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PROVO, UT (BP) – Four Southern Baptist church plants are in their early stages in Utah County, a traditional Mormon community, but home to First Baptist Church of Provo since 1948. Pastor Russ Robinson has led the Baptist congregation to plant other churches rather than expand its church building. First Baptist Church meets in a former Mormon or Latter-day Saints "ward meeting house" the church purchased in 1963. Located in an out-of-the-way residential neighborhood, First Baptist Provo is at near-capacity for the perhaps 100 people who worship there Sunday mornings. "We're very much invested in proclaiming the Gospel in Utah County and to the ends of the earth," Robinson told Baptist Press. "We're a small church but we think we can do a whole lot more." Among First Baptist Provo's church plants is one in Springville, a town south of Provo that has more than doubled in size since 2000, but has only one evangelical church for its nearly 35,000 residents. Another congregation is set for southeast Provo, home to more than 10,000 college students and perhaps 10,000 more young families. Others are planned for Lehi, which has increased by 13,000 people since 2010, and among the area's growing Hispanic population, about 12 percent of the county's population. Despite its size, First Baptist Provo is already doing "a whole lot more" than it was when Robinson was called from Tennessee seven years ago to his first pastorate. Missions giving at first was less than 1 percent of the annual church budget, but is budgeted at 10 percent for 2017. Mission trips were non-existent, except for Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief. Now the church goes to Haiti at least once a year to work with an orphanage and local churches in evangelistic outreaches. A new missions endeavor to southwestern Wisconsin in partnership with the Salt Lake Baptist Association is being planned for the summer. Mission partnerships were unheard of with the church seven years ago. In the summer of 2016, First Provo housed 175 short-term missions volunteers from various churches to work in Utah County, and trained them in evangelizing Mormons and other groups. This is essential because the area's dominant religion, Mormonism, teaches that God was once a man, and that men can become gods. Numerous other doctrines -- such as salvation -- deemed essential to Christians are different for Mormons, Robinson explained. First Baptist Provo conducts various types of evangelism, including relational, event-driven and door-to-door, aimed at "the Gospel being presented clearly, compassionately and boldly," Robinson said. "Our training usually focuses heavily on making clear the doctrine of 'imputed righteousness.' "Most Latter-day Saints will agree with you that Christ died for sins," Robinson said. "Almost all will disagree that we can be seen as righteous as Christ today by faith, as it says in 2 Corinthians 5:21. This is a necessary point of the Gospel that needs to be made clear to LDS neighbors who trust in their own righteousness for salvation." Many Mormons believe that everyone is going to at least one level of heaven, "affirming a gospel of religious relativism and pluralism, although you won't find that in their scriptures," Robinson said. "When you preach a Gospel of the exclusivity of Christ, there are some real obstacles of faith." In a population the U.S. Census Bureau said was 516,564 in 2010, Utah County tallied a total of 2,540 evangelical Christians, 6,792 Catholics, 423 mainline Protestants, 211 African American Protestants, and 459,847 Mormons, according to the Association of Religious Data Archives. ARDA statistics "can be computed to show that Utah County is 0.49 percent evangelical/mainline," Robinson said. "Keep in mind the International Mission Board's definition of 'unreached and unengaged' is 2 percent or less." Mormons are dominant in Utah County primarily because Brigham Young University (BYU), the religion's flagship school, was started in Provo by Young in 1875. More than 33,000 students attended BYU during the fall 2016 semester. At the same time First Baptist Provo is sending out four families to plant churches, the congregation is planning to "develop a person to lead in missions training and biblical counseling," Robinson said. "We want to send out more short-term missions teams, and we have suicide and prescription drug abuse epidemics here. And … almost every person who comes to us out of Mormonism has a great load on them." First Baptist Provo seeks to identify God-called church planters, nurture them, guide them, mentor them and help them locate areas that need a Gospel witness, but because of its size, it cannot underwrite all the church plants members believe God wants them to help start, Robinson said. "We perceive we need more financial resources," the pastor said, "and we'd love to have more missions-minded people who would invest their lives here in our community. "Here's what we don't have, which is our dream, our prayer, what we're laboring for," Robinson noted. "The indigenous person. The goal is for churches in Utah to be led by people from Utah, to reach the people of Utah with the message of biblical grace that isn't earned through works but is a free gift that comes from God the Father through the work of Jesus Christ by the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit." ABOUT THE AUTHOR Karen L. Willoughby is a national correspondent for Baptist Press, the Southern Baptist Convention's news service. BP reports on missions, ministry and witness advanced through the Cooperative Program and on news related to Southern Baptists' concerns nationally and globally. #FEBRUARY17

BOSTON, MA – The “urban jungle” – it’s a phrase we’ve often used to describe the challenging environment where more and more of our population lives every year. Business, recreation, tourism, education and family life all converge in the teeming masses that inhabit our cities. The sheer volume of people who live in these places creates a unique opportunity for the church in the twenty-first century. In reality, with more than half of the American population now living in the urban world, it’s more than an opportunity – it’s a responsibility. We must take the Gospel to them. Historically, Southern Baptists have struggled in our efforts to impact metropolitan cities. Our strength has been located in the rural and suburban areas. To our credit, we’ve recognized the sociological changes that led to urban migration and have attempted to embrace the challenge of urban ministry. However, early efforts led to modest, limited impact. Not before the SEND NORTH AMERICA strategy of the past decade have we really found any modicum of effectiveness. The reason is church planting. Over the past twenty years of my work in the world of church planting, I’ve discovered that no two church plants are the same. All of them are unique in special ways, from the planter who serves with God to establish it to the name that expresses their identity and purpose to the environment in which they serve. Nowhere are these differences more significant than in the cities. Planters and churches who understand and incarnate their uniqueness as God leads them will find greater success. But they must also come to grips with the following five things to have lasting impact on the urban world in which they serve. COMPLEXITY The world of complexity. Everybody is busy; it’s our modern world. But nowhere is that more evident than in the city. The complex domains of work or school, family, transportation and recreation (especially for children) create tensions for social networks and congregational life. They all demand our time, and they pull us in difference directions. Busyness and complexity go hand in hand and make the challenge of church more difficult for many to embrace at the most basic, practical level, even if the desire is there. The key for effective church planting is to keep it simple. This offers refuge for fellow strugglers and security in a volatile, changing world. DIVERSITY The must of diversity. The urban landscape is not monochromatic; it is Technicolor. This diversity is seen not simply in race and ethnicity but also in economics. In fact, the urban environment is more diversified by socio-economics than anything else. This urban caste system creates “haves” and “have nots” based on education, jobs, wealth and heritage (in the Northeast, at least), in addition to race and ethnicity. Effective church planters know their own neighborhood well and transcend these differences with the Gospel in effective, practical ways. They welcome diversity and refuse to allow these sociological differences to define God’s people. VARIETY The seduction of variety. The city offers a buffet of options on everything from outdoor activities to means of transportation. While variety has grown everywhere, the options in the city are endless and are available 24/7. Comparative analysis and consumer thinking are two inevitable results for city dwellers. “How is this option better than that option?” “What’s the benefit to me?” These are the questions that run through the minds of many urbanites. Effective church planters refuse to fall prey to the overwhelming cultural push toward unlimited options. They remain focused in their service, relying on the strengths God has given them and the passion He provides to direct them to carve out their initial niche of impact for Him. TOLERANCE The deception of tolerance. Urban society has embraced a sophistication that has redefined basic terms for its own benefit over the years. None has been more readily embraced in the urban world than “tolerance.” This word, which formerly meant respect, now means acceptance. Anything less is seen as racist, misogynist, homophobic and politically incorrect. Evangelical Christians are often stereotypically thrown into these hateful categories by others. The effective urban church planter knows what he believes and, with compassion, refuses to veer from it. He overcomes this slander with demonstrations of love, service, patience and perseverance. SOUL The worth of a soul. Brokenness is a real thing in every life and family. Nowhere is that more evident than in the city. The tensions of urban life stress the greatest of believers. Unredeemed souls too often are shattered by the brute force of the dehumanizing, impersonal forces that undermine their worth. Into this reality steps the church to bring good news of reconciliation and redemption for broken people. Effective church planters always keep the main thing, the main thing. They are the ultimate optimists, because they know the ability of our eternal God to “make all things new.” These realities are not just in our cities, to be sure. Perhaps they are simply magnified there, because of the density of people, the exaggeration of emotion and the desperation of need. But with each of these realities comes the opportunity for us to demonstrate the difference the Gospel makes. It is a responsibility we MUST embrace, for it is the power of the Gospel (Romans 1:16). ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. David Jackson is the Church Planting Director/Strategist for the Baptist Convention of New England, and is author of the book PLANTED: Starting Well, Growing Strong. He can be reached at the BCNE’s website, www.bcne.net. #FEBRUARY17

FENTON, MI – The Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) is announcing the hiring of the new State Director of Spiritual Renewal and Retreat Ministries at Bambi Lake Conference Center in Roscommon, MI. The first of March Michael (Mick) Schatz will assume the role at Bambi Lake. BSCM State Executive Director, Tim Patterson, says, “It is my joy to introduce that Mick and his family will be serving here. He has a very broad range of gifts and abilities that he has used in ministry since 1993.” The calling of Mick and his wife, Jackie, has lead them over the years to churches where he has served as a youth pastor, worship pastor and associate pastor. Both Mick and Jackie did undergraduate work in Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida. Mick has very broad experience in the local church. He has served in small rural churches, larger churches and is now part of a mega church, FBC Broken Arrow, OK where he services as the Associate Pastor of Worship Arts and Youth at their Coweta Campus. Patterson adds, “He possesses the giftedness and passion to help lead Bambi Lake Conference Center to its full potential and as a result, impact our state with the Gospel. All of his training and experience has prepared him for such a time as this. I and the rest of the team, are thrilled to have Mick as part of our BSCM family.” Mick and Jackie and have 3 children, Julia, Noah, Emily. Julia (19) is currently living in Dallas working for State Farm Insurance while pursuing a degree in fashion merchandising from the University of North Texas. Noah (17) is a senior in High School and extremely active in music and video production, Drama and musicals, graphic design and currently producing his first original EP - set to be released early summer. Emily (13) is an eighth grader who loves to dance, paint and draw. She is a member of the Tigettes (school dance team) and loves the outdoors. Schatz says, “My wife and I are blessed to say all of our children know Jesus personally and are not ashamed of the Gospel.” Emily will accompany him in March while Jackie and Noah stay back in Oklahoma to finish school and sell the house before joining them in May. Please pray for them and the great future of “Bambi”. #FEBRUARY17

LANSING, MI – God has brought Michigan African American Churches into a deeper partnership with each other through the Michigan African American Fellowship of Southern Baptists. Unfortunately, many of our urban areas are suffering due to what may appears to be overwhelming social issues. These issues include high unemployment, high dropout rates, useless killings, teenage pregnancy, and too many single mom households. Despite these challenges, Dr. Stan Parker, Pastor of Faith Fellowship Baptist Church and President of Michigan African American Fellowship, is still very optimistic for the future of African American families and churches. Dr. Parker stated “God is still in charge, he is able to bring healing to the various homes where many of these social ills are occurring”. He believes our churches, especially African American Churches must be about the Lord’s business, which is soul winning. Dr. Parker stated the term “soul winning” still has meaning and value in the African American community, however, the issue at hand is our churches must make it relevant again. This is why our churches must continue to respond with love to those who are hurting and are vulnerable to being attacked by the evil one. We can take heart in knowing that throughout history our churches have served as the only institution which remains when times are difficult. When asked if there is a solution, Dr. Parker responded by saying, “The answer is Jesus. We must not just talk about Jesus; we must live and serve as Jesus did.” Dr. Parker travels throughout the state encouraging pastors to continue to minister by including social ministries as part of the church's ministry. Many churches have responded positively to Dr. Parker’s challenge. Many African American Churches are providing social ministries such as food pantries, clothes closets, job seeking skills workshops, before-and-after school programs along with housing assistance programs. These types of social ministries in urban areas have opened the doors for sustainable relationships to be developed and relationships are where we touch the soul of an individual, then a family, and before you know it a community is transformed. Social Service Ministries has a long standing history in the African American community and has served to open the eyes of the spiritually blind, and ushered many into the marvelous light and life of Jesus Christ. The Michigan African American Fellowship churches are continuing to work together to bring the message of hope and healing to the hurting. This includes providing the traditional ministries of Sunday school, Vacation Bible Schools, Backyard Bible clubs, and inspirational morning worship services. These ministries connected to the Social Service ministries speaks a language of love which meets many families and individual right where they are. Dr. Parker is excited and believes God is going to move this year in ways which will bring results in very productive, life-changing growth in the African American Community. He believes Michigan churches will experience a record year in baptisms. As Henry Blackaby says, discover where God is working and join in. If you are interested in partnering with the Michigan African American Fellowship in serving urban areas within the state contact Dr. Stan Parker at 517-853-9897. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sarah Houston is a Sophomore at Michigan State University, serving as a student missionary with Just For Christ, Campus Ministries. #FEBRUARY17

DETROIT, MI – As a young lady I found myself trying to break free of the church and the fact that my daddy was called to be the Senior Pastor of a local Detroit Baptist Church. In middle school and high school, I found myself doing pretty much what other girls my age were doing, yet, while still being dragged to that church every Wednesday evening for Bible study and every single Sunday morning, week after week, year after year. There were times when the expectations of a preacher’s daughter seemed unfair, and though I didn’t like having to live up to other people’s standards, I did not want to disappoint my father. After high school I began serving alongside my dad in the choir, and eventually serving in the usher ministry. I would watch my mother and father as they served and gave their lives to God, many times without understanding the many challenges they endured, or the rewards they received. Fast forward, and now I find myself married to a wonderful husband who I invited to church 25 years ago. At the time, I did not know that would be the beginning of the very thing I had told my father I did not want. Wouldn’t you know it; I met a man whom I invited to church who would eventually be my husband. Three years later he answered not only a call to ministry, but after ten years serving with my father, became a pastor by way of church planting. Now I am a pastor’s wife. Being a pastor’s wife has its challenges. To be fair, the rewards and the wonderful work of God in our lives and the life of the church far outweigh the challenges we seem to face so often. But being a pastor’s wife is a very lonely place. Very few women understand what it’s like to stand by the side of a man that God has chosen to lead people and be the very target of the onslaught of the adversary. I now face the same challenges, and endure the same trials that my mother, as a pastor’s wife endured. At the same time, I am constantly encouraged by God and His word. My word to pastor’s wives would be: Allow the Spirit of God to encourage your heart, the Word of God to empower your mind; serve alongside your husband to engage your hands, as the Lord seeks to Equip your Life, as a minister of reconciliation. Make your work one of a supporting ministry where needed, remembering that it’s okay to be who you are because God made you special. Be his help-meet, and walk with him, remembering that he’s not perfect, but through much prayer and your support together God will accomplish much for the kingdom. Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Daphne L. Gaddy, Church Planter Wife, Women’s Ministry Leader at Victory Fellowship Community Church. #FEBRUARY17

JACKSON, MS (BP) – "We don't get religion," New York Times executive editor Dean Baquet said, his words sparking a whirlwind of attention. The "media powerhouses," as Baquet put it in an NPR interview Dec. 8, "don't get the role of religion in people's lives." As a Christian, I can understand Baquet's observation. In order to "get" religion, one has to "get" faith. This often seems to be a challenge for those who see themselves as intellectuals. They have a faith; however, their faith is limited to their understanding of the thoughts and observations of other "intellectuals" -- thoughts and observations collectively known as science. It is understandable why many place their faith in science as the ultimate explanation of what we observe as we analyze our surroundings. Science provides a means by which the physical circumstances which affect us can be justified and explained. Because of the testable and re-creatable nature of scientific principles, we develop confidence, or faith, in our scientific explanations. Science, however, has its limits. Science, for example, argues for a spontaneous natural occurrence of the formation of the universe, yet struggles to explain what happened prior to this moment of origin. Scientists continue to argue about how something -- that something being the entirety of the universe -- came from nothing. Different theoretical explanations are described in scientific "models" of the origin of the universe. Consider, however, that the renowned scientist Stephen Hawking has explained that, in order to be valid, a model of the origin of the universe does not have to prove reality; it only has to "work" in a theoretical argument. Science, in other words, only has to appear to be correct. Faith in a spiritual Creator, however, demands a much higher standard. For spiritual faith to be true, the spiritual Creator has to be eternally valid. Such a Creator is not bound by our concepts of scientific truth or physical reality. Such a Creator would be, instead, the author of all physical law and would therefore supersede these very concepts and, at the same time, would not invalidate them. Indeed, belief in this Creator does not deny an instant of origin. In fact, Genesis 2:4 describes Genesis, chapter 1, as "This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made earth and heaven" (New American Standard Bible). The concept of a Creator reaches beyond the finite point of creation into the eternity of an existing supreme being. Like train tracks stretching into the distance, the principles of both spiritual faith and scientific faith converge into the acknowledgement of a single moment of origin of existence, an instant of physical creation. At this point, however, these faiths instantaneously diverge to the greatest extreme imaginable. Those who practice a scientific faith often do so in a derogatory manner toward those who practice a spiritual faith. Spiritual faith is often condemned as insupportable by physical evidence and theoretical equations, with its practitioners called unenlightened, fearful and naïve. As Christians, however, we trust in what we have personally experienced in God through our relationships with Jesus Christ. We concede that we can't prove God or Christ by any equation, but neither can anyone disprove by equation our experiences of faith. As the Bible states, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1, King James Version). It is very difficult to consider a hope as reality, and to then trust what is evidenced only by that hope. Yet, that is the very nature of spiritual faith. My hope is that Mr. Baquet's recognition that he does not "get the role of religion in people's lives" would lead him and others like him to explore the possibilities of Christian faith. They may find it surprising that they are the ones who are restricted in their enlightenment, limited in their universal experience to only the physical realm while fearful of a co-existing spiritual reality, and naïve of the incomprehensible fullness of living a spiritual life based on faith in Jesus Christ. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Doug Parkin is a pharmacist in Jackson, Miss., and a member of First Baptist Church. #FEBRUARY17

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Nearly 1 in 10 Michigan residents abuse illicit drugs. It’s a higher rate than the national average. Drug abuse among men, women, and youth in Michigan, as well as the rate of drug-induced deaths, is rapidly increasing. Drug and alcohol use among the state’s adolescents is skyrocketing, resulting in high numbers of youth, under the age of 18, arrested for drug abuse violations. Some of these drug-abusing adolescents are as young as twelve years old. The Michigan Department of State Police reports that 61% of people incarcerated in Michigan have a history of drug and alcohol abuse. (1) Some believe that Michigan’s rising drug epidemic results from the state’s high unemployment rate, bringing great financial pressures to residents due to lack of employment opportunities and unexpected job losses. Others cite recent budget cuts that have reduced the number of Michigan’s substance abuse prevention programs. (2) Michigan’s Most Abused Substances (in order of abuse) Marijuana Heroin Prescription Opiates Cocaine Alcohol Methamphetamine How Pastors Can Help Pastors, alarmed by the rising statistics for drug and alcohol abuse, can often help prevent substance abuse in their church and community. Here are some suggestions: Speak/preach often about the increasing rate of substance abuse in your church and community. From your pulpit, promote SBC Sunday emphases, such as Substance Abuse Prevention Sunday on March 19, 2017. Plan a special service, talk about the problem, invite a guest speaker to give information, ask a former abuser to give a testimony, etc. Educate your church members on the most abused substances in your community/state. Teach them how to recognize substance abuse signs, and encourage them to report a possible abuser to church leadership. Research, check out, and make a list of qualified health care providers and drug/alcohol treatment centers in your area. Keep the information available and updated in order to contact in an emergency, enlist help, or recommend treatment to abusers and/or their family members who care for them. Plan separate church events/programs for youth and parents that expose the dangers of drugs and alcohol, offer insights into understanding commonly used drugs, addictions, and the health/emotional consequences of illegal drug/alcohol abuse. How to Recognize Drug Abuse and Addiction Here are a few common physical and behavioral signs of drug abuse/addiction: anxiety, irritability, hyperactivity, lethargy, and unpredictable mood swings tremors, shakiness, red eyes, runny nose, problems with coordination a constant need for money; poor work or school performance; unexplained confusion unusual weight gain or loss; physical withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug; changes in attitude or friends for no reason. [Some information above found at: http://addictionblog.org/FAQ/identifying-addiction/how-to-identify-drug-abuse/.] Online Resources For a directory that lists information for inpatient and outpatient treatment centers in Michigan, please see: https://www.mentalhelp.net/care/substance-abuse/mi/. For the Southern Baptist Convention’s website that recommends drug treatment programs for addiction and substance abuse by state, please see: http://www.drugtreatmentprogram.net/tag/southern-baptist-convention/. (The SBC website with recommendations specifically for Michigan Drug Treatment Programs and Rehabilitation Centers is: http://www.drugtreatmentprogram.net/state/michigan. You can call the 24-hr help line at 866-923-1134 to talk to a live counselor.) The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: http://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71550_2941_4871_45835---,00.html. Endnotes: 1. Found at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/state_profile_-_michigan.pdf and https://www.thetreatmentcenter.com/michigan/. Accessed: Jan. 10, 2017. 2. Found at: http://aforeverrecovery.com/blog/drug-abuse/drug-and-alcohol-abuse-growth-in-michigan/. Accessed: Jan. 10, 2017. 3. Found at: http://www.ncbuy.com/health/drugs/us_mi.html. Accessed: Jan. 10, 2017. 4. Found at: https://mic.com/articles/80091/which-drug-is-your-state-most-addicted-to-this-map-reveals-a-disturbing-trend#.exEVE5ysm. Accessed: Jan. 10, 2017. 5. Found at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/state_profile_-_michigan.pdf. Accessed: Jan. 10, 2017. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Denise George, author of 30 books, is co-author of the new Penguin Random House book: The Lost Eleven: The Forgotten Story of Black American Soldiers Brutally Massacred in World War II. She is married to Dr. Timothy George, founding dean of Beeson Divinity School, Samford University. #FEBRUARY17

YPSILANTI, MI – A Sunday morning service in the African American community looks different in 2017 than it did thirty years ago. Years ago the church was the bedrock in the community, but times have changed, and thoughts about church and God are not as allegiant. There are challenges that may have contributed to this change such as the need to work, competing childrens’ extracurricular activities, the relevancy of the church, and the apathy that has bubbled up in the society. Director of Ministries at Reach Church in Ypsilanti, Ebony Robinson asks the questions “So how do we reach a community that may not be as “excited” about God and religion as their forefathers? How do we reach a community where the concern is about social injustices not which worship song is being sung? How do we reach a community who may have felt like God has forgotten them? And how do we do that despite the numerous challenges that may be prevalent?” Robinson says, “At Reach Church we do not believe we have all of the answers – by no means – but we do believe that when a person is personally “reached” we are attempting to make a difference. If we can get over these hurdles separating us, we believe a person can experience the love of Christ. Reach Church has an Outreach System that serves the purpose of drawing people to church and inviting them into a relationship with Christ. While Reach does a number of things, two are having a particular impact. First, church leaders engage the congregation to participate in this effort by implementing the Reach One campaign. This campaign challenges and encourages every member to invite and/or share their faith at least once per week, with the use of invite cards and other tools. Robinson adds, “Most people are going to share their “faith about something” but it may not be their faith of Our Heavenly Father. I have witnessed the power of an established relationship with the Father when it is leveraged. I have seen college students bring their suitemates, mothers bring their adult children, and managers bring their team members from the workplace. It only takes one person to inspire another person to action and it has the likelihood to transform a community. Yes, one person can influence those around them to do something different – in this case draw them to church so they can meet Christ. We give the congregation the tools and the confidence to share their faith on a weekly basis to Reach One.” Another impactful opportunity is through events at church. Sometimes the community may not try something if they feel like there may be a chance they will be singled out. So holding an event gives that person a chance to be a part of the crowd. Being one guest versus many guests is not as intimidating for a person. At Reach they focus on events that will reach the immediate community; college students, and families that live around the church. For example, they held their first Fall-O-Ween (Fall Harvest) around Halloween. To promote this family-fun day they canvassed the community and used social media. Families came to the event who would have never come to any church. They had fun and felt the love of Christ through our volunteers’ cordial spirit and willingness to serve. The next Sunday the service included more guests than normal because they saw the significance of the church. Robinson says, “When I see God grow a member in their faith, a person in our community walk in the church for the first time or in a long time, I see a community transforming.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ebony Robinson is Director of Ministries for Reach Church, Ypsilanti, MI. #FEBRUARY17

SOUTHGATE, MI – President of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan’s (BSCM) Pastor Conference shares the following story. “One year my wife and I took the girls to Fort Myers and made a purchase we didn’t think through at the time. We bought a body board down at the beach. It was a great idea until someone asked how we were going to get it on the plane! So we wound up leaving it at the Condo. That is not the part of the story that’s important. (Except to the people who stayed at the condo after us.) When I finally decided to try it out – I watched countless people out on the waves – some on surfboards, some windsurfing, some on body boards and others just swimming. They were doing great – the waves just seemed to be moving them effortlessly along. So I jumped on – only to be hit by a significant wave that caused me to lose the board, and be driven under. As soon as I could get above the water and start to get my bearings, another wave came crashing over me. This happened time and again until I was finally deposited, a ragged mess, back in the shallows.” For some, this story is an accurate depiction of what life is like when discouragement and depression sets in, and pastors can easily find themselves in the same condition. Wave after wave – while other churches, ministries, and ministers seem to be floating effortlessly, an individual can hardly keep his head above the waves to get their bearings, only to be hit again. God’s Word gives insight into people who experienced this and how God reacted to them. Two of the greatest of the Old Testament would be David – victorious over Goliath and powerful King of Israel; and Elijah – powerful prophet who called down fire and rain from heaven on the same day. David would share where he was in Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed!” A crushed spirit. That seems even worse than a broken heart. Broken hearts can be healed, But a crushed spirit? That brings to mind concrete that has been sledgehammered into powder and pieces. Many pastors and their families have been there. But David promises – from firsthand experience – that the Lord rescues those who find themselves in that predicament. Elijah actually is a little more of a process than David. He has experienced this wonderful victory, and yet within 24 hours he is ready to call it quits. God gently restores him. He doesn’t scold him – or tell him to put on his big boy pants. He feeds him, He lets him rest, He prepares him for a journey, He assures him of His presence, tells him that he’s not alone, and then gives him an assignment, and puts him back to work. How incredibly cool is God. He speaks the same to leaders today. “You are not alone! You will get through this. There is more for you to do and accomplish.” There are some wonderful resources that the North American Mission Board (NAMB) has given to us. There is a Pastor’s Hotline – 1-844-Pastor1 (1-844-727-8671) The conversation stays confidential, and it gives a safe, secure place to talk and share. There is also a collaborative effort at www.care4pastors.com. Combining the resources of Lifeway, Focus on the Family, and Great Commandment ministries, this website gives insight, sermons, a calendar of events for couples and other great tools to help you navigate the waves that ministry brings. Take advantage of these, plus the encouragement that comes from the BSCM with the Pastor’s Conference, CEC, Galatians 6 retreats, and Date nights (coming in April!) All of these events have a purpose in moving pastors forward in their relationships, ministry, and personal life. Next month – there will be more practical tips from the life of Elijah and David. Watch for The Aggression of Depression Part 2 in the March Beacon. Until then, remember that the God who created the waves will give the ability to ride the waves rather than be swept under by them. And when He is allowed to do that, it’s quite a ride! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Billy Walker is the lead Pastor of Calvary Church in Southgate, MI. He serves as the President of the BSCM Pastor’s Conference, and the Vice President of the Billy Walker Evangelistic Association. He lives in the downriver Detroit area with his wife Laurie. You can read more at www.billywalker.org. #FEBRUARY17

DETROIT, MI – One Sunday in the middle of January a family of nine came to Victory Fellowship Community Church in Detroit. By the end of the service, that family responded to the preached message, accepted Christ as savior, and chose Victory Fellowship at their church home. But that is not where this story begins. On Christmas Day, Victory Fellowship invited the families of nearby Hamilton School to come to their Christmas Service, and as part of the service their children received Christmas gifts. Victory Fellowship’s pastor, Darryl Gaddy, says “It was an awesome day, and the spirit of love and blessings were in the air.” While engaging the family of nine in membership, Gaddy learned that this was one of the families who were a part of the Christmas gift outreach. However, the story still begins earlier. The Christmas Gift Outreach was made possible because the Liberty Heights Church (LHC) in Liberty Township, Ohio, partnered with Victory Fellowship. Liberty Heights donated Christmas gift boxes that allowed the Victory Fellowship to partner with three schools in the metro Detroit. Tyrone and Beacon Schools in Harper Woods, and Hamilton School in Detroit helped the churches find children in need. Gaddy says, “While the work is great, nowhere is it written one church must do it alone. Partnership among churches builds the faith, touches countless lives and transforms entire communities. This kingdom growth would not have been possible without the intentional way that Liberty Heights Church partnered with us serving in tough communities.” If you are looking for a church to partner with or a church looking to partner contact us at the BSCM. We have a growing list of opportunities waiting. Contact us at info@bscm.org or call us 810-714-1907. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Darryl Gaddy, Sr. is pastor of Victory Fellowship Community Church in Detroit, MI. #FEBRUARY17

FENTON, MI – “Our goal for the 2016 Frances Brown State Mission Offering was $90,000 and we missed it! We only needed $1,528.68 more for the win yet somehow we came up short! If only we would have done…” When I was given the final report on what was received, I began to focus on the $1,528.68 shortfall. I measured the success of the state mission offering campaign on the amount we didn't receive. I questioned, would this failure prevent God's light from being shared in Michigan? “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) In leaning on my own understanding I put the emphasis on the short fall, on that portion which had not been received. When I began to trust in the Lord, my focus changed and I began to realize all that had been received, all that had been accomplished. It was apparent when focusing on the $88,471.32 that many had sacrificed personal income and many churches had given a significant amount from their budgets to share in the financial support of our state missions offering. Why would they do that? They did so because they believe by partnering together more can be accomplished together. They did that because they are moved to advancing the light in Michigan. They did that because they believe in working together to make an eternal difference in others lives. Sharing about the one and only true sources of Hope is the driving power behind their giving. Here’s is a review of just a few of the ways God’s light will continue to be shared in Michigan as a result of your generous giving to the State Missions Offering. Partnering together, Michigan Baptists gave $88,471.32 in 2016 because they understand the vision for Michigan. The Gospel will be shared in more communities throughout Michigan with the new resources made available to partnering churches because you gave. Your gifts helped many church planters, like Bill and Cindy Haas in the Upper Peninsula, who are reaching Native Americans and others for Jesus. Planting new churches is a major part of how we effectively reach all areas of our state. Your investment in the missions offering also means that retreats, children’s camps and youth conferences like the Children’s Ministry Day, are able to share the love of Christ with children, which will transform the next generation. The state missions offering also provides resources to make a difference in people’s lives, disaster relief support, as well as quality training and education throughout many community churches and resource hubs. Michigan Disaster Relief will celebrate 25 years of ministry this year because of your faithfulness to give year after year. Your giving provides the opportunities to resource all of our churches with ministry strengthening options, new Bible study kits and discipleship materials, training conferences, retreat and worship forums, all designed for men and women in leadership and ministry. The “Every Believer A Witness” conference offered in February and March of this year is one example of the conferences supported by the offering. The monetary value received is an important part of the state mission offering campaign, but valued even more is the prayer support given during the Week of Prayer of State Mission and continued throughout the year. We thank you for your continued prayer support of church starting, strengthening and sending. Thank you for "Sharing the Light" in Michigan! “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” John 12:46 The Frances Brown State Mission Offering and Week of Prayer for 2017 is September 10-17. Michigan Baptists Giving Totals to Special Mission Offerings in 2016 Frances Brown State Mission Offering: $88,471.32 Annie Armstrong Easter Offering (NAMB): $134,526.15 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (IMB): $208,044.53 ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sue Hodnett serves as the BSCM Women’s Ministry Director and WMU Michigan Executive Director. #FEBRUARY17

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – I came along side his bed and he said “I don’t need a chaplain because I believe just like the Indians.” I asked him what kind of Indians and he told me all about it. I asked him, “Do you truly believe what you just said because your doctor told me that you only have two weeks at the most before you go to the “happy hunting ground.” He already knew this because his doctor had explained it to him before they sent for me. He looked down at the floor then raised his head with tears running down both cheeks and said, “I really, really need to get ready to meet Jesus. I’ve been impressing other truck drivers for many years with the Indian story but I know Jesus is out there. How do I apologize to Him?How do I get ready to meet Jesus? I want to go to heaven.” After a short trip down the Bible’s “Romans Road” he prayed to receive Christ as his Savior. We were both a tearful mess in happiness. I never made it back in time for the second hospital visit because he didn’t wait the two weeks to go meet Jesus. To be a Chaplain is to be in the right place at the right time and that is a matter of being inside the will of God’s calling. You can find yourself as a minister of the Gospel in a hospital, prison, battlefield, or disaster scene and that is what it means to have the Chaplain’s Sacred Moments. If you are called by God to be a chaplain or feel called to give prayer support to our Michigan Chaplains please feel free to contact me (bdennis@bscm.org). You can also visit our Baptist State Convention of Michigan website (www.bscm.org) and visit the Chaplaincy page under “Sending” or directly at bscm.org/chaplain. There are several topics addressed about the chaplaincy and links for even more information. 2017 BSCM EVENTS FOR CHAPLAINS Soon, we will be scheduling a one-day Chaplain Training and Fellowship Meeting at BSCM Ministry Building (8420 Runyan Lake Road, Fenton, MI 48430). It will be a good time to swap “Sacred Moments Stories” and learn from each other. I am working with the Salvation Army to make Crisis Intervention Classes available to our chaplains. These will help our Michigan chaplains get the required classes for their endorsement from the North American Mission Board. Watch the BSCM.org website for the dates and locations of the upcoming meetings and classes. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Chaplain Bob Dennis is the new Chaplain Coordinator for the BSCM. He became a North American Mission Board endorsed chaplain for the State of Michigan after ministering as a pastor in the Woodland Baptist Association for many years. He currently is a chaplain assigned to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. #FEBRUARY17