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by Tess Schoonhoven ORANGE, CA (BP) – For Ricardo Vides, young adults pastor at Ministerios Betesda Church in Orange, Calif., approaching ministry from an ethnically diverse perspective is just reality. A more pressing reality all the time. According to recent U.S. census data, for the first time ever, the majority of people age 16 and under are non-white, as reported by the Associated Press. The statistic does not surprise Vides, whose southern California ministry has always included people who have migrated from Latin America. But he said it is critical for ministry leaders across America to recognize the shift in demographics and to make adjustments. "We have to understand the reality that we live in a country that is so diverse and unique with all the people that come to live in this country from all over the world," Vides said. Ministerios Betesda is a Hispanic Church, but Vides said he chose to conduct his ministry in English, because most of the people he's trying to reach are bilingual. The decision was not easy for the church to accept initially, he said. But the church has seen that the children of first-generation immigrants in Vides' ministry are growing up speaking both English and Spanish. "[Ministry] will have to continue to evolve," Vides said. "[We have] to understand the cultural impact each of these teens are going to be going through with having to live in two distinct cultures -- one from their home country and how their parents have been raised, to the second one where they came to live in and be raised in now." Richard Ross, professor of student ministry at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, says the shift is just beginning. "The shift in racial balance was expected," Ross said. "What is newsworthy right now is the fact that nonwhites and Hispanics became the majority for the first time. That shift will continue for decades." Ben Trueblood, director of student ministry for LifeWay Christian Resources, said pastors are going to have to do a better job of understanding the differing perspectives of people in their communities. "Each person has a story, and in a broader sense, each race has a story," Trueblood said. "Those stories, or histories if you will, impact how people see and interact with the world. We have a tendency to see and understand things through the perspective of our own narrow story, and youth pastors will need to break out of that pattern." Trueblood said this statistic is already showing up in schools and communities around the U.S., and ministry leaders need to evaluate how they are shifting to represent the areas they are seeking to serve. "As a white leader in the SBC, my love for people needs to move beyond just saying, 'I love people of color,' but actually into deed and showing that love through personal friendships, ministry partnerships and through personal initiative to research, learn and understand other perspectives," Trueblood said. "For us to see revival among this generation of teenagers, I think the church, broadly, has to adopt a posture of loving in word and deed when it comes to issues of race." Shane Pruitt, National Next Gen Evangelism Director with the North American Mission Board, agreed. He said the question to be asked in the current environment is no longer, "Why are you a diverse church?" but instead, "Why are you not a diverse church?" "If we're going to be serious about reaching our diverse communities, diverse schools and a diverse generation, we will naturally become diverse ministry," Pruitt said. "We'll have to be intentional by putting our ministries through hard evaluations. Do our stages represent who we are trying to reach? Do our leadership and volunteer teams look like who we are trying to reach?" Pruitt said the generation of those 16 and under in U.S. are exposed to brokenness at an earlier age and are looking for a solution. He believes this searching is an opening for an awakening. "This is an extreme generation," Pruitt said. "Everything they do is extreme, so when they surrender to Jesus, they are doing it with extreme, all-in surrender. I believe we could see a great spiritual awakening in this generation." Ross noted that hot topic issues for the 16-and-under generation include science and the Bible, gender issues and racial attitudes. "If teenagers have friends at school who would not be welcome at their church, that can be a deal-breaker," Ross said. "We need strong, biblical preaching and teaching to precipitate a change in adult attitudes. If attitudes in the adult church change, then student ministry can be effective in reaching all students in the community." Ross said as student pastors adapt their ministries to relate to a more ethnically diverse population, they need to make the right moves for the right reasons – and that will entail listening. "When the student pastor has the right motives, has the support of the adult church, and community teenagers still won't come -- it may be time for him to listen," Ross explained. "With a humble attitude, [pastors] might need to ask minority teenagers, or their parents, what keeps them away. He also may need to ask a minority youth leader to teach him about dynamics he knows little about." Even as student ministry evolves to become and remain effective in a new context, Vides said the backbone must remain the Holy Spirit, as revealed through God's Word. "If this age range is willing to be moved by the Holy Spirit and open their hearts to God like no other age has done in recent times, then I believe there can be a revival," Vides said. "But we need men and women with a true desire and passion to do what is needed to be used by God to initiate this revival." Biblical unity calls for action, Ross emphasized. "If our teenagers see their churches creating biblical unity among all God's people," Ross said, "then they can turn their attention to King Jesus and all He may in store for a young generation." Pruitt said understanding must come before action. "We have to figure out bridges we can build and what barriers we can remove," Pruitt said. "If we're going to have a future as evangelical churches, it must be a diverse future." ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tess Schoonhoven is a Baptist Press staff writer. #AUGUST20

by Tim Iocoangli MONROE, MI – At the end of 2019, our pastoral staff could have never imagined what lied ahead in 2020. We all got together in a little room to discuss what our preaching calendar would look like for the upcoming year. We prayed together and discussed what direction we felt we needed to go based on where our church currently is, and the state of our society. In doing that we decided we would spend June and July in the book of Psalms. If I am being honest, we thought it would be some good uplifting sermons in between a couple of, let us say tougher sermon series. Little did we know that we would be in Psalms after a long layoff of church services. We did the online stuff and stumbled along with technology, but as we all know that is not really the church assembling for worship. So, when it came time for us to finally meet back together, we found ourselves entering the Psalms. At first, I thought maybe we should go in some other direction. Maybe we should find some passages that deal with our current situation and address some of the fears people are having. Thankfully in the end, I trusted that God had us in the Psalms for a reason. Over the past two months we have been reminded of God’s transcendence. We have seen the promises of the Only Begotten Son, and we have been held fast by the fact that God cares for His own. The Psalms have also given us the opportunity to repent of sin, and lament with the things that are happening all around us. This week we will be in Psalm 139. In it we see God’s omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence. In a time when it seems like we are given so much information that is contradictory, it is good to know we serve a God who knows all things and is never confused by anything. Too often we feel left alone with no one who cares. We can find ourselves surrounded by voices, but no one to really talk to. Yet in verses 7-12 we find comfort in knowing that God is always present, everywhere, all the time. On top of that we see God all throughout scripture communicating with His people and comforting them in the darkest moments. If that is not enough, we then see in verses 13-18 God’s omnipotence. If God were all knowing and always present, but lacked the power to really do anything about our current situation, what good would He be? The answer is He would be no good! He would be a know-it-all who was always around. But we know God is all powerful as well. He not only knows all things and is present everywhere, He also has the power to make all His plans happen. He doesn’t make empty promises like politicians or the kid running for the 6th grade presidency. His Word is firm because He has the power to make it firm. The Psalms really have been a gift to us at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, during these difficult times. I am glad that God knows the past, present, and future. I am thankful that God directed us back in 2019 to the book Psalms for the summer of 2020. It is as if He knew we would need it! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tim Iocoangeli is Lead Pastor at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church which is in the Southeastern Association. He is married to Amanda and together they have 4 children. #AUGUST20

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, with Dr. Charles Harvey leading, is offering an excellent, convenient and affordable way to earn a Doctor of Ministry Degree (D.Min.) for those living in the Great Lakes region. The seminary offers a 50%-reduction-in-cost for those within our network who will register, enroll and participate in the “Great Lakes D.Min. Cohort.” Pursue a quality education without ignoring your ministry. The Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) is partnering with Southeastern Seminary and other Great Lakes states. The deadline for registration, through Southeastern Seminary, is quickly approaching on September 1, 2020. Six students have already registered from Michigan. Four other students have registered from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Indiana. The seminary will explain the prerequisites for a D.Min. degree and can discuss financial aid with you, if necessary. Dr. Danny Akin, the president of Southeastern Seminary said, “If you desire a mentoring relationship with an experienced professor and want to avail yourself of the encouragement of a cohort of like minded ministers, this degree is for you.” Students from Michigan will gather together and join other Great Lakes students for online class discussions. Tony Lynn, the State Director of Missions for BSCM said, “The reading, discussions and writing completed during a D.Min cohort often helps those students become people who influence others and the future in positive, significant and practical ways. Some students even publish their project after completing their studies.” Lynn added, “I believe the future of the state convention will become clearer and stronger as students from Michigan participate in this D.Min. cohort.” Orientation class for this cohort begins this September. This cohort is set-up in such a way that the pandemic and adjustments to movements with COVID-19 should not hinder the Great Lakes D.Min. Cohort. #AUGUST20

by Jerome Taylor BURTON, MI – It happens. The odometer is clicking over that milestone number. I am watching it with excitement and curiosity. After four decades of life and two plus decades in ministry I feel that so much has already occurred, yet I wait with bated breath what the next part of life’s road trip holds. And I do so, knowing that the One who is in Sovereign control over our lives keeps things interesting. This journey with Jesus will at times bring you to peaks that seem to have breathtaking vistas of an almost immeasurable horizon. The possibilities seem innumerable and all of them delightful. At other times, the roads are curvy through wooded thickets, and you wonder if the GPS is working. The possibilities seem bleak. Whether or not you find yourself in either place, I have found the one great constant is to stay focused on Jesus and His mission for the church. The hope and trajectory of the resurrection. In the fifteenth chapter of the first epistle of Corinthians, the apostle Paul is moved by the Holy Spirit to pen words of great importance to the church. This is why the resurrection should be the potent octane boost for our souls and ministry. But it starts a bit rough by asking the what if. What if there was no resurrection of Jesus? Here is the case for its value for the road ahead. Pardon the “preacher-isms” about to be unleashed. If there is no resurrection: Our Jesus’s grave is still grave (1 Cor. 15:13, 16) Our preaching is preposterous (1 Cor. 15:14) Our witness is wickedly worthless (1 Cor. 15:15) Our faith is futile (1 Cor. 15:17) Our sins are still enslaving (1 Cor. 15:17) Our deaths are damning (1 Cor. 15:18) Our presence should be pitied (1 Cor. 15:19) But the victorious hope of Jesus’ resurrection is so essential to our walk of faith that it changes everything. Because of the resurrection…of Jesus: The grave of Jesus no longer looks so grave (Matthew 28:6) The preaching of the saints has immeasurable potency (1 Corinthians 2:4) The wonderful calling is to be a worthy witness (1 Peter 3:15) The faith grows with resurrection life that is fruitful (Romans 7:4) The sins no longer enslave us (John 8:31-32, Galatians 4:7) The death of a saint is merely ultimate deliverance (Philippians 1:21) The presence of the Gospel in our lives is precious (Romans 5:1-5) I have not learned everything there is to know about life’s journey as the odometer crosses this new mile-marker…but the reminder that carries me forward is that the power of the cross, the glory of the resurrection, and Jesus the Eternal Living Author & Perfecter of our faith is always our worthy and treasured pursuit. The only one who sustains. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jerome Taylor is the pastor of Eastgate Baptist Church in Burton since 2013. He and his wife, Melinda have 4 kids. Jerome is the former President of BSCM and currently serves the BSCM Executive Committee as Recording Secretary. #AUGUST20

by Roy Henry BATTLE CREEK, MI – This past week I found myself needing to go to a large hardware store to pick up some items for a project. I dutifully donned my mask, entered the store, and collected the items I needed. I got in line, and again trying to be a good neighbor, I kept my distance from the customer who stood in front of me, an older middle aged lady. Opposite of her in the other line was a younger middle aged man. I’m not sure what triggered the conversation (I was thinking about my project), but the lady in front of me began complaining loudly about the numerous “Mexicans” she had witnessed in the store without masks and how the young employee at the main entrance wasn’t doing his job “to protect us.” I’m not sure who her audience was. As she continued on in her abrasive manner, the cashier in the other line asked the man something, to which he replied, “I’m just listening. I have my own opinion on masks, but I’m wearing it out of respect for others.” Apparently, this was not to the liking of the lady, who began to attack the man for his unspoken opinion. He tried to disengage, but she was not willing to stop. Both finished checking out about the same time and walked out to the parking lot, where the lady continued yelling at the man, cursing him and calling him everything except a child of God. These kinds of interactions are becoming more commonplace in our increasingly on-edge society. The tensions of living in a global pandemic, with the concomitant challenges of economic stress, reduced human interactions, uncertainty, and a 24-hour news cycle that must be filled with something, have caused many to lose what little civility still existed. While we might expect this from the world (after all, we can’t be surprised when the lost act like they’re lost), it is disheartening when we see the same attitudes and actions occur in and between brothers and sisters in Christ. Times such as these require more grace on our part, not less. How might we better show that grace? Guard our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (ESV). In computing, there is an old acronym: GIGO. Garbage in, garbage out. What is true of programming is true for our hearts and, consequently, our actions. If we fill our hearts with conspiracy theories, fear-fueled media reports, and half-cocked social media posts, then suspicion, fear, and ultimately despondence will be what overflows into our lives. Fill your heart with Scripture, and watch what sloshes out when you get “bumped” by circumstances. Love our neighbors. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) reminds us that loving our neighbor will require doing some things that both make us uncomfortable at times and might even be costly. For the vast majority of us, wearing a mask might be slightly uncomfortable, and we might chafe at the restriction of our “right” not to wear one, but these are incredibly minor inconveniences in the face of a global pandemic. As believers, we are called to count others as greater than ourselves (Philippians 2:3). Why jeopardize our witness in our community simply because we don’t want to be slightly uncomfortable for a few minutes? Remember the grace you’ve been shown. Have you ever held a wrong perspective? (That’s a rhetorical question.) Now, think about those who tried to correct you. Did you respond to those who yelled at, berated, and insulted you, or were you more willing to listen to the one who came to you with a different opinion – but in grace? As believers, each of us has been shown grace upon grace by our Heavenly Father. Will we extend that grace to others with whom we disagree, or will we adopt the world’s standard of “scorched earth” warfare against all who dare take a different perspective? Can you imagine how the Kingdom might advance if Christians, those who have received the fullness of God’s unmerited grace, actually showed it to others? Showing grace in the best of circumstances can be difficult; extending it in the midst of a public crisis, with all of its cross-cutting pressures, is impossible apart from the Holy Spirit. Yet our Lord has not called us to an easy, comfortable, costless life; He has called us to take up our cross, die to ourselves daily, and follow Him and His example. Wearing a mask in public is a simple way to show grace to others, many of whom don’t know the grace of God through Jesus Christ. If wearing a mask might show someone that we love and care about them because Jesus does, isn’t it worth it? ABOUT THE AUTHOR Roy Henry serves as Senior Pastor to the flock at Faith Baptist Church in Battle Creek, Michigan. He is married to Aryn and they have three wonderful children: Isaac, Reagan, and Elijah. He also serves as the First Vice-President for the BSCM and as the trustee from Michigan for NAMB. In his spare time, he works to convince the people of Michigan of the wonders of Southern BBQ (vinegar-based sauce, of course), unsweetened cornbread, and sweet tea. #AUGUST20

by Trennis Henderson, WMU National Correspondent NASHVILLE, TN – Southern Baptists’ annual Black Church Leadership and Family Conference took on a significantly different look and feel this year. Like many other events across the nation, the 2020 gathering shifted from in-person to online amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. But that didn’t deter Black church leaders, including Woman’s Missionary Union’s “Sisters Who Care,” from producing vibrant, interactive missions, ministry, discipleship and leadership training. The five-day online conference, held July 20-24, featured approximately 100 virtual breakout sessions as well as daily livestreamed Bible exposition and evening worship services. “I think we can all agree these are challenging days – the pandemic, racial tensions, unemployment, sickness, death and more,” said conference coordinator Mark Croston, national director of LifeWay Christian Resources’ Black Church Partnerships. “That’s why we did not want to cancel our 2020 Black Church Leadership and Family Conference.” Noting that this year’s online conference was offered free of charge to participants, Croston added, “Our theme, ‘Challenged 2 Love,’ is right on time for this moment.” The theme is based on the words of Jesus in Mark 12:30-31 to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” and to “love your neighbor as yourself.” The annual event, hosted by LifeWay, marked the conference’s 27th year. Usually held at Ridgecrest Conference Center in North Carolina, BCLFC is promoted as “the premier worship and leadership development event for Black churches.” While the onsite conference typically attracts about 1,200 people, last week’s online version far exceeded that number with more than 4,500 registered participants. A diverse lineup of workshops ranged from “Internet Preaching” and “Meritorious Marriage” to “Black Millennials and the Church” and “The Emotionally Healthy Pastor.” Amid heightened racial tensions across the nation, other breakout sessions addressed such issues as “The Church and the Racial Divide” and “Break the Power of Prejudice.” Serving beyond the church walls Sisters Who Care, which Valerie Carter Smith describes as “Women on Mission contextualized or customized for the African American church,” also was among featured conference tracks. Carter Smith, executive director of Woman’s Missionary Union of Virginia, serves as National WMU’s volunteer coordinator for Sisters Who Care. She said the Sisters Who Care structure was designed “to get Black women to see that WMU is valuable, that there is a place for them in WMU, that there is a place for them to come to the table and to partner.” “Historically, we as African American Christians have always been on mission,” Carter Smith affirmed. She said that meshes well with WMU’s focus on “the Great Commission and that’s why we do our work and the Great Commandment of loving our neighbors – all of our neighbors – as we love ourselves and love God.” Leading a WMU overview session as well as a workshop on “Lead Like Jesus: Starting a Sisters Who Care Ministry,” Carter Smith said African American churches can support missions through a variety of WMU-related ministries such as Baptist Nursing Fellowship; Christian Women’s and Christian Men’s Job Corps; Pure Water, Pure Love water projects; WorldCrafts fair trade products; and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions and Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions. “I always suggest that we take a fresh look at how we’re living out missions in the life of the local church,” Carter Smith emphasized. “How are we getting out of the walls of the church and into the streets and into the community here and around the world? “WMU ensures that people of all ages can be involved in hands-on missions and can be involved in mission groups from preschool to senior adults,” she explained. “WMU equips and mobilizes the church to be on mission. It’s as simple as that.” Connecting missions and ministry Carolyn Fountain, president of Louisiana Baptist WMU, led an online workshop on “Connecting M & M Dots: Missions and Ministry in the Local Church.” Drawing from her experience of serving with her husband as church planters, Fountain encourages churches to consider combining the work of WMU and women’s ministry groups to help maximize available leadership and resources. “One of the things that I learned quickly was that both WMU and LifeWay Women had some marvelous resources and some great leadership training,” she shared. “As we began our work as church planters, I also learned very quickly that we just didn’t have the capacity to have a WMU and a women’s ministry group so what I wanted to do was to equip the leadership that I did have to do it all. I wanted the best of both worlds.” Citing her desire “to combine the missions and the ministry focus,” Fountain said, “It was just as important to grow in Christ, to be strong disciples and for that to pour over into missions service. Rather than dividing our workforce, I advocated for us coming around the table and figuring out how we could work together to be our best for Christ. To me, it was just a win-win to do both.” Fountain said missions and ministry efforts typically overlap in such areas as having a heart for the lost, being grounded in Scripture, gaining strength through prayer, mobilizing for Kingdom work and being empowered through unity. “I don’t want to be educated just for the sake of education. I don’t want to be spiritually strong just for me,” she emphasized. “I want to be spiritually strong so that He can use me to help someone else, to help others to grow, to help others to see how He can use them in service.” Evaluating missions relevance Michelle Fergus, a member of WMU of Texas’ African American Advisory Counsel for Sisters Who Care, led a breakout session titled “Missions Relevance Test: Are You Really on Mission?” Fergus, who has a background in process improvement management, posed the question to church leaders: “Are you doing drive-by, statistics-driven missions or are you creating relevance for those you’re ministering to?” Encouraging churches to determine whether their mission efforts are producing long-term impact, she urged individuals, leaders and churches to evaluate what mission actions and strategies they should keep doing, stop doing and start doing. “To me, the Missions Relevance Test is a moment of self-check for the individual but also for the church because I think leaders have the tendency to sometimes become deeply entrenched in the way they think, in the way they operate and in the way they lead people,” Fergus said. “It is definitely a personal challenge to stop and think about what God has called us to do as individuals and then use that exercise to have a group discussion that will hopefully bring impact and change.” Citing the Black Church Leadership and Family Conference’s transition to an online setting amid the coronavirus pandemic as a timely illustration, Fergus said, “I actually think our current situation is a great example of why we need continuing development. How do we pivot when things unexpectedly come up? How do we continue to reach people when there are technology barriers? “My personal opinion is this pandemic was kind of a measurement tool to show how equipped we really are to deal with the unexpected,” she concluded. “It’s just very telling of where we are versus where we need to be and you can’t get there without training.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Trennis Henderson is a freelance national correspondent for the Woman's Missionary Union. #AUGUST20

by David Clark DETROIT, MI – The apostle Paul wrote we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Hebrews 6:19 With so much going on around us I believe as Christians we need something to hold true to, and that anchor for us is Jesus Christ. If we were to be honest no one foresaw any of the events that have occurred so far. COVID is not a myth, but a real and relevant enemy that we must continue to take precautions against. Behind the death and response of George Floyd we have seen anger and tension surface like a pipe ready to explode. Many Pastors have been challenged in new ways as we are adjusting to the new norm of our lives. Will life ever be the same? I think the numerous masks that we see on a day to day basis is a subtle reminder that life has changed forever. But my admonition to you is that there is a Hope that assures each of us that we are not alone. Hope forever more In times of uncertainty, we as Christians are certain about one thing, God is in the midst of it all. James, the brother of Jesus, says draw near to God, and he will draw near to you (James 4:8). This is the perfect time for us as Pastors to not self-destruct but to engage in self-reflection to search for the nearness of God in the sanctuary of our hearts, and to remind those who we shepherd that in spite of what’s going on around us, God is faithful and He dwells within us. The word of God tells us on several occasions to remain in hope, and if we didn’t need hope before (which we did) we certainly need it now. Never lose hope. We must remain hopeful today, tomorrow, hopeful for our families, communities, and hopeful for our churches. This has been a challenging year. It was in March when my father went into the hospital and discovered he had COVID. Nevertheless, ministry didn’t cease. It was tough but I continued in preaching, teaching, and praying for others while my family and I dealt with the unknown future of my father. While in the hospital, my father suffered compounded pneumonia along with the coronavirus and was steps away from being placed on the ventilator, but we prayed, and Send Network prayed. We remained in hope. It was on June 5 after being hospitalized for sixty plus days that my father was released from the hospital. I write this not for some point of boasting because I am sensitive and sorrowful for the many families who have lost and are grieving loved ones. I write because as of July 17th we celebrated my father’s 64th birthday with a family fish fry. It was refreshing to spend time with a family who has been distant for the last four months. As much as I wanted to hug and catch up with everyone my duty as senior chef called, and I was responsible for delivering everyone fresh hot fish. I think we fried every fish in the great lakes and beyond. We fried bass, walleye, catfish, pangasius, orange roughy, red snapper, perch, and tilapia. But, as chatter and laughter went on, God reminded me that a day of celebration could have easily been a day of grief and mourning, but God allowed it to be a day of family, food, and fellowship. To those who may be in a state of hopelessness, I want to encourage you to be anchored in Jesus. With hope, I am assured that yesterday’s tears were needed for today’s joy. The pain we endured yesterday showed up today as Jesus claimed the victory. As we move forward with our ministries, let us not forget that Jesus Christ is the perfect anchor for the soul, and he gives us the hope we need to make it today and forevermore. ABOUT THE AUTHOR David Clark is a Detroit native who is currently serving as the connection Pastor at The House church in Detroit, MI and church planter of The S.E.E.D Church. If you would like to become a partner with The Seed Church ministry please email us @ theseedchurch313@gmail.com #AUGUST20

The officers and the Executive Director/Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan, on Monday, June 29, 2020 from Plymouth, Michigan released a statement against racism and injustice. Approximately thirty people were in attendance, including a local news station, pastors and staff members. Attenders stood alongside leaders, as the statement was read publicly, while others participated through Zoom. Participants broke into applause at the conclusion of the gathering. This event was a result of an important conversation and collaboration between the leadership of the state convention and the officers of the Greater Detroit Baptist Association. The complete, six-paragraph written statement can be read below. To join with the BSCM officers in taking this stand, please sign the petition here. Press Release Statement by BSCM Officers and Executive Director The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast what is good...Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 16:9, 15, English Standard Version). The officers and employees of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan abhor the injustice that many of our African-American brothers and sisters have endured as the result of the lingering vestiges of systemic racism in our society. We stand side-by-side with our brothers and sisters with hearts filled with love for them, but also with hearts that are broken because of the pain and fear they have endured and are continuing to endure. We openly weep with them. We condemn, in the strongest terms possible, all expressions of racism as being not only contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but as an anti-gospel of hate rather than love. We believe that all human beings are made in the image of God, and as such deserve dignity and respect. Any words or actions that attack and denigrate any humans on the basis of their ethnic background are attacks on the God in whose image they are created. Because we are ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), we must speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and speak up and speak out for those who suffer injustice (Isaiah 1:17). We believe that all black lives are therefore sacred, without denying that any other lives matter and without supporting the principles of the Black Lives Matter organization. To assert that black lives matter, when black lives are in danger, is not contrary to the Gospel, but rather is the product of loving our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40). Therefore, we recommit ourselves to pray that “justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24) and to act in love for our neighbors. Our words must be and will be supported by our actions. To that end, we call on our elected representatives at all levels of government to fulfill their duty to end racial injustice wherever it exists. We recognize this means both reexamining existing laws to ensure their equity and fairness as well as considering new legislation that offers protection for those most susceptible to the abuses of those lingering vestiges of systemic racism, including federal legislation outlawing the heinous crime of lynching. Therefore, we recommit ourselves to pray for our government leaders’ well-being, wisdom, discernment, and their just exercise of the authority given to them by God. We further recognize the need for reform, but not disbandment, in our law enforcement agencies. We are rightly repulsed when those who serve as public protectors violate the justice they have been sworn to uphold. While we are supportive of those men and women who faithfully and bravely serve their communities as law enforcement officers, we are also sadly aware that there are some who misuse their God-sanctioned authority to mistreat and abuse minority ethnic groups. Therefore, we recommit ourselves to pray for those in law enforcement who are striving to be peacemakers, that God will bless their efforts with success as they seek to build relationships and bridges with the people they serve. We also recommit to pray and speak out against those members of the law enforcement community who would abuse their authority. The Baptist Faith and Message 2000, our confessional statement as Southern Baptists, unequivocally calls on every Christian to oppose racism. Furthermore, in Article XV – The Christian and the Social Order, it states, “Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.” These principles find their basis in both the Scriptures and the God who inspired them, and we affirm without any reservation or qualification these principles. Therefore, we recommit ourselves to acting on behalf of those whose voices are not heard, advocating and promoting the sanctity of life from the womb to the tomb and laboring endlessly to bring about healing in the area of racial and social injustices. Ultimately, however, we understand that there can be no lasting resolution or peace in this matter apart from hearts that have been transformed by the Good News of Jesus Christ, because at its foundation the problem is not sociological, but theological. We believe that the sin nature we have all inherited lies at the root of racism, along with all of its poisonous fruits, and that the only permanent solution is the Gospel and its application. As we strive to address the physical, mental, and emotional pain and darkness, we also seek to point people to faith in Jesus Christ so that we might punch holes in that darkness with the light of God’s love. #JULY20

REDFORD, MI – This time of statewide lockdown has put a lot of pressure on churches and their pastors, but it has been a stressful time for church members. Michael and Odelle Cadwell have been members of the Temple of Faith Baptist Church in Detroit for more than 35 years. Odelle has been meditating on a number of passages in the Bible including Psalm 91:2, “I will say to the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust.” That passage hits home for the Cadwells because Michael has had the coronavirus, but thankfully, is recovering. Odelle and Michael take daily walks together. It’s a chance to mail a card, get some fresh air, and walk their dog, Major, who Odelle says “has been suffering from inactivity.” The “Stay at Home” order has brought the Cadwell’s family closer together than they were before the lockdown. They have four children and two grandchildren. Their children bring care packages to their home and leave them on the front porch. Odelle says waving from the window is difficult, adding that “virtual hugs are not the same.” She says she and her oldest son rarely spoke and now he calls twice a day. They talk now more than before shutdown. As far as church, the Cadwells say they are adjusting. Their church does a conference call for Sunday school and the church service. Odelle says, “We almost have it down to a science.” Some ladies in the church have zoom meetings throughout the week for prayer and for fellowship. The church is even set up online for members to give. The Cadwells ask for prayer. They pray that the Lord will continue to bind us together as a church family and that we will come back stronger and better able to serve Him in our respective ministries. ABOUT THE CADWELLS Michael and Odelle Cadwell live in Redford, MI and attend Temple of Faith Baptist Church in Detroit MI. They have been members of this church for over 35 years. Michael and Odelle have been married for 42 years. They have 2 sons, 2 daughters, and 2 grandchildren (both boys). #MAY20

by Leslie Peacock Caldwell RICHMOND, VA – International Mission Board senior leaders are urging Southern Baptists to use extreme caution if they are considering overseas missions travel for the remainder of 2020. As many countries continue to require quarantines or have not yet opened their borders, travelers could face unexpected circumstances, including quarantines upon re-entering the U.S. The future threat and spread of COVID-19 also remains an unknown factor. IMB personnel on the field are continually monitoring their local situations and government’s restrictions. Many missionaries will not be able to host groups for the foreseeable future due to government-imposed travel bans and other factors related to the pandemic. Churches with long-standing partnerships and plans to travel soon should remain in close contact with their field contact for guidance. They should also continue to check travel restrictions and re-entry to the U.S. guidelines, which could change day to day. “The work of Southern Baptists’ missionaries has and will continue. Not a day has passed in the midst of this pandemic, or over the course of the past 175 years, that Southern Baptists have been without a witness among the nations,” said IMB President Paul Chitwood. “In making decisions about hosting volunteer teams during this unusual season, however, we must consider the well-being of locals in the host countries, our field workers and our faithful volunteers.” While also deeply affected by COVID-19 and government regulations, missionaries have had new gospel opportunities and Southern Baptist relief work related to the coronavirus has been significant. Send Relief reports more than 300 projects in progress or completed in 78 countries. These efforts are projected to help more than 900,000 people worldwide and have provided food packages, personal protection equipment (PPE), handwashing stations, sanitation supplies and education materials. IMB staff and missionaries encourage churches to support relief work and to seek other ways to stay engaged in missions, even when travel is not advised. Some affinities, like South Asia, are offering virtual mission trips for participants to connect with missionaries, learn about people groups and join in prayer. The IMB student team has also announced online opportunities through the Stateside Summer Initiative. Missionaries rely daily on the prayers of supporters. Churches can find daily prayer requests at imb.org/pray and can still join the 175 Days of Prayer for the nations. Consider connecting your church or small group with missionaries on temporary assignments in the U.S. and also to explore partnership opportunities. Stay in close contact with field personnel you know and spend time encouraging them and worshiping with them, whether they are currently overseas or back in the U.S. Ask missionary partners how you can find and minister to representatives of their people groups in the U.S. or on the internet. These doors to sharing the gospel remain open. IMB cannot continue our work without the support of prayers and gifts. Consider a mid-year financial gift to the Cooperative Program or the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®. Chitwood remains thankful and conveys the thanks of missionaries for the support they have received. As Southern Baptists pray for IMB missionaries, IMB missionaries continue to pray for Southern Baptists and for SBC churches across the U.S. “Thank you for continuing to give, even as you are navigating these unexpected challenges. Your commitment is making a difference.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Leslie Peacock Caldwell is senior editor for the IMB. #JULY20

by Eric Ball EDITOR'S NOTE: This guest column was republished with permission from Eric Ball, the author of the article. He directs and facilitates E3 Ministries. He is also a great friend and mentor to Mick Schatz and a friend of Bambi Lake. What a crazy year! Jokingly someone commented, "The most useless purchase this year is a 2020 planner." At least it sure feels that way since most of what was life's routine has disappeared. One thing that hasn't changed however, is our need to choose which voices will occupy our attention. Our life is akin to a house made up of many rooms. In the home of our life we have our thinking room, our feeling room, our work room, our relationship room...you get the picture. One of the most sobering issues surfacing during this crazy year is just how much fear is actively seeking to take up residence in the rooms of our lives. The message "be afraid' scream at us from every channel and on every page of social media. Fear is relentlessly looking to rent the rooms of our lives. If we allow it access, like a deadbeat tenant, it soon begins to destroy everything in the house. But the truth is we can say NO! While we were not designed to operate in fear, to be honest, most of us have rented rooms to fear much too long. We must stop giving fear access. Here are a couple of things I am finding helpful in dealing with fear: Jude 20, 21 - But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. Keep yourself in the love of God. Visit and revisit the love of God for you. Write them down & meditate upon the loving promises of God and the sacrifice of Christ that was just for you. Personalize each promise by putting your name in the promise. Promises like Psalms 1, Romans 8:32, Romans 8:14-17, John 17:23 and so many others. Romans 15:13 - Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Peace comes in believing: Believing what? Believing what you see on the news? No! Peace and hope come from believing what is true. Power comes with believing: When we choose to not rent to fear but instead believe God's truth that choice is accompanied with the power of Holy Spirit that enables us to abound in hope. Remember, hopelessness is always tied to a lie while truth always leads to hope. If you've rented rooms to fear, evict it. Tell it there's no room in your house and actively choose to fill up each room by focusing on God's truth until one of two things happen. Either you believe His truth to the core of your being or you die moving in that direction! Regardless, fear has no place in you. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Eric Ball is the founder of E-3 ministries, a ministry to students. Eric travels the country and the world to share a dynamic message of Truth that students of today desperately need to understand. Eric and his wife, Linda have four beautiful daughters. Eric has authored several books: The Heart 2 Heart Journal – a devotional for students seeking to develop an intimate walk with the Father. A Personal Survival Guide – a follow up manual designed to be used by students, parents, and leaders to disciple new believers by addressing their “felt needs”.  Mission Trip Training Manual – a step-by-step manual for Youth leaders preparing their group for short-term missions. #JULY20

by Baptist Beacon staff PLYMOUTH, MI – Detroit Pastor Eli Garza joined the podcast “Punching Holes in the Darkness” recently to discuss the recent racial struggles in a broader context than black and white tensions. Pastor Garza says that is why he prefers to describe the issue as “ethnic conciliation.” Garza, a trained engineer before being trained as a pastor, has an intense interest in history and especially the history of Detroit and it’s racial divides. He told podcast host, Tim Patterson, that in his lifetime he has seen divisions between African-Americans and Anglos, but also between those groups and Latinos, and even division inside of each other racial group. The longtime pastor says those struggles point to our sinful natures of “wanting to be around people exactly like we are.” He says Jesus pointed this out when he said that if we only prayed for those who loved us then we are no different than the pagans. Garza says “it is God’s intention that the Church be mixed together across class and ethnic lines.” The Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) has launched this new podcast called “Punching Holes in the Darkness.” for conversations like these. The online audio program is hosted by BSCM Executive Director and Treasurer, Tim Patterson. The podcast is a collection of interviews and stories about the ministry of pastors and churches in Michigan. “Punching Holes in the Darkness” can be found on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts, or at bscm.org/podcast. #JULY20