Zoë Watkins

1 month ago | baptistandreflector.org | Zoë Watkins

SEVIERVILLE — Two years ago, God gave lead pastor Anthony Kendall and Connect Church in Sevierville a heart for prison ministry in Sevier County. The church began by buying a Recovery Bible for every prisoner in the county, Kendall said, adding that the Bibles were in response to a need and request from inmates and jail officials. “That was just the beginning of a great relationship with the sheriff and the chief of the jail who is a deacon at Connect Church,” Kendall said.

2 months ago | baptistandreflector.org | Zoë Watkins

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,” Bryan recalled.

Mar 20, 2025 | baptistpress.com | Kristen Sosebee |Zoë Watkins |Scott Barkley |Tom Strode

NASHVILLE (BP) — Pro-life groups have longed for the day that no taxpayer dollars are sent to Planned Parenthood. Many say that moment is closer now than ever. “This moment feels like the perfect time to get it done all the way and across the finish line,” said Tim Mackall, policy associate for the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. Organized efforts to defund Planned Parenthood began not long after the Roe v. Wade decision with the 1976 passage of the Hyde Amendment.

Mar 20, 2025 | baptistpress.com | Zoë Watkins |Scott Barkley |Tom Strode |Tobin Perry

WASHINGTON (BP) – A bipartisan congressional letter with more than 100 signatures has been delivered to President Donald Trump urging him to open discussions with China regarding its discontinued intercountry adoption program that left nearly 300 U.S. families in limbo. “We understand that the State Department is working on behalf of these families and seeking clarity on the Chinese government’s decision,” the letter reads in part.

Mar 19, 2025 | brnow.org | Zoë Watkins

MADISONVILLE, Tenn. (BP) — Even long after Hurricane Helene’s devastating winds subsided, Tennessee Baptist volunteers can still be found restoring hope in East Tennessee. Westside Baptist Church in Madisonville is one of those churches serving as a beacon of sustained commitment.