Jim Bill McInteer, evangelist and publisher, dies at 88
March 9, 2010
By BNc Staff
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BNc) — Well-known Christian evangelist and author Jim Bill McInteer died on Monday, March 8, according to the website of 21st Century Christian.
Funeral services for McInteer will be held Wednesday, March 10, at 2 p.m. at Brentwood Hills church of Christ, 5120 Franklin Pike, Nashville, Tenn. Visitation opportunities will be on Tuesday, March 9, from 2-9 p.m. and on Wednesday, March 10 from 12-2 p.m. at Brentwood Hills.
McInteer preached for the West End church of Christ in Nashville for about 30 years. He was the former president and publisher of 21st Century Christian and Power for Today. He also served on the board at Harding University in Searcy, Ark., for many years.
Commenting on the passing of such a giant of the faith, Dale Jenkins said, “One of my heroes died today. Brother Jim Bill McInteer was a prince of a man, a gentleman, a man of God’s Word. Where do you start in remembering this godly man? He casts a long shadow and in the minds of many he the last of small group of preachers who so strongly influenced our brotherhood – Ira North, Willard Collins, BC Goodpasture, Batsell Barret Baxter and Jim Bill McInteer. His life entered into so many spheres.”
Like Jenkins, many Christians have been influenced by the dedicated service of McInteer. And though he has passed from this physical life, his work and legacy will continue to expand among those who have been touched by his life.
Ernie Brooks: beauty queen, evangelist
February 26, 2010
by Glenda Williams, BNc correspondent
GENEVA, Ala. (BNc) — Ernie Brooks is the present reigning Ms. Senior Geneva County. She is as lovely on the inside as she is on the outside. Ernie’s Christian beauty radiates with her smile and good deeds. A quiet, unassuming person, Ernie goes about doing good things for other people.
Ernie has been going into the local Geneva County jail, and teaching the ladies on Friday evenings for three years. In times past she has had others who have gone with her, but usually she goes alone.
The ladies have two picnic-type tables with benches that they sit around to study the Bible with Ernie. She says her classes range from 3-12 each week. When asked how many she thinks she has taught during the years, she said, “I think approximately 75.”
“While they are confined, they can see what you are talking about. It’s like a light bulb has gone off. I can tell a difference in their countenance. When I go back the next week, I have had them tell me they have been studying all week and waiting for me to come back,” Brooks recalls. Read more
Paul W. Walden laid to rest
February 25, 2010
BRANDON, Miss. (BNc) – Paul W. Walden, gospel preacher and missionary from Brandon, Miss., passed away Feb. 19 at the age of 78.
Funeral services were conducted Feb. 22 at the North Brandon church with Milton Sewell and Paul’s son-in-law David Fields speaking.
Bro. Walden was born in Tupelo, Miss., on Sept. 13, 1931. Brother Walden accomplished much for the Lord in his life. He is perhaps best remembered for his work as an interim preacher in the middle Mississippi area, having served a number of congregations in this capacity.
He was serving the Lord’s church at Morton, Miss., at the time of his death. He also did a tremendous amount of mission work in the Caribbean, especially in Cuba. He made many trips to this island, where he taught and baptized hundreds.
Paul leaves his wife Larue, two sons Wayne and Wade Walden and one daughter Rene Walden Fields and eight grandchildren. He also leaves hundreds of grieving friends and brethren.
Paul was a unique, very godly man who had a burning desire for souls. He is already being missed. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them,” (Rev. 14:13).
William Woodson injured in India
February 23, 2010
by Barbara A. Oliver, managing editor
ANDHRA PRADESH, India (BNc) — William Woodson, while on a mission trip to India, collapsed Monday due to dehydration and hit his head on a table as he fell. He was carried to the hospital where he received stitches for his wound.
His wife called the Pulaski Street church in Lawrenceburg, Tenn., and reported that Woodson was to remain in the hospital overnight for observation.
David Pinckley, treasurer for the Pulaski Street congregation, told BNc that Woodson was doing fine.
Woodson is a retired Bible professor from Lawrenceburg, Tenn., and author.
Editor’s Note: David Pinckley received a phone call Feb. 24, from Jeanne Woodson about William. He is weak from dehydration and will remain in the hotel where they are staying today to try and regain his strength. He sustained about three pretty severe cuts on his head and face when he fell and has a black eye.
Dr. Henry Farrar dies
February 22, 2010
by Barbara A. Oliver, managing editor
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BNc) — Dr. Henry Farrar, long-time medical missionary and surgeon collapsed while working at Carthage Hospital on Feb. 17, and as a result suffered a serious spinal injury. He was taken to the St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville, where he died on Feb. 22 at 1:25 a.m.
Dr. Farrar was the founder of the Nigerian Christian Hospital, served as a board member for Healing Hands International and was an elder at the College Hills church in Lebanon, Tenn. Farrar also spent a year at Chimala Mission Hospital in Chimala, Tanzania and a year at the China Medical University. Read more
Ralph David Underwood dies at 81
February 16, 2010
FLORENCE, Ala., (BNc) — Ralph David Underwood, 81, of Florence, Ala., passed away Feb. 12. He was born in 1928 in Colbert County, Ala., to Robert and Elizabeth Underwood.
Underwood earned degrees from Freed-Hardeman College, Harding College and Harding Graduate School of Religion.
He began his preaching ministry at age 20. He ministered throughout the U.S. and held full-time preaching positions in Comanche, Okla., Germantown, Tenn., and Sheffield, Ala.
He served as a missionary throughout the Caribbean and in West Africa and served as an elder at Chisholm Hills Church of Christ in Florence, AL for 25 years. Underwood was also Professor of Bible at Heritage Christian University for 35 years. Read more
Willard Tate has gone home!
February 16, 2010
by Jerry Lawlis
ABILENE, Tex. (BNc) – Willard Tate was special! When we began the Red River Family Encampment in 1987, one of the very first speakers we invited was Willard Tate. Willard was already well known among us as an ex-coach, faithful Gospel Preacher, and entertaining/motivational speaker. He was in high demand from coast to coast.
He did not know me from Adam…he certainly knew nothing about RRFE since that was to be our first year of existence. Yet, he graciously accepted my invitation when he could have gone so many places and earned good money. He came, he inspired, he entertained (who can forget the joke-telling contest between Willard and George Goldtrap, the MC for the Amazing Grace TV program, in the parking lot of the Ponderosa Lodge?!). He endeared himself to all the campers that first year, and for the next 20 years he made RRFE one of his priorities. Read more
Jack Hardeman Exum Sr., dies
February 14, 2010
contributed by Glenda Williams, BNc correspondent
LAKE CITY, Fla. (BNc) – Jack Hardeman Exum, Sr., 81, died Sunday, Feb. 7, at the Lake City Medical Center.
He was a native of Nashville, Tenn., the son of the late Fred E. and Alma Jewell Selley Exum.
Exum moved to Lake City, Fla. in 1993, from Royston, Ga. He was a member of the Central church (New Horizon church of Christ, where Jack Exum, Jr. is the minister).
Exum was a retired minister, an author of more than 39 books and a recipient of an Amy Award for religious writing. He also wrote a column that appeared in the Lake City Reporter each Saturday.
An avid reader, pool player with his friends at Eastside Village, golfer, coach (football and basketball), Mr. Exum enjoyed walking, cycling, fishing and any outdoor activities. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Read more
Nigeria Bible institute president kidnapped
February 11, 2010
BREAKING STORY
Nigeria (BNc) – Preliminary reports from the FHU Lectureship indicate that Okon Mkpawg, president of a Bible institute in this African country was kidnapped.
One source said the kidnapping was confirmed by family members. Another source said the announcement was made by Dr. Roy Sharp during the FHU chapel service today.
As more information arrives, BNc will update this page.
On Sunday an Anglican archbishop was also kidnapped as he arrived home from church. An Anglican prayer blog cited Nigerian sources (unavailable when consulted) that kidnappings were common in some regions of the country, motivated by hopes of monetary rewards.
Texas church sponsors forum on politics
February 5, 2010
The Granbury Street congregation in Cleburne, Tex., will sponsor its annual open forum Feb. 27, highlighting the theme, “Politics and Religion” (PDF here). Given the nature of the theme, BNc asked Kevin W. Rhodes, preacher finishing his second master’s degree in Political Science, about the forum.
BNc: What is the purpose of the annual open forum?
Rhodes: Our Open Forum is designed to draw attention to a current problem in the church or an important issue in people’s lives and then to address it in a constructive, edifying manner using the Bible as the guide. Read more