastor Jean Munyambabazi and his wife Esther had a desire to see them reached for Christ. Read how God used Munyambabazi’s passion for the lost to draw thousands to Himself.
Why God sent me halfway around the world to pray
Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in February, God sent a team of N.C. Baptists to eastern Europe to support local believers responding to the crisis. In this story, Pastor Robert Hefner gives a personal reflection on what God showed him during his journey.
Beachside ministries reach community, visitors from across the state
“Most of the ministry that we do in our church is not in our church building. It’s outside of it,” said Andrew Matthews, pastor of Kure Beach First Baptist Church. For two churches on the coast, leaving the building and going to the beach has opened new doors to reach people with the gospel.
Redeeming hope: Gospel transforms couple’s pro-life advocacy
Dayna Cook’s life was once ruled by shame. Then the gospel changed everything. After experiencing forgiveness, Dayna now shares her redemption story to help women find hope and healing.
by N.C. Baptist Communications
