Augusta, GA
800 GA Baptists fan across Augusta for hands-on ministry in community – The Baptist Paper
Nearly 800 people recently gathered in Augusta for hands-on ministry that included renovating schools and churches, building a playground, providing free dental care, throwing block parties and more.
In the process, at least 24 people made salvation decisions.
“We’re rejoicing over that,” said David Nowling, associate director of missions at the Augusta Association of Baptist Churches.
The initiative, which involved 65 churches from 10 states, kicked off at West Acres Baptist Church for a rally that included former University of Georgia football coach Mark Richt, Send Relief President Bryant Wright, and Georgia Baptist Mission Board Executive Director W. Thomas Hammond Jr. as speakers.
Meeting the community’s needs
Richt told WRDW-TV the idea behind the initiative was to meet the community’s needs, whether they were physical, mental or spiritual.
About 60 teams fanned out across the city, some ending up at Garrett Elementary School where two teacher lounges were renovated.
“It was more than what I expected, so I was overwhelmed,” Stacey Walk, school principal, told the TV station. “And I know that my teachers are going to be overwhelmed as well.”
“Our hope is that what happens this weekend is that the local leaders here in Augusta and churches will just take the ball and run with it,” Wright said. “This could be an annual thing in Augusta. … That’s our hope.”
The Augusta Association of Baptist Churches published a list of ministry projects.
That list said the volunteers accomplished the following:
- Completed an Extreme Makeover: Church Edition for one local church by refurbishing the sanctuary, welcome area, parking lot and playground.
- Painted a church’s fellowship hall and welcome area and did a deep clean of its kitchen.
- Hosted block parties, including one in what was described as “the most lost zip code in Georgia” where 10 people came to faith in Christ.
- Provided meals for teachers at a local school where the principal allowed volunteers to pray for faculty and students that were in their classrooms.
- Built a playground for an after-school program.
- Removed a dilapidated fence and built a new wooden fence for a foster family.
- Built new shelves, new doors and a ramp for the food ministry at a local mission.
- Volunteers helped with a Night to Shine program for people with special needs.
- Painted a local rescue mission, made repairs at a pregnancy center, did random acts of kindness in downtown Augusta, and visited local nursing homes.
- Removed old carpet and installed new carpet squares for a local church.
- Gave “blessing and encouragement bags” to 24 foster families.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and originally published by the Christian Index.
Augusta, GA
Salvation Army of Augusta collects heat relief supplies
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army of Augusta is collecting supplies to help community members who lack access to cool spaces or water during the ongoing heat.
The organization is asking for donations of bottled water, reusable bottles, sunscreen, fans and similar items.
What to donate and where to drop off
Jonathan Raymer, major and area commander for the Salvation Army of Augusta, said the need will carry into July.
“It’s not going to get any cooler in July, right? We all live here. And so those are supplies we can definitely use going into next month,” Raymer said.
Raymer said donated items will go directly to people in the community who are in need.
“Any of those kind of things that you are able — or maybe you have some in excess of — if you want to donate those, we can use those for sure for those people in our community who are in need for that,” he said.
Donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army Center of Hope, the Kroc Center or any Salvation Army Family Store. Or you can buy an item on the organization’s wishlist.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
16-year-old wanted in aggravated assault case in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating a 16-year-old wanted in connection with an aggravated assault.
Deputies responded to the 2300 block of Travis Pines Drive on May 18 after reports of shots being fired into a home, according to an incident report.
Investigators say Kawung Bentley Jr. is wanted in connection with the alleged shooting.
According to deputies, two people inside the home said they were lying in a bedroom when gunshots came through the bedroom window. One of the occupants said she ran to the bathroom and hid in the tub.
The other occupant told deputies he saw four males creeping around outside the residence before grabbing his weapon.
The occupant said the suspects then drove away in a Durango.
Deputies found four bullet holes in the bedroom window and about two bullet holes on the outside of the home near the window.
They also found two bullet holes in the rear window of a black Dodge Charger.
Investigators recovered two shell casings in the roadway in front of the home, along with a bookbag.
Anyone who comes into contact with Bentley is asked to call the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1080 or 706-821-1020.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Louise Franklin Sheehan Obituary Jun 26, 2026 – Platt’s Funeral Home
Enjoy me while I’m here but when I’m gone don’t make a fuss! Just have a party and celebrate. And don’t say all that stuff about me in the newspaper! Everyone doesn’t need to know everything I’ve done and been! Say what’s most important to me. And she elaborated…
Louise Franklin Sheehan, 87, passed away peacefully at home on June 26. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John Wilcox Sheehan. Her parents Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Franklin. Her sister Patricia Green. Her brother Peter Franklin.
Louise, in her words, was a devoted and loving wife, a wonderful mother and grandmother to her children and was happy to be the same and WAS through the years to many other children who wanted and/or needed the same. Her family was unquestionably her life. She was a dear friend to many. She never met a stranger. She helped many strangers in need, some who would become dear friends.
Louise is survived by her children Marie King (Sam), Patricia Beck (John), John Sheehan, Franklin Sheehan. Her grandchildren Aurelia Beck, Katie Schantz (Evan), Mary Darby Garren, Sadie Beck, Georgia Beck (Barry Sonders), Jack Beck (Anna Mae). Great grandchildren Magnolia Beck, Theodore Beck, Otis Beck and Maya Schantz. Also survived by her close in laws, sister in law Beth Sheehan and her brother in law and sister in law Joe and Nancy Sheehan as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
We would like to give the utmost thanks and love to her long term devoted care givers who have become family: Nichole Lane, Latonja Williams and Faina Blackwood. And to Tameka Blackwood who came as needed. Truly our angels on earth.
Louise, a life long devoted Saint Mary’s on the Hill parishioner, had a passion and long term devotion to supporting numerous Catholic Children missions. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the children’s charity of your choice in her honor if you desire.
A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.
Louise was most known for her kindness. In her honor, go extra on kindness today and always to family, friends and strangers.
Arrangements are being provided by Platt’s Funeral Home, 721 Crawford Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904 (706) 733-3636. Please take a moment to share your condolences by signing the online guestbook at plattsfuneralhome.com.
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