The Baptist Record - Journal of the Mississippi Baptist Convention since 1877 July 21, 2026

From closed doors to open arms: Natchez church plant embraces ‘the people that the world rejects’

Pastor Philip Watts helps lead worship before a service at Redemption Church in Natchez. (Photo credit: Seth Price)

From closed doors to open arms: Natchez church plant embraces ‘the people that the world rejects’

July 21, 2026

By Megan YoungEditor NATCHEZ, Miss. — Shortly after pastor Philip Watts and his wife Katie followed God’s calling to start a small house church, a…

Explore the Bible: July 26

Explore the Bible: July 26

July 21, 2026

World Cup serves as a major mission field

Volunteers distributed bracelets, stickers, and patches with QR codes sharing the Gospel to fans gathering in Atlanta’s game zones. (Photo credit: NAMB)

World Cup serves as a major mission field

July 20, 2026

Pastor Training Schools equip local leaders for ministry in small churches

The first 14 men graduated from the Pastor Training Schools on Dec. 15, 2025, at Blue Mountain University. (Photo credit: Pastor Training Schools)

Pastor Training Schools equip local leaders for ministry in small churches

July 17, 2026

Resolution sends ‘a clear message’ against antisemitism

(Photo credit: Baptist Press)

Resolution sends ‘a clear message’ against antisemitism

July 15, 2026

ERLC’s Psalm 139 Project to
dedicate ultrasound machine
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Psalm 139 Project, a pro-life ministry of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission will dedicate an ultrasound machine to LifeClinic Community Resources in Saginaw, Mich., on July 30. Funding for the machine was made possible by gifts from the Psalm 139 Project’s Across State Lines emphasis, the Bay Area Baptist Association, and Michigan Baptists. ERLC President Dr. Evan Lenow will attend the dedication alongside Rachel Wiles, director of the Psalm 139 Project, and Bobby Reed, the ERLC’s chief financial officer. They will be joined by David Roberts, associational mission strategist for the Bay Area Baptist Association. “One of the most rewarding parts of the ERLC’s ministry is the Psalm 139 Project, and it is a privilege to attend my first dedication as ERLC President,” said Lenow. “I’m deeply grateful for the generosity of faithful Southern Baptists and partners like the Bay Area Baptist Association and the State Baptist Convention of Michigan whose support makes these life‑saving placements possible. My prayer is that, through this technology, the hope of the gospel will reach women and families for generations to come.”