Rev. Steve Gaines Entering Hospice, Prayers Needed

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is Birmingham News today. Reverend Steve Gaines, once president of the Southern Baptist Convention and long-time pastor at Gardendale First Baptist Church, has entered hospice, care while fighting cancer. The church shared the news recently, noting his service there from 1991 to 2005 before he moved to lead Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis. Gaines stepped into big shoes at Bellevue, succeeding the well-known preacher Adrian Rogers. He later served two one-year terms as Southern Baptist Convention President from 2016 through 2018. The church posted about it with heavy hearts, asking folks to pray for Gaines, his wife Donna, and their family. They have requested no visitors right now, and Cara Pastor Kevin Ham joined in praising their lasting influence on the congregation. Back in 2000, Gaines faced a tough muscle disease called Myasthenia Gravis, which made standing and keeping his eyes open-hard.

1:00Surgery and meds helped him recover and keep ministering, as the church grew strong with over 3,000 in weekly attendance. Tributes have poured in from fellow leaders, highlighting Gaines' passion for sharing the gospel and his drive to reach people. The church even bought land along Interstate 65 and built its current campus under the next pastor. This episode is supported by our sponsor, Headphones and a Pillow. Once you try it, it just makes sense, S-O-L-I-SollyPillow.com