Snowy Blessings: Coastal Churches and NOBTS Celebrate Ministry in Winter Wonderland

GULFPORT, Miss. (BP) — A fortnight ago, Pastor Jimmy Stewart of First Baptist Church delivered a sermon named “Ask. Seek. Knock,” based on Matthew 7:7. Afterward, Matthew and Kaley Dean discussed with their young children about identifying one precise, quantifiable thing to ask of God.

They opted to pray for a day of exceptionally rare snow.

Clergymen within the Gulf Coast Baptist Association recognize the significance of remaining connected to one another, especially with Executive Director Brian Rushing, in light of an impending weather incident. However, the recent situation is notably different.

“Usually, it revolves around a hurricane,” Rushing remarked, “but this is considerably more enjoyable.”

The uncommon snowfall that accumulated up to 9 inches brought joy to both children and adults, not to mention the chance for a great holiday card image. Alongside this, however, arose the duty of checking on those unaccustomed to preparing for such climatic conditions.

Stewart mentioned that numerous congregants were avoiding the roads and capturing their own family moments. At that moment, the only photographs he possessed of the church were sourced from security cameras.

“The roads were hazardous, so we haven’t had anyone there yet to take a picture,” he informed Baptist Press this morning. Nevertheless, church member Gavin Wiscaver did eventually arrive for the photo opportunity.

“We postponed services for tonight but anticipate being able to hold our Man Church conference tomorrow evening,” Stewart stated. “This will be our fifth consecutive event. Last year we were a bit short on the pulled pork, and with 200 expected attendees, we are barbecuing two pigs this time instead of just one.”

In Saraland, Ala., pastor David Roach’s children have fulfilled their obligation to enjoy the snow.

“My family just played in it again,” Roach stated, noting that with 7.5 inches measured and temperatures predicted to rise only to 38 degrees today (Jan. 22), it is unlikely much of the snow will thaw. Even the portions that do might refreeze overnight as warned by local officials.

“Deacons are inquiring about the well-being of widows. Water has been shut off to the various structures of our church facility to prevent pipe bursts. All Wednesday engagements have been canceled,” he mentioned.

Calvary Baptist in Columbus, Ga., also conducted check-ins on their members. In addition, Pastor Ricky Smith and leadership managed announcements regarding its school along with care for roughly 90 residents of an assisted living center and 100 at a retirement community situated on the church’s premises.

“A number of our church staff remained overnight to ensure these individuals were well taken care of,” Smith remarked.

As much as 6 inches fell at his residence, with lesser amounts in the vicinity. Calvary invited members to submit their photos on its Facebook page.

With reports of snow drifts reaching up to a foot in depth locally, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary experienced a friendly snowball tussle.

The seminary did not fail to document the moments on Instagram.

All seminary offices and classes were halted on Tuesday, Jan. 21, in anticipation of the weather. They will remain closed on Thursday, as announced today, while primarily online courses will continue as scheduled.

“Exercise utmost caution when traveling on the roads,” the announcement stated. “If leaving campus is unnecessary, please remain on campus.”