- Journal of the Mississippi Baptist Convention since 1877 February 16, 2026

Construction underway on new Garaywa bathhouse

Construction began Feb. 5 on a bathhouse next to the pool at Garaywa Camp and Conference Center in Clinton. (Photo credit: Megan Young)

Construction underway on new Garaywa bathhouse

February 16, 2026

By Megan YoungEditor When campers arrive at Garaywa Camp and Conference Center in Clinton this summer, there will be a welcome new addition to the…

Michael Ball to retire after decades of BSU leadership

Daniel Herndon (from left), June Scoggins, Ashley Taylor, Michael Ball, and Michael Gilpin celebrate MSU BSU Homecoming 2025 at the MSU BSU Center in Starkville.

Michael Ball to retire after decades of BSU leadership

February 12, 2026

Legislators gather for CAC’s 23rd annual Prayer Breakfast, hear powerful message on caring for orphans

Sean Milner, Executive Director of the Baptist Children’s Village and Family Ministries, speaks during the Christian Action Commission's 23rd annual Legislative Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 4. (Photo credit: Bart Lambright)

Legislators gather for CAC’s 23rd annual Prayer Breakfast, hear powerful message on caring for orphans

February 11, 2026

MAGNOLIA MINDS: How to deal with difficult group leaders

MAGNOLIA MINDS: How to deal with difficult group leaders

February 11, 2026

Explore the Bible: February 15

Explore the Bible: February 15

February 11, 2026

Emerging regions of SBC see
growth in baptisms, giving
NASHVILLE (BP) — Southern Baptist churches in New England have 10,000 more people attending worship now than they did a decade ago. In Ohio, churches gave a record amount through the Cooperative Program last year, and in Michigan, baptisms increased by 15 percent. Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee President Jeff Iorg said one reason for growth in regions outside the South is the sheer focus that is required to succeed. “Frankly, the leaders are trying to build something, and there’s just no time or money to put into anything other than the core,” Iorg told Baptist Press, adding that Southern Baptists have poured a tremendous amount of prayer, giving and partnerships into emerging regions. Terry Dorsett, executive director of the Baptist Convention of New England, said aside from God deciding “to show us His favor,” the staff has “worked really hard to mobilize our non-English-speaking churches.” Fifty-seven percent of churches in the New England convention worship in a language other than English, up from 51 percent five years ago. That includes 25 languages every Sunday morning, Dorsett told BP. “Most of our growth is coming from non-English-speaking churches.”