THE BAPTIST WOMEN group of First Baptist Church Shawmut met April 3 at the home of Wanda Phipps. Wanda welcomed everyone and asked God’s blessings on the food.

Following the delicious snacks, the program was turned over to Machelle Hall, director of Sav-A-Life. Machelle started the program with scripture from Psalms 139:13-16. She told of the horror when 21 children were killed at Sandy Hook and at the other school shootings and how our hearts break for the hurting families. But as horrible as killing children is, there were 1.2 million reported abortions in 2012 killing unborn children, but babies are aborted daily for convenience. 90% of Down Syndrome unborn children are aborted. We know all lives are worthy according to Genesis 1:27,” So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created he them.”  Scriptures found in Genesis 9:6 and Exodus 4:11 as well as other scriptures tell the value of life to God. All the ladies coming to Sav-A-Life for pregnancy tests or counseling due to unplanned pregnancies are shown love, acceptance and told how much God loves them and their unborn child. They are given the opportunity for counseling and Bible study where they can earn baby bucks to be used to ‘purchase’ items for their baby in the Earn While You Learn program. Sav-A-Life also offers post abortion counseling. The ladies brought money in the Baby Bottle Boomerang bottles to be used to purchase items needed.

Linda Tolbert conducted the business session where places for the meetings through September were planned.  Elizabeth Hall read the minutes of the previous meeting. Mary Ann Fuller gave the treasurer’s report. Nita Abney gave the prayer calendar reading scripture from Esther 4:9-17. She asked for prayer that God will send friends for our missionaries to speak the truth to them concerning God’s will. Nita read the names of the missionaries having birthdays today and Shirley Bills prayed for the missionaries and all other prayer requests and closed the meeting with prayer.

Those attending were: Elizabeth Hall, Cheryl Myers, Linda Tolbert, Sallie Breedlove, Liz Landreth, Janice Sorrell, Nita Abney, Hilda Hunt, Mary Ann Fuller, Lois Passmore, Shirley Bills, the speaker, Machelle Hall, hostess, Wanda Phipps and special guest, Anberlin Landreth.

BETTY JO HAMIL celebrated her 80 plus birthday on Wednesday, April 18th at Milano’s with family and friends.

Rhonda Gibson brought a birthday cake and napkins in Auburn colors. Jeff Wooley gave thanks for the food and those around the table.

Helping Betty Jo enjoy her special day were Susie Gibson, Mia Breman, Tony and Rhonda Gibson, Jennifer Wooley, Jeff,  Carly, Luke and Jake Wooley and Randy and Jake McClure.