Incoming freshmen at Williams Baptist University this fall will each receive a new Bible, thanks to a gift from the Big Creek Baptist Association in northern Arkansas.  The association has donated funds to purchase Bibles for all new students at WBU next year, and Viola First Baptist Church also donated 22 Bibles for current students who need one.

The gifts were delivered by Craig Golden, who is associational missionary of Big Creek and pastor of Viola FBC, and his wife, Michaela. They were presented to Taylor Baker, director of campus ministries at WBU, and Dr. Rhyne Putman, vice president for academic affairs.

“I am so appreciative of Big Creek Baptist Association and Viola FBC’s willingness to serve WBU through supplying Bibles for students,” Baker said. “One essential element of spiritual formation is knowing and understanding God’s word. Taking the proactive step of giving students a Bible when they arrive on campus will better equip us to help students grow spiritually during their time at WBU.” 

Baker said the Bibles will be engraved with each student’s name and waiting for them in their dormitory rooms when they arrive in the fall.

The Big Creek Baptist Association is comprised of churches in Fulton and Sharp Counties.

Williams is a private, Christian university in Walnut Ridge.