IBSA eConnection: Church photo contest winners, BFI scholarships and more

November 16, 2011

Ministering to international students in Illinois

Pray for the international students and host families who will be participating in IBSA's International Student Conference this weekend in Springfield. There are nearly 34,000 international students studying in Illinois. Does your church minister to them? NAMB has an introductory plan for churches interested in starting their own ministries to international students at studentz.com.

BFI Scholarship applications available

This year 33 students were awarded nearly $50,000 in scholarships through the Baptist Foundation of Illinois. The average scholarship awarded was $1,484 from 31 educational endowments established at BFI. Scholarship applications for the 2012-2013 school year are now online. Find out how to apply at BaptistFoundationIl.org.

IBSA Church Photo Contest winners announced

Dan Herbst, a member of First Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, and an English teacher at Pinckneyville Community High School took first place in IBSA's Church Photo Contest. View all the winning photos at IBSA.org.

So many Bible choices - What makes one different from another?

For the unenlightened Bible shopper going into a LifeWay Christian Store to select a Bible, it is a bit like going to a Walmart superstore to pick a box of cereal - with the huge selection, where do you even start? Read this quick guide from LifeWay.com to better understand some of the choices available.

7 simple strategies for building community

Simple efforts can bring about significant effects. Most things still come back to the basics and enjoying great group life is no different. While many want to look for the next big trick, your group's community can improve significantly just by making some simple intentional efforts. Learn more at SundaySchoolLeader.com.

IBSA eConnection is a weekly electronic newsletter designed to provide Illinois Baptists with relevant, useful information and resources. We pray it enriches your ministry and helps your church to grow and minister.