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NASHVILLE, TN (BP) – In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, prayer is still the overarching theme for the continued ministry of church leaders to their communities. Several state Baptist conventions held online prayer gatherings this week. Those and more are making future plans to continue to engage in persistent, specific, group prayer. "We believe fundamentally that we are a people of prayer," said Willie McLaurin, vice president for great commission relations and mobilization at the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee. "There's something special about the Spirit of God that unifies people who have a common purpose and a common passion, gathering together." McLaurin said it is now the new normal, going forward to utilize creative and innovative ways to lift high the power of prayer. Prayer is the foundation of the church, McLaurin said. Without it, the church would fall apart. "When we work, we work, but when we pray, God works," McLaurin said. "We realize that there's only so much that we can do, but there is encouragement that happens when people from different parts of the state gather together." Jordan Easley, pastor of First Baptist Cleveland in Cleveland, Tenn., led a portion of a virtual prayer meeting held Thursday (March 26) by the Tennessee Baptist Convention. Easley said the leaders of the meeting, using Facebook live, hoped to bring unity to the body of Christ during a confusing season. "Much like the believers that gathered in the upper room after the ascension of Christ -- they waited and prayed and we are doing the same thing today -- we are anticipating what God is going to do next," Easley said. Easley led the portion of prayer focused on praying for families in the church. "Our families are scared and confused in this season of uncertainty, so we cried out to God and asked Him to show us His power and grace as we navigate these days," Easley said. McLaurin noted that people are realizing how deeply they need the encouragement from other believers. "People realize that we need one another, we need each other, we need community," McLaurin noted. "Anytime that we can find opportunities to get together is going to add value to the local church." Jay Hardwick, associate executive director for the South Carolina Baptist Convention, helped host a statewide prayer meeting Wednesday (March 25). The meeting was held using Zoom and primarily focused on bringing together pastors and church leaders. "Pastors are missing their congregations, and they are missing one another, which is why we wanted to try using Zoom instead of Facebook Live or other platforms," Hardwick explained. "We wanted pastors to see us and we wanted them to see each other. It was powerful just to scroll through the screens and see all the faces of the guys joining the call." Hardwick said they wanted to see what would happen through prayer when leaders all across the state joined in intercession together. Approximately 115 people participated in the call, and Hardwick said they plan to host another one in the coming weeks. "Everyone is hungry for connection," Hardwick said. "Our number one hope was to simply join with whomever joined the call to cry out to God together and for them to see each other as a reminder they are not alone." Hardwick said there was some uncertainty in how technology would hold up with such a large group on one call, but is glad they took the risk. Other calls however, faced some challenges in utilizing online platforms. Nathan Lorick, executive director for the Colorado Baptist General Convention, said their gathering Wednesday (March 25) was interrupted twice by hackers, who posted inappropriate content on the screen and used degrading language and slurs. "We shut the meeting off twice in order to stop the hackers," Lorick said. "However, on the third time we signed on, before we started praying, we shared the Gospel with the hope that the hackers would hear and know God could forgive them, and they could have the hope of Jesus. After this, there were no more attacks!" Lorick said it was encouraging to see people keep logging back on despite the disruptions. "We had 190 at the peak of our time together," Lorick said. "These were pastors and lay people on our call. It was phenomenal to have so many from across Colorado and some from other parts across the nation join us." The topics during the prayer call included prayer for leaders, the economy, health in the spiritual, physical, emotional and mental sense, prayer for pastors, churches and conventions, revival and the advancement of the Gospel through the crisis. "We wanted to seek the face of the Lord together," Lorick said. "We are believing God is going to do something great through this crisis and we want to rally together to ask Him for that." Colorado Baptists plan to gather online for prayer again April 1 and April 8. Many other state conventions have plans to host virtual prayer gatherings in the weeks to come. Rick Lance, executive director for Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, said a statewide prayer gathering also held Wednesday (March 25) provided encouragement. He said they plan to hold more, to be led by leaders from across the state. "For most who participated -- maybe all -- it was the first time to meet online for prayer with so many fellow believers," Lance said. "Many have expressed to me that the time was a blessing to them, and it was for me as well." Hardwick said that this season of virtual prayer is also not just a short-term vision. "We're learning new, creative ways to connect with pastors and the value those connections hold for our pastors," Hardwick said. "My growing sense is what we learn in this season will not just be for the short-term, but will become part of our ministry strategy once we're on the other side of this crisis." ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tess Schoonhoven is a Baptist Press staff writer. #APRIL20

SOUTHGATE, MI – The Southeastern Baptist Association is a close knit group of eighteen Southern Baptist churches that have been serving the people of Monroe County for over six decades. It is my privilege to be the Association’s Ministry Director and, along with the Association Leadership Team and a Ministry Assistant, to work together in helping the SBC pastors and churches of the area to edify believers and reach out to unbelievers. Among the ways that the mission of the Association is put forth include monthly Newsletters, monthly Pastors Luncheons, bi-monthly Leadership Team meetings, annual Association Picnics, annual Mission Trips to international and national destinations, as well as other activities such as Association Missionary Conferences, Sunday School/Small Group Seminars, YMCA Youth Nights, Marriage Enrichment Conferences, Pastors’ Wives Gatherings, and an Interactive Fellowship for young men who have been called into the Gospel ministry. Recent mission trips have been to Peru, Montreal, and the Navajo Nation in New Mexico. Future initiatives will include evangelistic events, church revitalization conferences, and church security seminars. The community involvement of our pastors and churches in the community is another bright spot of our Association. In the last couple of years, we have been helping schools with supplies, tutoring, and teacher appreciation. Folks in our churches have helping at the local community center, homeless shelters, and the pro-life organization in the county. The churches worked together to collect 100 bed pillows for the local Salvation Army shelter. They also gave donations toward the purchase of 18 infant car seats for Heartbeat of Monroe, which will give them to mothers who have their babies and need safe transport home from the hospital. The motto of SEBA is “For The Glory of God and For The Good of The Association”! And, with God’s help, we will continue to live up to this in the days, and months, and years ahead! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Dan Russell is the Ministry Director for the Southeastern Baptist Association of Michigan. Dan has been in pastoral ministry for 40 years and currently serves as the Executive Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Southgate. He is also the Send Network Coaching Coordinator for church planters in Greater Michigan, as well as being on the NAMB Assessment Team for prospective church planters. #APRIL20

After retirement, we became Snowbirds to Florida, missing three months of Michigan winter. We also missed ministry opportunities, and were not comfortable to “be on vacation” from serving the Lord. As we shared this at a church picnic last summer, a lady told us that she and her late husband had worked with Campers on Mission (COM), affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). We went online and immediately joined COM, a ministry that we wanted to be a part of when we would be Snowbirds again. We were disappointed that there was not a Michigan COM chapter, and soon the Lord laid it upon our hearts to begin this ministry so you would also know about COM. We have been laying groundwork for a new chapter, Michigan Campers on Mission (MI COM). We invite you to join us soon for a MI Campers On Mission Work Opportunity at Bambi Lake Retreat & Conference Center. We will let you know the dates as soon as we are able to get a work week scheduled after the health travel restrictions are lifted. We will hold an informational meeting to tell you more about COM, and officially organize the Michigan Chapter immediately after the work week. We currently have 20 members and are looking for new members to become volunteer missionaries with us. Call us for more information and to register. Campers on Mission is a national fellowship of evangelical Christian campers who look for opportunities to share their faith and love of Jesus Christ through their participation in mission activities while camping. Two characteristics of COMers are a love of the great outdoors and a love of sharing Jesus. While enjoying the camping experience, they participate in mission projects including church planting, construction, disaster relief recovery, Backyard Bible Clubs, fairs, festivals, campgrounds, auto racing, parades, and truck stops, engaging in opportunities to tell others about Jesus. COMers are active members of local churches and “on mission” Christians, “sharing Christ” through word and deed “as we go”. Michigan Campers on Mission will focus on mission projects in our state, but can also connect campers with opportunities throughout the United States. Whether you are a tent camper, an RVer, or a trailer camper; a seasonal camper, a weekend camper, or a full-timer; a retired couple, young family or single individual; there is a role for you as a part of the COM family. COM projects can include construction, repairs, maintenance, skilled trades, sewing, cleaning, painting, cooking, office work, etc. There are no membership fees or dues to join MI COM. Each member is a volunteer missionary, having access to the Michigan and National COM websites to keep informed of upcoming opportunities to travel and serve. Travels can be individual or as a group, commitments are individually set up through a planned event, work opportunity, or camp. MI COM invites to join COM as a volunteer missionary. Find MI COM on Facebook Michigan Campers on Mission or on the web at www.michigancampersonmission.org or call Rick or Cindy Truesdail at (810) 869-4716. #APRIL20

RICHMOND, VA – International Mission Board senior leaders have directed IMB missionary personnel around the world to postpone hosting any ministry volunteer groups through June 30, leaders announced Wednesday, March 25. Consideration of missionaries hosting volunteer teams beyond June 30 will be reviewed on May 1, leaders reported. “We’re instructing our personnel to postpone all volunteer efforts at this time due to the uncertainty of health and travel for those traveling internationally, and also to comply with the State Department’s guidance,” said IMB President Paul Chitwood. “We strongly recommend that Southern Baptist volunteer teams postpone any travel during this time, particularly overseas travel.” Chitwood said setting a parameter about volunteer teams is a complex issue because of the global nature of the virus, including with the United States being greatly impacted and movement becoming more restricted. “We highly value all our field personnel and their partners—our long-term personnel; our mid-term personnel, including journeymen; and the faithful mission volunteers,” Chitwood said. “Throughout this situation, we are continually assessing local situations in the context of the global crisis and doing our best, at both the local and global levels, to make good decisions for our personnel’s health and safety, and for those who desire to serve alongside us as volunteers for a shorter time. Ministry overseas, however, hasn’t stopped as many of our missionaries are making the same efforts to move to online discipleship training and other types of meetings to ensure that Southern Baptists’ work and witness among the nations remains strong.” Chitwood said every Southern Baptist and other partners have an opportunity to support missions now, even while being restricted in their travel, by committing to a concerted time of prayer. “We believe that prayer not only paves the way for the Lord to work, but following Jesus’ example, we know that prayer itself is, in fact, part of that vital work,” Chitwood said. “What an incredible opportunity to step into the gap for millions of unreached people while our eyes are on the condition of the world.” Prayer requests on IMB.org/Pray provide a window on the world, and IMB leaders urge those who are committed to prayer to join IMB’s 175 Days of Prayer, planned for May 11-Nov. 29, 2020, at IMB.org/175. Olympics volunteers affected The postponement of the 2020 Summer Olympics is affecting volunteers planning to share the gospel and serve other ways through the international event in Japan. IMB’s Olympic ministry coordinators shared a message online as well as through a YouTube video for those volunteers. “We want you to know that the IMB and our partners here in Japan are still committed to the Tokyo Olympics [when they take place],” said Daniel Rice, who is coordinating IMB’s 2020 Olympic ministries. Between now and then, “our team will continue working hard to keep things moving forward in order to bring the good news of the gospel to the Japanese. We will make the necessary adjustments to continue our [ministry] plan when the Olympics take place. Our hope is that many of you will be able to join us.” “In the meantime, we ask that you continue to pray for the Japanese people,” Rice said. “Many Japanese may feel disappointed and are even concerned that the Olympics’ postponement reflects negatively on them as a nation.” Rice offered several prayer requests for Southern Baptists: Pray that the COVID-19 would be contained worldwide and that people of all nations can gather and celebrate the Olympics. Pray that during this time, local Japanese churches would gain a greater excitement for opportunities to minister during the Olympics that will lead to more involvement and partnership when the Olympics are held. Pray for the many athletes in Japan and around the world who may be discouraged by the delay of the Olympic Games. Field personnel follow guidelines IMB leaders have received questions about the status of field personnel who live full time overseas: long-term personnel and mid-term personnel, including journeymen. In most cases, field leaders have determined that missionaries remaining at their current location is the best option for their health and safety. In specific cases where personnel have medical conditions such as chronic respiratory ailments or pregnancy and live in locations with sub-standard medical care, IMB offered the option to temporarily relocate, as they are able to travel, to areas with better medical care. The U.S. State Department has issued this guidance: “The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel.” Because IMB’s long-term and mid-term field personnel, including journeymen, live overseas, the missionaries are following the State Department’s guidance for them to “shelter in place.” The State Department’s Global Level 4 Health Advisory announcement of March 19 is not interpreted as a requirement or encouragement for personnel who live abroad to return to the U.S. IMB leaders encourage concerned families to communicate directly with their field personnel as they are able to get the most up-to-date information directly about their family members. “We remain committed to our mission to serve Southern Baptists in carrying out the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations,” Chitwood said. “While this global crisis raises many uncertainties, we remain steadfast in our belief that the Lord will fulfill the vision of a multitude from every language, people, tribe and nation knowing and worshiping our Lord Jesus Christ (Rev. 7:9). And we remain grateful for the opportunities He provides for us to join Him in fulfilling that vision.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Julie McGowan is AVP of communication, marketing and PR for the IMB. #APRIL20

PLYMOUTH, MI –  Those of you who know me on a personal level are well aware of my amazing ability to frequently cause serious injuries to my body. To be honest, I am quite the klutz. No matter how careful and watchful I might be, it seems as though I have a very consistent propensity to cut, scrape, bang, and forcibly do severe damage to the temple in which I reside. Temple is an appropriate description of my body; it just has a marked resemblance to the fallen Greek temples of Rome, mere heaps of semi-recognizable rubble. Oh, how age has a way of doing that. Over the years I have drilled holes in my legs and hands, fallen from buildings, severed fingers, and have pounded each of my digits with a hammer more times than I care to remember. I have required enough stitches, casts and bandages to supply the local hospital emergency room. Each time I bring harm to myself because of carelessness or my lack of focus or attention, I am reminded in a very acute way that there are consequences to my actions. It hurts! It hurts a lot! Now if I had my way I would probably just do away with pain altogether, but the truth is that would be a horrible mistake. Pain has a purpose, and it is a divine purpose. Without pain in our lives, it is doubtful that the human race would even exist. Several years ago I read a book by Dr. Phillip Yancey that gave me some wonderful insight into the human body, and its analogous relation to the church. In that book he described how he had worked with those in developing countries who had been infected with leprosy. Through his medical training and Christian compassion, he was able to help ease the suffering of thousands and bring the Light of hope to their lives. I had always thought that leprosy was a disease that somehow “ate away” the flesh of the individual much like a cancer, but upon reading his book, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, I discovered that was not true. The fact of the matter is that leprosy destroys the nerves in the appendages, and thus causes the individual to lose the ability of tactile sensation. They lose the ability to feel. They no longer have the ability to sense pain. Some may be thinking right now, “that’s a good thing,” but it is not. The ability to sense and know pain is a wonderful gift from God. Those with leprosy don’t have their appendages eaten away, they are damaged and rubbed away because they have lost the ability to know when they hurt and the healing process is interrupted. Now there are other factors that come into play, but that is the basic reason for their loss of limbs and suffering. Just as our bodies need pain to help us perpetuate and protect us physically, so do we need emotional, mental, and spiritual pain to help us become who God wants us to be. I agree with Rick Warren as he shares in his book, The Purpose Driven Life about troubles and pain. “Now it doesn’t matter if things go great in your life. It doesn’t take any faith, it doesn’t take any character. So God has to bring some things along in our life to stretch us, to cause us to grow, and these are called troubles or trials. God wants to build character in you.” What he is saying is that God uses pain to make us more like Him. He uses trials and troubles to conform us to His image. The CoronaVirus pandemic is bringing a great deal of pain into every facet of our lives. Whether or not we are infected with the virus, it will no doubt affect us all, and in doing so will cause and continue to cause great pain for a long time. There will be emotional pain, physical pain, spiritual pain, financial pain, and many other kinds of pain. Most of us would rather have a trouble and pain free life, but without pain our lives would become unrecognizable forms, only slightly resembling the image He intends for us to be. We should thank God that He cares enough for us that He would allow us the ability to experience pain. I still don’t like pain, but it has taught me a great deal. The emotional and spiritual pain that I have known has helped me to not only be more like Him, but has given me great insight into my true nature. I have also learned that the pointy end of a screwdriver works best in the head of a screw and not in my hand. Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 5:3-4 – And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tim Patterson is Executive Director/Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Elected unanimously in May of 2015, Patterson formerly served for 9 years as pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. He also served as trustee chair and national mobilizer for the North American Mission Board. #APRIL20

PLYMOUTH, MI – Why spend vacation days, in Puerto Rico, with seventy-five university students? Sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas, my wife and I decided, during the coming years, to do more with our vacation time. At the end of our holiday conversation, we decided we wanted to do something meaningful with our annual personal-days-off. After exploring our options, Puerto Rico, Send Relief and GenSend Spring Break added-up. Baptist State Convention of Michigan’s Disaster Relief Director, Bob Kiger (right) was the first to spark the proposal. We are so glad that we listened to his suggestion. Send Relief offers meaningful pathways of service for university students and other pathways for high school students throughout the year. GenSend Breaks are one-week service opportunities during short holidays from school. GenSend Summers are longer opportunities, 6-8 weeks, where students experience what living life on mission looks like. Having the Send Relief Team already on the ground in Puerto Rico made the mission so much easier and rewarding. At their invitation, we embedded ourselves into the Send Relief Operations Team, under the leadership of Itamar (Ita) Elizalde. Ita’s familiarity with Puerto Rico, the Spanish language, university students and the people on the island helped us discover more than we could have ever managed on our own. Jamie and I set our goal to serve everyone we could with whom we had contact. We: Shopped for food and supplies for 75 university students during two weeks Served three meals a day and cleaned-up after every meal with the students’ help Repeatedly filled one-dozen, five-gallon water bottles with filtered water Washed and prepared ice-coolers for lunches during workday excursions Made multiple runs to the airport, picking up and dropping off students Captured images and videos to promote GenSend and Send Relief Encouraged the students and their leaders through personal conversations Counseled students who wanted to know what it was like to be a missionary We were overwhelmed by the needs of three million people in Puerto Rico; while simultaneously, encouraged by the bold initiatives of Send Relief on the island. New Send Relief Center Under Construction A modern Send Relief Center is being built just forty-five minutes from San Juan’s airport that will allow volunteers to be housed as large separate groups of male and female, or as small families. Lodging, traditional meals and transportation to/from mission sites can be arranged with Send Relief Puerto Rico. Established churches and new church plants in Puerto Rico partner with Send Relief as the local face, hands and feet in the towns and cities of Puerto Rico. Short-term volunteers who come to the island to help can rest assured that locals who are helped or who receive the good news of Jesus Christ will be followed-up by pastors and members of a local, Spanish-speaking congregation. We took part in the two-year anniversary celebration of a new church plant, One Church Comerio, under the leadership of Pastor Jorge Reyes. New Southern Relief Center Almost Completed On the south side of the island, within a short-drive of this year’s earthquakes, a local Baptist church shares part of its building as a site for lodging and traditional meals for volunteers. We saw where local families sleep in tents in their yards because they’re afraid an earthquake, during the night, might crush their families under tons of concrete. Post-traumatic-syndrome affects many on the island who seem to always be preparing for the next big catastrophe. There are not enough counselors to help those who struggle with depression, and there are not enough engineers to inspect homes, schools and structures to restore confidence; but, Send Relief is there doing important things to remind the people of Puerto Rico that they are not forgotten. School Under Tents in City Park We visited a local school principal who manages over four-hundred students who meet under large tents as classrooms, guided by dozens of teachers and parents. This school is the only local school system willing to receive students with autism and other challenging behaviors. The tents have been set-up in a city park where there is no danger of buildings or powerlines falling on students, in the case of another severe earthquake. Due to our early call back to Michigan as a result of the Coronavirus-19 pandemic we were unable to see that project get underway. The principal said she needed the following: Tent wall partitions to lessen the distractions of students Large garage-like fans and air-conditioners suitable for tents School supplies for students and teachers Handicap ramps for specific classrooms To remodel a teacher’s lounge that has proven too sweltering for teachers to enjoy as they eat lunch, grade papers and return calls to concerned, overwhelmed parents We would have loved to have remained two more weeks and see that project get underway. While visiting the tent-covered campus, we saw first and second grade children remove cell phones from their pockets to check-in with worried parents during recess when those children should have been giggling and playing with friends. It broke our hearts to see, on the littlest of Puerto Rico, the constant state of stress. Adoption Center Partnership on the West End of the Island One of the items that touched our hearts deeply was the big news that the government, because of Send Relief’s sterling reputation these recent years, will allow Send Relief to collaborate with the government to help children needing foster care and adoption. The action is unprecedented, and Send Relief is doing all it can to make this a high priority, which is challenging, in light of the obvious aftermath of the hurricanes and earthquakes. Let us pray that God will inspire all of us to help Send Relief Puerto Rico receive the resources it needs to make these important dreams become reality. Generously Give to the North American Missions Offering There is still so much that needs to be done for the people in this American territory. No passport is required if you are a US citizen. The 5-hour direct-flight from Detroit is much cheaper that you would expect. When current conditions clear and life resets to a new type of normal, I hope you will collaborate with those in your church and with Send Relief Puerto Rico, and go on a mission trip to the island. Despite our current struggles and our daily worries in the States, I pray that all of us will do something through our local churches, our state convention or through the site of the North American Mission Board. Imagine what it would feel like, to give generously in a time of fear to those on an island who have been enveloped by devastating hurricanes, shaken by earthquakes and now voluntarily quarantined to stop the spread of a pandemic during these past three years. They are acting to save our lives, let’s act to save their lives. Click on the following link to give easily, securely and generously to the local ministry expression of the North American Mission Board: Support Puerto Rico Ministry Center. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tony Lynn is the State Director of Missions for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before coming on staff at the BSCM, Tony served as lead pastor for more than six years at Crosspoint Church in Monroe, Michigan. He and his wife, Jamie, also served with the International Mission Board in Africa and in Europe. #APRIL20

PLYMOUTH, MI – Life looked radically different only a month ago. Social distancing, mandatory school closings, massive unemployment, and business shutdowns are affecting our lives in dramatic fashion. Most of us have never experienced anything like this. These are anxious days. One of the most basic life skills - hand washing - is more important than ever. If you’re like me, you have to make a conscious effort to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds according to CDC guidelines. I have been using a method a medical doctor taught me many years ago to help me thoroughly wash my hands. I have been quoting what she told me to say to make sure that I fulfill the 20 seconds. It dawned on me recently as I quoted what she taught me to say that I could use this important hand washing time to quote some verses from the Bible that calm me and help me trust God. The verses are familiar to many of us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:6-7 I am developing the habit of quoting these verses as I wash my hands and taking a moment to give God thanks or asking for His help with whatever is on my heart. I am exchanging my anxiety for His peace. Here is an acrostic using the word PEACE that may help. P - Prayer Many of us have longed for a deeper prayer life. This crisis has vividly demonstrated just how dependent we really are on God. Turning to God every time we wash our hands is a reminder that we need Him every moment of every day. This season has the potential to deepen our relationship with God as we come before Him with petition, thanksgiving, and our requests. E - Everything “Do not be anxious about anything....”. That means that we can lift everything we are concerned about to God in prayer. The picture behind the word “anxious” is of someone who is constantly worrying. It’s a perpetual habit of worrying that God wants us to replace with His perpetual peace. God cares about every detail of our lives and can be trusted with things big and small. A - Acknowledge Let’s face it. There are a lot of things happening right now that we have absolutely no control over. We are more vulnerable than we ever imagined and it makes us uncomfortable. This is a moment to experience God’s peace that transcends all understanding. We may not understand how we can experience peace in days like these, but we can as we prayerfully acknowledge our trust in Him. He is Lord! Of Everything! Even with what is on your heart this very moment! C - Claim Paul gives us a powerful visual in this passage we need to claim in our lives. It is the picture of God’s peace—of God standing guard over the heart and mind of the believer. All the resources of God are available for our peace. Our peace does not consist in the absence of problems, but in the presence of God. E - Eternity Ultimately, we are not living for this time alone, but for eternity. These are hard days, but God is using them to prepare us for eternity with Him. I am reminded of how one young woman expressed God’s peace. She was dying and the verse, "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed," became very meaningful to her. A friend said to her one day, "You suffer much, I fear." "Yes," she said, "but," pointing to her hand she said, "there is no nail there. He had the nails; I have the peace." Laying her hand on her forehead, she said, "There are no thorns here. He had the thorns; I have the peace." Touching her side she said, "There is no spear here. He had the spear; I have the peace." --Young People's Delight. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mike Durbin is the State Evangelism Director for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before joining the state convention staff, Mike served as Church Planting Catalyst and Director of Missions in Metro Detroit since 2007. He also has served as a pastor and bi-vocational pastor in Michigan, as well as International Missionary to Brazil. #APRIL20

ROSCOMMON, MI – Here at Bambi most of the snow has melted, and everything that was once covered in a sheet of white has become visible again. Projects left uncompleted are being put back on the to-do list along with the unfinished landscaping that was so easy to ignore as long as it was covered-up. When the snow melts, everything that was once hidden will become visible again and require some attention. Honestly, as much as I get tired of the snow, it is nice to have a rest from weeding, mowing, edging, and all the other yard maintenance stuff. Nevertheless, left unattended the grass and the weeds will become overwhelming and difficult to cut back. I know this for a fact because I have often ignored yard work, and just the thought of mowing and trimming the yard back into a manageable situation is overwhelming. The longer it is ignored, the more difficult it is to fix and so on and so on. If I would just do regular maintenance on the yard, it would never grow out of control. Well, such is life. I don’t like it, but it’s true. My natural tendency in dealing with conflict, relational issues, or frustrating circumstances of any kind is to ignore it and hope it goes away. Often, in the moment it seems so much easier to ignore the situation. It is easier to cover it up with rationalization, denial or busyness. I’m reminded of the encounter Jesus had with the religious leaders and referred to them as “white-washed tombs”. They appear clean and tidy on the outside, but are dead and decaying/filthy on the inside. If I’m totally honest, I have to admit that I like being perceived as having it all together - clean and tidy - no flaws - white-washed. Trying to maintain the facade is deceptive and exhausting. Obviously, it does not fix anything either. Unfortunately, as broken humans, we use all sorts of coping mechanisms or escapes to white-out anything we don’t want to deal with and anything we do not want others to see. I like to dive into a project I really enjoy so I can validate the time I’m not spending fixing the problem. I compartmentalize (hide) the negative and spotlight the positive. This allows me to rationalize not dealing with the issue. Nevertheless, no matter our choice of escape, all are equally wrong because it reinforces our selfish, sinful nature and denies an opportunity for God to intervene. My pride will keep me from experiencing Gods provision. My pride will keep me from experiencing God’s healing in me, and those around me. This will prohibit new growth and fresh life in my relationship with Christ. Spiritual/life maintenance is crucial to our spiritual growth. Colossians 3:12-14 tells us, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” As God’s children we are to live life with compassion, humility, meekness and patience so we can continually maintain our relationships with others by holding them up in times of need and forgiving. Love is to be our default heart condition - we should never be without it! Oh, the frustration, anger, and stress we would avoid if we just maintained our lives with these Godly actions. Imagine the growth we would experience, if we just act out of God’s love and not our own selfishness. Let God melt away your frozen heart of pride and selfishness so you can experience new life in the Son. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mick Schatz serves on the staff of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. He is the State Director of Spiritual Enrichment and Retreats and lives at Bambi Lake. #APRIL20

NASHVILLE, TN – Virtually every Protestant pastor and churchgoer believes a person with a disability would feel at home at their church, but fewer are taking active steps to make sure this is the case. A new survey from Nashville-based LifeWay Research asked Protestant pastors and churchgoers about their church and those with disabilities. Nearly every pastor (99%) and churchgoer (97%) says someone with a disability would feel welcomed and included at their church. As a mother of a son with cerebral palsy, Jamie Sumner says every church has the possibility to be welcoming to those with disabilities, but it takes intentional actions to convince families impacted by special needs that a church wants to accommodate them. “Until you have a plan in place that accommodates those with special needs all the way from nursery-age to senior citizen, then you can’t accurately make this claim,” said Sumner, author of Eat, Sleep, Save the World, a B&H Publishing book for parents of children with special needs. When her son was born, Sumner said her church built a program for him when one didn’t exist. “They hired a team, did research, brought in volunteers and changed the layout of their Easter egg hunts and all of our other get-togethers in order to accommodate those with extra needs,” she said. In the past seven years, Sumner’s church has built a ministry from the ground up, which she said is the best-case scenario. “They asked us what we needed and started slowly. Now we serve many families with children with special needs,” she said. “It’s a lot of work, but it has changed our lives.” Pastors seem to agree churches should make adjustments for those with special needs. Almost all pastors (99%) say local churches should make necessary facility modifications to become more accessible to people with physical disabilities even when it is not required by law. Three-quarters of Protestant pastors (76%) say local churches have a responsibility to provide financial resources and support to individuals with disabilities and their families. “Jesus’s parable of a shepherd leaving the 99 to pursue one lost sheep demonstrates the priority churches must place on providing access to everyone,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research. “It may inconvenience the current flock by moving a teaching location or changing activities, but pastors and churchgoers say they see the need to do so. They believe creating access for everyone to hear the gospel and participate in the body of Christ matters.” What churches are doing Almost every pastor (95%) says their church is involved in at least one of five different ways to care for those with disabilities and their families. Three in 4 pastors (75%) say their church encourages volunteering in community events, like the Special Olympics, for people with disabilities. Most say they provide financially for families with ongoing needs (70%) or provide respite for family caregivers to give them a break (60%). Half of churches (50%) provide an additional teacher to aid a person with special needs in a class. Fewer pastors (29%) say their church provides classes or events specifically for people with disabilities. Larger churches are more likely than others to say they help in many of these specific ways. That gap is particularly pronounced when examining which churches provide an additional teacher for the individual with special needs. While three quarters (75%) of churches with worship attendance topping 250 say they provide such assistants, 54% of churches with 100 to 249, 46% of churches with 50 to 99, and 35% of churches with less than 50 say they do the same. “Many churches likely won’t have the resources to provide classes or events specifically designed for only those with disabilities, but they will still have opportunities to help those individuals participate in the life of their church,” said McConnell. What churches need to do While some churches may believe it is a matter of attitude or politeness, that isn’t what matters most to those with disabilities and their families. Sumner says the churches that have been less welcoming to her family haven’t necessarily been less friendly than others, but those churches simply didn’t consider the needs of her son or their family. “You have to make an extra effort,” she said. “If that isn’t done, we don’t go back.” For Sumner this is a vital issue because “everyone deserves a church home. Jesus asks us to care for those in need, not only those in poverty, but those in need of fellowship, friends and support,” she said. “We must show those who walk through the world differently from us that we have thought about them and have made room for them. It’s not their job to pave the way. It’s our job to make the way easier for them first.” Churches seeking to provide a welcoming place for people with disabilities should begin by finding out from those with experience how they can improve. “Consider all the areas that must be met—spiritual, physical, social and emotional—and then ask special needs coordinators at other churches how they meet those needs at every age level,” she said. “Bring in experts and be willing to listen to their feedback.” Methodology: The phone survey of 1,000 Protestant pastors was conducted Aug. 30 to Sept. 24, 2019. The calling list was a stratified random sample, drawn from a list of all Protestant churches. Quotas were used for church size. Each interview was conducted with the senior pastor, minister or priest of the church called. Responses were weighted by region to more accurately reflect the population. The completed sample is 1,000 surveys. The sample provides 95% confidence that the sampling error does not exceed plus or minus 3.3%. Margins of error are higher in sub-groups. The online survey of 1,002 American Protestant churchgoers was conducted Sept. 20-27, 2019 using a national pre-recruited panel. Respondents were screened to include those who identified as Protestant/non-denominational and attend religious services at least once a month. Quotas and slight weights were used to balance gender, age, region, ethnicity and education to more accurately reflect the population. The completed sample is 1,002 surveys. The sample provides 95% confidence that the sampling error from the panel does not exceed plus or minus 3.2%. Margins of error are higher in sub-groups. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Aaron Earls is a writer for LifeWay Christian Resources. For more information, visit LifeWayResearch.com or view the complete reports for pastors and churchgoers. #MARCH20

NASHVILLE, TN – Learn how to prepare your church for the Coronavirus. Is your church prepared to respond to a pandemic in your community, like the coronavirus? With the spread of the coronavirus, we want to help churches take the appropriate measures to plan, prepare, and protect their people from a pandemic. That is why we have put together this free training on How to Prepare for the Coronavirus in Your Church.This FREE training includes... What to include in your plan Metrics to follow to begin implementation How to alter common weekly ministry practices What to do should you need to cancel Sunday services Downloads of several ministry checklists for basic hygiene, cleaning, and weekly task suggestions. No Strings Attached - Seriously Our team simply wants to help you and your church take the appropriate measures to protect your church and have a plan in place to continue to make disciples in the midst of a pandemic. CLICK HERE to access the free training. #MARCH20

WARREN WOODS, MI – Two years ago, Beth Hill, my daughter in law, and I took on the task of distributing promotional material to the Michigan churches for promoting the Lottie Moon, Annie Armstrong and Frances Brown offerings. Our job is to compile materials, pack it, and do a mailing to any churches participating in these three offerings throughout the year. It’s our way of being a part of the promoting of these missions, as we both have gone out on missions in our state, our country and to foreign fields. We both truly know the importance of getting the gospel to the lost. Our homes become a temporary distribution center to fill these orders for about two weeks, and it leaves us in a bit of out of our normal routine. So, when working on this past Annie Armstrong distribution, we had the “help” of Ezekiel, Lauren and Michael's little man, our grandson, and Selah, Nathan and Beth’s little one, our sweet little granddaughter. They are always busy and into things, so when they saw the mounds of materials, Ezekiel asked “Mimi? What is all of this stuff?” Hmmm… is 3 years old too young to tell about how the gospel needs to get out, and how do I explain it so he understands? I thought quickly about it, and when he picked up a prayer guide, I began to explain to him about Annie Armstrong. Annie was born in Baltimore, Maryland, at a time when women weren’t able to do a lot in public. She wanted to do great things for Christ, so she began helping women pray together. She wanted churches to be built so more preachers could come and teach about Jesus. Then, she went on to be the first Executive for the Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU). “Zeke, that’s who Mimi and Auntie Beth work with too. We want others to hear about Jesus!” So, as we glanced through the prayer guide, we noticed how there are church planters working to start churches in North America. I told him Mimi and Papa, Uncle Nathan and Auntie Beth went to Waterford to work with Seth and Taylor Springs, and now they have a church started. Isn’t that great? “Yes!” So, look, see how Kirk and Karen Kirkland are going to Arkansas, and Dave and Mary Eliff are going to Ohio. And look, here are families that are trying to start churches for people who have moved to our country! Mojic and Munko Baldanorj are starting a church for people from Mongolia and The Santiago’s are working in Puerto Rico, where the hurricanes were so bad. Zeke looked up and said, “Those people need to hear that Jesus loves them.” I looked at Selah who was giving her “chomp” of approval on an envelope, grinning at her big cousin. “MIMI! You still didn’t answer my question! Oh, I thought, what didn’t I explain? “What is your question?” “So, why are we putting these things in these boxes and envelopes?” Oh goodness, after talking to this poor little guy about missions, he still wanted to know why we had such a “mess” going and what we were doing. “Well, Zeke, these boxes are being filled with all the things we need to let people know of the offering we’re receiving for the Annie Armstrong special offering for the missions in North America.” These prayer guides, envelopes, posters and DVD’s go to the churches and they tell the church about the “Annie Armstrong” offering. Then, the church puts money in the offering for missions. “What do you think about that?” He sat there a minute, looked at all the boxes and mailers we were about to send out. “Well, Mimi, I think we better get busy, so Annie’s not disappointed in us.” I had to laugh a little. “Zeke, Annie is with Jesus now, but I think Jesus would be very happy with what you’re doing to help share about Him!”, and with that we got busy, and Ezekiel and Selah became missionaries by filling boxes. Beth and I looked at both of them, and our hearts grew a bit bigger that day. And you know? That’s what it’s all about! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Elaine Hill works as Administrative Assistant to both Motor Cities Metro Baptist Association and Warren Woods Baptist Church, where she and her family are active members. She has gone on mission trips throughout the United States, Russia and Jordan. She serves on the Executive Board of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan on the church strengthening team. Women's ministry is an important facet, as she serves as Vice President with the WMU. She also leads women's ministry through her church and the community. Elaine has been married to Dan for 44 years and they have a grown son and daughter, and spend lots of time with their two precious grandchildren. #MARCH20

"All that generation also were gathered to their fathers; and there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord, nor yet the work which He had done for Israel." (Judges 2:10 NASB) PORTAGE, MI – It’s a cautionary tale. Joshua was a godly man who led the people to serve the Lord. The elders who survived him, who had seen all the great work the Lord had done, were also faithful. Then, another generation arose in Israel that did not know the Lord or His work. The Passover, passing through the sea, the Covenant, the crossing of the Jordan, Jericho’s fall, the Glorious God who wrought it all: unknown, just a generation removed. In February, my oldest son turned eighteen. The scope & scale of change we’ve experienced through his lifetime is mind boggling. Some of what his generation accepts as normative had not even occurred to us just twenty-five years ago. What could the next quarter century hold? With the world & all its voices constantly available at their fingertips, this generation has been exposed to ideas & ideologies that contradict the truth we hold dear. There are those purposefully acting to see that the Lord & His work is unknown to the youngest among us. How will our churches rise to the occasion? Will we intentionally convey the gospel to our children & their generation? Will we lovingly listen & answer the questions that arise from the influence of an increasingly hostile society? Will we prepare ourselves to give the reason for the hope we’ve found? Our Reasonable Faith is a conference designed to equip people from the pew & the pastorate as we strive to see rising generations know the Lord & His work. Join us as Tim McGrew equips us to engage in conversations without casualties while offering clear answers to the most common questions & objections to Christianity. Andy Giessman will offer his insights into ministry to those in the rising generation gleaned from experience on the university campus. Tom McCuddy will encourage us to reconnect apologetics with discipleship to help believers be better prepared to engage those around us. The South Central Baptist Association is blessed to once again partner with the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) to offer this conference. Join us at Faith Baptist Church in Battle Creek from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, March 28th. A catered lunch will be provided that is worth the price of admission, which is only $15 if you pre-register. Come as a group, expecting to be encouraged & equipped for such a time as this. Share the promotional video below: Anticipating that his ministry would soon come to a violent end, Paul writes to Timothy imploring him to faithfully pass on the truth by instructing reliable men who would also be able to do the same. We must also prayerfully & intentionally pass on the truth once and for all delivered to the saints that coming generations would know the Lord & His work. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Chad Wells is in his fifteenth year as the pastor of First Baptist Church of Portage. He also serves as the Associational Mission Strategist for the South Central Baptist Association. He & his wife Angela are blessed with five children. #MARCH20