RICHMOND, Va.—Southern Baptists' contributions to support international missions through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering are 4.4 percent ahead of last year's pace, according to a report by Rodney Freeman, IMB treasurer and vice president of support services.

Joy Bolton has been a true friend to the Western Recorder during her tenure as executive director of Kentucky Woman's Missionary Union, and during the recent Missions Celebration in Frankfort, our Board of Trustees expressed their "great gratitude" for her faithful service to Kentucky Baptists. In a surprise presentation on Saturday morning, Bolton, who has announced her intention to retire soon, received a framed copy of "A Resolution Commending Joy Bolton," which was accompanied by a monetary gift to the WMU Heritage Fund in her honor.

LOUISVILLE—Lance Howerton, interim president of Crossings Ministries, has been elevated to president of the Kentucky Baptist youth outreach ministry known for its popular summer camp programs.