JENNIFER DAVIS RASH (M.T.S., 2007) is an outstanding Christian journalist who currently serves as executive editor of The Alabama Baptist, a weekly religious newspaper with a circulation of about 90,000. Jennifer came to Beeson following her undergraduate studies in journalism at the University of Alabama and a two-year missionary stint with the International Mission Board. In ways that she could not know at the time, Jennifer’s experience in missions decisively shaped her life and calling to serve Christ. From her base in Hollywood, FL, she served with Caribbean Christian Publications, honing her skills as a writer and editor, traveling, networking, and encouraging Christian believers throughout the Caribbean region. In this context, she also met her husband Jason, an elementary school teacher. Jennifer and Jason now live in Birmingham and are active members of NorthPark Baptist Church in Trussville, Alabama.

When I think of Jennifer Rash as a Beeson student, three words come to mind: patience, persistence, and perseverance. Because the Beeson curriculum is designed for full-time studies involving community worship, ministry projects, and the like, Jennifer found it necessary to interrupt her degree program in order to fulfill other responsibilities. But Jennifer was determined to see through to completion the work she had begun and came back to Beeson as a full-time student as soon as possible. And she did this while also working full-time on the staff of The Alabama Baptist.

In retrospect, that experience seems like a bit of a blur to her: “I am not sure I remember much because I think I was sleepwalking most of the time!” But with the Lord’s help, and the loving support of her family, friends, co-workers and fellow students, Jennifer not only survived but actually thrived at Beeson. She remembers with gratitude some of her classmates who have become even stronger friends since their graduation, such as Jim Pounds, Bryan Gill, Myles Grimm, and Kristen Lindsey Padilla. Among the Beeson faculty, Jerry Batson, Paul House, Fisher Humphreys, Robert Smith, and Norfleete Day helped her to sense God’s direction and leadership in her life. “Norfleete Day may have been the one who kept me sane during the final semesters of my studies,” Jennifer recalls. “She helped me clear the clutter and chaos and hear from God when I would let the world around me get too loud.”

As the executive editor of The Alabama Baptist newspaper, Jennifer directs the day-to-day production of the paper, online edition, website, social media, and also helps make strategic decisions about the overall ministry of the paper. She works closely with Dr. Bob Terry, the president and editor of The Alabama Baptist who has provided encouragement for Jennifer to grow personally and professionally as a leader in Christian communications. At The Alabama Baptist, Jennifer Rash is putting to good use the training she received at Beeson Divinity School. Her job is telling God’s story by sharing what God is doing through Baptists in Alabama and indeed around the world.

Jennifer’s background in missions is evident in the way this strategic denominational paper reports on the challenges facing Christians in many places of the world today. More and more Christians are facing harassment and persecution. Sharing some of their stories helps other believers to be informed and know better how to pray. Jennifer has distinguished herself as a media professional receiving honors and awards for investigating and reporting, news journalism, and feature writing, as well as online and broadcasting work.

Those of us who knew Jennifer as a student are proud of all she has done for the cause of Christ. Every time we read something she has written, or see her handiwork in the field of journalism, we rejoice in the evidence of God’s blessing on her life and calling. Will you pray for Jennifer Davis Rash, her ministry at The Alabama Baptist, and the work she is doing to make the name of Christ known unto the ends of the earth? Learn more about the ministry of The Alabama Baptist by checking out their website: www.thealabamabaptist.org.