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EDITOR'S NOTE: Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is Jan. 19, 2020, in the Southern Baptist Convention. NASHVILLE, TN (BP) – Amory's life changed forever when she saw those two blue lines on the pregnancy test. Thinking it was a false positive, she took it again, and again, three more times. Amory had just finished graduate school, accepted her first job as a speech-language pathologist, moved into her own apartment and finally found a guy who she believed liked her back. However, their relationship was rocky, and Amory had no idea how he would react to the idea of being a father. Although in that moment, Amory's life as she knew it seemed to crash down, her story did not end there. Terrified of potential judgement and ridicule and almost too afraid to even seek help, she scheduled an appointment with Liberty Women's Clinic in Kansas City. Amory's clinic nurse was Missy. Missy treated her with kindness, respect and grace, providing not only information, but hope. Thanks to the ultrasound machine at Liberty Women's Clinic, Amory saw her baby's heartbeat for the first time. The emotions that flooded her heart were surreal, overwhelming. She knew she was going to be a mother. There was no doubt she was keeping her baby. Ryder entered the world, and Amory says he brings her incomparable joy. When he says "I love you" she cannot imagine her life any other way. Amory's story is not uncommon for recipients of the ministry of pregnancy care clinics. Ultrasound technology is often referred to as a window into the womb, for it gives mothers a vivid picture of the life they carry inside them. 'TEETERING ON THE EDGE' For the past 16 years the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention has donated ultrasound units to clinics like the Liberty Women's Clinic across the country through the Psalm 139 Project. So far, the project has funded and placed 20 machines. The machines are fully funded through direct monetary gifts and through the Cooperative Program, Southern Baptists' unified giving plan to support national and international ministry causes. The machines' impact is powerful. Bobby Reed, chief financial officer of the ERLC, said the project is a very practical way for those passionate about the sanctity of human life to get involved and make a real difference. "A lot of times people who become passionate about it, their follow-up question is 'Well, what can I do?'" Reed said. "One way to be involved in valuing human life is to be involved in the Psalm 139 Project." Individuals can invest personally in saving lives, in ministering to mothers just like Amory. The money donated to the project goes directly to funding a machine placement and therefore, to saving lives. But the lives that are to be valued also reach beyond the womb, Reed said. "It also goes to the orphan or the foster child who needs a home. There's a dual messaging there. Not only does that center help babies who are in their mother and need life, but they're also helping moms who are scared for their very lives." Carol Graham, founder and CEO of Liberty Women's Clinic, said that in the twelve months since receiving the ultrasound machine they have provided nearly 4,000 services to more than 650 women. 285 of those women had a positive test result, 231 were eligible for an ultrasound and 209, to their knowledge, chose life for their child. That is a 90 percent rate of choosing life for those who saw their unborn child on an ultrasound. "Ultrasound is truly what makes a difference for young women who are teetering on the edge of a decision between life and death of their child -- the quality of that image is vital," Graham said. "The truth presented in the ultrasound image and the compassion of His people poured out on the broken, provides an avenue to set captives free from their current anguish and the future despair of a decision to end their pregnancy." LWC has more than 100 volunteers helping with events and projects as well as serving in the clinic. Additionally, more than 1,200 individuals, churches and businesses financially support the clinic on a regular basis. "Together, we are encouraging hearts and saving lives, one client at a time," Graham said. "We have the amazing opportunity to have a mission field that literally walks through our doors." 'THAT'S MY GREAT-GRANDBABY' Not all clinics that receive the machines are as large as LWC. Greenspoint Pregnancy Assistance Center in Houston is staffed by just eight volunteers and one ultrasound technician. But even with the small staff, Flora Lopez, director of the Greenspoint center, said that 102 women gave their lives to Jesus in the past year through the ministry of the center. Lopez said that her personal journey to the position of director has been filled with faithful reliance on God to utilize her desire to serve and share the Gospel. Previously working as a banker with no experience in the pregnancy assistance field, Lopez had doubts about whether she was fit for the role. "I didn't feel that I had the skills or that I was prepared and that I wouldn't be able to do it because I was never involved with pregnancy centers before," Lopez said. "But when you put your yes on the altar and you trust the Lord and when you ask Him 'what is your plan for my life and whatever it is I'll be there, I'll say yes and I'll go because I know you'll equip me. You equip the called, you're going to be with me all along and you are going to help to go through this path.'" Lopez said the key to being utilized in ministry is just to be available. She encourages anyone who is wondering what they can do to champion the value of human life to simply put their life in the Lord's hands and see what He will do with their desire to be used. Lopez recounted the story of a new mother she recently served. The mother was 14 and came into the clinic with her grandmother. They were already planning on getting an abortion. The grandmother was encouraging her granddaughter to have an abortion because she also had one when she was younger. Both individuals were confused and hurting. Lopez said that the grandmother told her granddaughter that she could get an abortion but it would all be OK in the end because God would forgive her. "That statement broke my heart," Lopez said. But the pair agreed to an ultrasound appointment for the very next day. Lopez said the grandmother told her if, in the ultrasound image, the baby appeared developed, then her granddaughter would not have an abortion. The rest of the day, that night and the morning, the staff of the center spent time in prayer asking God to work in the hearts of the two women, to change them and convince them to choose life for the child. When the time came for the ultrasound, both grandmother and granddaughter were moved to change their minds about the abortion. Lopez recounts what the grandmother told her after the appointment -- "I cannot deny, I saw it in the ultrasound. That's my great-grandbaby." Lopez said 97 percent of the women who come into the clinic and receive an ultrasound choose life for their baby. Even through this small center, Lopez said 50 lives of unborn children are saved in a year, averaging out to one child -- one life -- a week. Lopez said their goal in the coming year is to hire another technician in order to have more ultrasound appointments and in the end, save more lives. "When we encounter a woman that does not know the Lord, and we're able to share the Gospel, not only the person is being saved, but also their souls are being saved," Lopez said. "That's the main focus -- sharing the Gospel and the good news of Jesus Christ. "God is doing great things through the ultrasound machine at different pregnancy assistance centers," Lopez said. "Thank you [donors] for making my dream a reality and God's dream too." For more information on the Psalm 139 project, visit psalm139project.org. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tess Schoonhoven is a staff writer for Baptist Press. #JANUARY20

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BP) – It was a good year for religious liberty in the United States, and the Supreme Court has the opportunity to advance such protection in 2020, say advocates for the country’s first freedom guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. A string of victories for religious freedom delivered by judges and the Trump administration marked 2019, spokesmen for the organizations Becket and Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) told Baptist Press. “It’s been a very positive year on the whole, particularly in court and in terms of federal regulations,” said Luke Goodrich, vice president and senior counsel for Becket. In cases involving the First Amendment’s ban on government establishment of religion, “you see courts more willing to treat religion as a natural part of human culture rather than using the establishment clause to eradicate religious symbols or strike down tax exemptions for religious organizations,” Goodrich told BP in a phone interview. “Then on the free-exercise [of religion] side, you see renewed protection for religious student groups and for potential, renewed protection for religious adoption agencies as well.” Jonathan Scruggs, senior counsel for ADF, said, “[Y]ou could really see a change in momentum, particularly in the context of business owner cases, creative professionals.” Courts came out “strongly in favor of people of faith entering into the market place and controlling what they say and preventing the government from really selecting particular religious viewpoints and forcing people to speak views against [their] beliefs,” Scruggs told BP in a phone interview. “So there was actually a fair amount of encouraging things that happened that really protected a lot of people to go and live out their faith in the public square.” Meanwhile, 2020 offers hope for further gains. “There are a very large number of significant religious freedom questions on the doorstep of the Supreme Court, and a major advance for religious freedom would be if the court took several of those cases and continued affirming robust protection for religious freedom for all,” Goodrich said. For Southern Baptists, religious freedom is vital to their mission, said Russell Moore. “My prayer is that we never take this issue for granted or forget why it matters as we take the Gospel to nation and neighbor," said Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). "Throughout history, Baptists have been known for carrying the Gospel all over the world and for defending full religious freedom for everyone,” he told BP in written comments. “Those two commitments are related. We press for religious liberty because we believe no law and no government can compel the conscience. And we contend for religious liberty for the sake of the free spread of the Gospel. There are many efforts underway both in courts and Congress, some giving cause for hope and others for concern.” Among the 2019 court rulings counted by most religious freedom advocates as victories in establishment clause cases were: The Supreme Court decided 7-2 in a June decision a 40-foot cross on public land in Bladensburg, Md., that serves as a memorial to World War I soldiers is constitutional. A three-judge panel of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago ruled unanimously in March the long-standing ministerial housing allowance does not violate the establishment clause. Regarding the free exercise of religion, court decisions regarded by religious liberty supporters as wins included: A panel of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis ruled 2-1 in August that a federal judge wrongly dismissed the free-speech and free-exercise-of-religion claims of Minnesota filmmakers Carl and Angel Larsen, who refuse to create videos of same-sex weddings because they believe marriage is only between a man and a woman. The Arizona Supreme Court decided in September the city of Phoenix violated the freedom of speech and religion of artists Joanna Duka and Breanna Koski, who own Brush & Nib Studio and decline to create custom invitations for gay weddings. The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled unanimously in October in favor of Hands On Originals and its owner, Blaine Adamson, who declined to print T-shirts for a gay pride festival. A federal judge decided in September the University of Iowa violated the speech, association and free-exercise-of-religion rights of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship USA by barring the campus ministry from requiring its leaders to be Christians. Also in September, a federal judge blocked the state of Michigan from canceling the state-approved contract of St. Vincent Catholic Charities to provide foster care and adoption services because the agency refused to certify and place children in the homes of same-sex couples as a result of its belief that marriage is only between a man and a woman. On the regulatory front, among the Trump administration’s pro-religious freedom regulations issued in 2019 were: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a rule in May that provides for the enforcement of 25 federal laws protecting the conscience rights of health-care workers and institutions. A federal judge, however, nullified the regulation in November. Also in May, HHS proposed a regulation to rescind an Obama-era rule that required doctors to perform gender-transition procedures and abortions. The Department of Labor announced in August a proposed rule clarifying that churches and other religious organizations that act as federal contractors may hire and fire based on their sincerely held beliefs without fear of being penalized by the government. “They’ve made some substantial contributions in terms of the guidance documents in protecting religious liberty,” Scruggs said of the Trump administration’s actions. “So we see it as a very significant step forward, and we’re hopeful to see what the administration continues to do.” In a legislative victory in December, Congress approved and President Trump signed into law legislation that includes language rescinding a section of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that required houses of worship and other nonprofits to pay a 21 percent tax on such employee benefits as parking and transportation. The fight for religious freedom continues on these fronts, as well as others – such as gay rights legislation that could undermine freedom of religion and court cases regarding the freedom of churches and other religious bodies to govern themselves and the authority of a state to require churches to pay for potentially abortion-causing drugs through their health insurance plans. The last year was not without discouragements, Goodrich said. “[Y]ou continue to see some state and local governments or government officials that are willing to treat traditional religious beliefs about human life, like in the context of abortion, or about human sexuality, like in the context of same sex marriage, . . . as anathema and try to punish those,” he told BP. The Supreme Court will rule in at least one major case in this term and is expected to decide in 2020 whether to review appeals of lower-court opinions in some important religious freedom cases. The justices heard oral arguments in October in a case regarding whether the classification “sex” in federal civil rights law includes “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.” The ERLC and other organizations contend interpreting "sex" discrimination to cover gay and transgender rights would create conflicts for churches, religious schools and charities, and individual believers. Among the cases before the Supreme Court, religious freedom advocates hope the justices will agree to rule on an appeal out of Washington state in the clash between religious liberty and sexual liberty. Barronelle Stutzman, a florist who declined to design flowers for a same-sex wedding, has asked the high court to hear her appeal a second time after the state Supreme Court twice ruled she was guilty of illegal discrimination. Lower courts have provided divergent rulings on cases involving wedding vendors who abide by their religious convictions and refuse to provide their services for same-sex ceremonies. These business owners and artists are “trying to love and help people in their community and their respective clients regardless of who they are, but there are just some messages that they cannot celebrate and promote,” Scruggs told BP. “And that’s what these cases are all about. “Eventually the U.S. Supreme Court -- and really now -- needs to weigh in on this issue and gain clarity for the entire country. It doesn’t make sense for religious business owners in one part of the country to be protected and not in the other.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tom Strode is Washington bureau chief for Baptist Press. BP reports on missions, ministry and witness advanced through the Cooperative Program and on news related to Southern Baptists' concerns nationally and globally. #JANUARY20

LEBANON, TN (BP) – My son did not live one more day than God planned; and he did not live one day less either. This truth is one I keep returning to each day as my family and I grieve the death of my son, Kaleb. He was 15-years-old. Trials and afflictions marked his life. Into the crucible He was born 10 weeks premature with one of his kidneys covered with cysts. After two months, the doctors believed he was big enough to have surgery to remove that kidney. Once they removed the bad kidney, he could live a normal life with one kidney. As first-time parents, we felt somewhat relieved that the nightmare first two months would soon give way to going home and living a normal life with our newborn boy. Everything appeared normal at first after the surgery. But that soon changed. His body was swelling and his blood pressure was rising. Something was wrong. After an ultrasound and an MRI, the surgeon came a delivered news to us no parent ever imagines they will hear, "There's been a mistake. We not only took the bad kidney, but we accidentally took the good kidney as well." Everything else he said was a blur. Kaleb's survival was uncertain. But he did. He defied so many odds. For the next two years, he received dialysis and waited for a transplant. He got his transplant just after turning 2 years old. His mother, my wife, was miraculously his donor. They had ruled her as a non-match just two years earlier. Written in His book While we waited for Kaleb to get a transplant, we were coming to grips with the fact that life would be different forever. Kidney transplants -- if he ever got one -- don't last forever. He would need multiple transplants if he lived to old age. These thoughts can lead you to a dark place. They can grip you with fear about future events that haven't even occurred. Questions concerning his lifespan and quality of life assaulted our minds. Then God led me to a verse that became rock-solid foundation under our feet. In Psalm 139:16, David writes, "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." Before Kaleb existed in the womb, he existed in the mind of God. From the foundation of the world, God determined that Kaleb Reed would be born on March 8th, 2004. Not only is this true, but He wrote the days of Kaleb's life in His book, before one single day came to pass. God wrote the days of his life in His book and He didn't write it in pencil. This verse highlights the sovereignty of God over our lives. Nothing catches God off guard. God meticulously planned each day of Kaleb's life in such a way that He received maximum glory. Kaleb's kidney being accidentally removed is a tragedy from a human perspective, but unquestionably a part of God's larger design. God did not turn His face from us or make a mistake. This is the God who works all things according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11). This verse gave our family immeasurable peace. We did not have to live consumed by "what-ifs" or worry that surgeons robbed Kaleb of opportunity. God created his life, sustained his life, and planned his life. Chance played no role. Back into the fire After Kaleb's transplant, he lived a somewhat normal life when measured by his standard. Normal for Kaleb would compare to riding a roller-coaster without a seat belt for most. He went to school, played video games, and took part in sports, but he dealt with many kinds of side effects from medications to keep his kidney from rejecting. He suffered from respiratory disease that landed him in the hospital several times per year. But compared to his first and last two years, his middle 11 years were stable. Then in October 2017, everything changed again. Kaleb got fungal meningitis. He had a stroke, lost his motor skills and ability to speak and was wheelchair bound most of the next two years. On December 1st, 2019, his sick lungs could not recover, and his body had suffered long enough. He left the sufferings of this present time and stepped into glory. Absent from the body, he is now present with the Lord. My wife commented on our first morning without him, "Today is the first day of Kaleb's whole life that he wasn't in a sick body." He is healthy now, and will never taste sickness again. It is all written in His book. God determined both the date of Kaleb's conception and his death before one day ever came to pass. God fashioned and formed his life and his every experience. He planned it in love and with wisdom. Peace in our pain Since his death, my wife and I have held tightly to Jesus, each other and our daughters. We cry and laugh a little -- sometimes a lot -- each day. It is hard to lose a child. Caring for him governed our lives for over 15 years. It embedded habits and routines into us that are still firing. We miss him. There's no getting around that. But we likewise rejoice in his restoration. He loved Jesus and now beholds Him with unveiled face. That delights our hearts. Kaleb lived over 15 years. I'm tempted to add "only" in that previous sentence, but that implies his life was less than the imaginary guarantee we think we deserve. God doesn't owe any of us a single day. Each day is a gift, not a right. It is a deposit, not a withdrawal. Kaleb lived exactly the length of time God determined in eternity past. Nothing was stolen from him. Everything was grace. There is tremendous peace that accompanies trust in the sovereignty of God. Kaleb did not live one day longer than God had chosen for him from the beginning of time. And he didn't live one day less either. God planned his life. He ran his race. He fought the good fight of faith. He endured to the end. And he has received his crown. That peace guards our hearts and minds in the midst of our grief. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Erik Reed is the founding and lead pastor of The Journey Church in Lebanon, Tenn. #JANUARY20

Editor’s Note: Christians around the World is a series of articles in which we see churches in multiple nations pursuing the same mission: making disciples and planting churches among unreached peoples and places. You can view part one here, and part two here. Missionaries sometimes say that worshiping in a cross-cultural context is a dress rehearsal for a Revelation 7:9 eternity. As a cross-cultural worker, I agree. But if I’m honest, sometimes the rehearsal is pretty awkward. I live in South Asia among a culture whose worship is loud, long, and—perhaps most uncomfortable for a Baptist—moving. Many South Asian Christians love to worship with what they call “action songs,” and they encourage enthusiastic participation from everyone, no exceptions. There’s foot movement, continuous clapping, sometimes jumping. Like I said, awkward. Awkward, but not wrong. Because just as God created all peoples to reflect His multifaceted image, He inspires worship that glorifies Him through a kaleidoscope of cultures. In John’s Revelation 7:9–10 vision, God enjoys His deserved praise from all peoples. So to give us a tiny taste of that glorious eternity, we’ve rounded up ten audio clips of worship styles from around the world and asked our missionaries to describe worship in those contexts. May increasingly more people join us in this global chorus to our Creator. Russia A church service in a Russian context is typically very traditional and structured. Instrumentation is modest but not minimalist: a keyboard, acoustic guitar, a shaker, and a cajon. The song above reads like a Psalm, saying, “I will praise the Lord Christ / I will remember all his works / I will be singing hallelujah to him.” (Full song in Russian here) One difference a worker described between her US church and her church among Russians is that during the service anyone is welcome to share a personal testimony of God’s grace or give an account of an evangelism opportunity they had. Thailand One IMB worker described worship in his church in Thailand as “modest, genuine, and passionate.” Each Sunday, a handful of vocalists accompanied by an acoustic guitar, a keyboard, and a cajon leads worshipers in a rhythm of song and prayer, song and prayer. Because the worker’s church is in a city that’s regularly exposed to foreigners, particularly Westerners, the church has adopted a mix of local Thai songs and Western songs translated into Thai. Many of us can likely identify the song above (here’s the English version). Nepal Though the historical culture of each people is slowly being phased out by “Westernized” youth, many churches in Nepal still use traditional instruments and language. They feel it’s important to use their own music styles and dance to worship God. The older generations prefer to sing to God with their own instruments—the mandolin, gyumang, and madal—and musical tones they grew up knowing and loving. One worker among Nepali peoples says the worship is not governed by time or a song list. Rather, at any time, anyone can pray aloud, even in the middle of a song. Worshipers often dance, clap, and tearfully shout their prayers to God throughout the service. In the song above, they proclaim, “I give my life, my spirit as worship to you. / . . . / I kneel before you and kiss your feet. / Let my life be a life of worship to you.” India India is a country that loves high volume, pomp, and pizzazz, and those characteristics often accompany worship in church, particularly in rural areas. Churches that can afford it install booming sound systems that project electrified notes from keyboards and guitars. One song may go on for ten minutes, concluded by a prayer that runs into the next song. Worship often comprises half of a service that’s usually over two hours long. Many Indians move while they worship. Whether it’s in the form of choreographed actions or it spontaneously emerges from a worshiper, movement is said to communicate that someone is worshiping God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength. Turkey Although many Turkish churches weave translated Western songs into their services, many of their songs are Turkish born. Turkish songs tend to be written in minor keys, enabling worshipers to sometimes sing in tones that aptly reflect hearts yearning to bring lament and sorrow before the Lord. Even so, Turkish worship services aren’t entirely somber. Turks stand, raise their hands, and clap in syncopated beats. Most churches use guitars, drums, a keyboard, and sometimes a saz, a traditional Turkish instrument. The song above is about love—God’s love for us and our love for one another. It’s taken from 1 John 4:7–11, where the apostle reminded believers to “love one another. . . . God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him.” Ghana Musical worship in West African church services almost always includes expressive, animated dancing. Ghanaian music, like most of West Africa, is based primarily on rhythm, not melody. They keep the beat with traditional instruments like bongo drums, shakers, or cowbells—occasionally a two-stringed banjo or one-stringed fiddle. Nowadays, however, churches in towns and cities use modern drum kits, electric keyboards, and electric guitars. South Africa Music is integral to South African culture. Music in this highly diverse country can be an expression of community, so worship songs are sung as a shared experience among a body of Christians. For instance, a single vocalist starts the song, then the rest of the congregation finishes his phrase—a pattern that continues throughout the entire song. It’s like a communal conversation to God. A good rhythm is extremely important, but instruments are optional. The words to the song above, for instance, are sung acapella with claps maintaining the beat, instead of a guitar or drums. The song—with phrases started by a leader and finished by the congregation—is about the love of God: “It wakes me from my sleep (It’s amazing!) / it’s not like man’s love (it’s amazing!) / people’s love ends but not Jesus’s (it’s amazing!).” Brazil One IMB missionary family worships with a remote tribe that was first evangelized by a German missionary in the sixties. Many of the worship songs the tribe first learned were American hymns translated into local languages, and those songs remain staples in worship services today. The church you hear in the song above is diligently pursuing people outside their tribe with the gospel, so it’s not unusual to sing songs in three or four languages during a service. Recently, the church started using a guitar, drum set, and keyboard rather than exclusively local instruments. This particular tribe’s culture is reserved and quiet, so worship services tend to be rather somber experiences. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rachel Cohen writes for imb.org. She lives with her husband and daughter in South Asia. Audio clips were contributed by Christians around the world. Andrew Rivers produced the video. He and his wife serve with IMB in Southeast Asia. #DECEMBER19

How extreme is the state of California on abortion? You probably already know that the state tried to force pro-life pregnancy centers to advertise for abortions. But you might not know that some state officials want to force churches to pay for abortions. That’s not a typo. A California agency actually added elective abortion coverage to the employee healthcare plans of churches throughout the state—without even telling them. Now, one church is standing up against the state. Let’s take a look at the details of this case. Who: Skyline Wesleyan Church Everything Skyline Wesleyan Church does is rooted in biblical principles. “As a Christian, I cannot knowingly pay for or facilitate access to elective abortions in any way, including through healthcare insurance,” says Pastor Lisa Amann “Why? Because the Bible, the foundation for my beliefs, is crystal clear when it comes to abortion.” Lisa has been attending Skyline almost her entire life. Now, she works there as a pastor. Since its first gathering in the summer of 1954, pastors and leaders of Skyline Wesleyan Church have called upon their congregations to live out their faith and practice what they preach. Church leaders like Lisa do this by advocating for life at every stage as well as taking good care of their employees by providing them with the very best health insurance policies available. Now the California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) is telling them they must choose one or the other. What: Skyline Wesleyan Church v. California Department of Managed Health Care In August 2014, the California DMHC mandated that the healthcare plans of churches and religious organizations cover elective abortions. This mandate added elective abortions to Skyline Wesleyan Church’s healthcare plan—without the church even knowing about it. The DMHC sent a letter to insurance providers in the state telling them that it would be illegal for them to allow churches and religious organizations to exclude elective abortion coverage in their healthcare plans. In its letter, the DMHC remarkably claimed that all abortions are “basic health care services” and “medically necessary” and therefore must be covered. These unelected officials made this decision without passing a regulation or allowing for public input. And what’s worse is that they did so after being influenced by pro-abortion groups like Planned Parenthood. The state even had evidence that its mandate would only affect religious organizations. This is a new low that clearly violates the Free Exercise Clause by targeting churches and religious organizations. Skyline Church, along with millions of Christians across the country, follows the biblical belief that every human life—born or unborn—has worth and dignity. Opposing abortions in their health plans is non-negotiable. They had no choice but to file a complaint against the DMHC. When: August 2014—Present After learning about the DMHC’s August 2014 mandate and unilateral revision of their employee healthcare plan, Skyline Church filed a lawsuit challenging the DMHC’s abortion-coverage requirement. A federal district court denied Skyline Church’s requested for relief, so the church is now asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to reverse this decision. On November 4, 2019, Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys argued the case before the Ninth Circuit. Where: La Mesa, California Located in La Mesa, Skyline Church has been a fixture of the San Diego area for over 60 years. Why: No one should be forced to pay for abortion against their beliefs. The state of California is demanding that Skyline Church either fund abortions through its healthcare plan or risk paying steep fines under the Affordable Care Act by declining to provide health insurance coverage for its employees. No church or individual should be forced to participate in funding abortion. Every American should be free to live and work according to their faith without fear of unjust punishment by the government. Churches should be free to operate according to their faith without being threatened by the government. That’s why Alliance Defending Freedom launched ADF Church Alliance, a membership program that provides legal help so you can freely preach and operate your church in accordance with Christian principles. The program acts as a hub for churches to gain access to experienced First Amendment lawyers who are available to answer religious liberty questions, conduct document reviews and provide advice, and even represent your church in court if necessary and appropriate – it’s virtually all-inclusive for religious freedom issues. Baptist State Convention of Michigan has partnered with ADF Church Alliance to prepare and protect your church. Through this partnership, your church can get a discount on this affordable program. Use code BSCM20 when you apply to get 20% off of your membership fee. Click here to activate your membership. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Maureen Collins is a Web Writer at Alliance Defending Freedom. Before joining ADF, Maureen worked in conservative think tanks in Washington, D.C. including The Federalist Society and The Heritage Foundation. #DECEMBER19

Adapted for the BSCM Staff Christmas Dinner December 2019 Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the place, everyone was stirring, Art Werry synching calendars with haste. The glow of cell phones reflected on everyone’s face, in hopes that Tim Patterson would call with words full of grace. No one was nestled snug in their beds, because visions of increased baptisms danced in their heads; Jamie Lynn was sending out emails with many a keyboard peck, and Andrew Parsons was cashing every single CP check. Out on the lawn there arose such a clatter because Mick Schatz, wearing new tennis shoes, was dancing like a mad-hatter. Lori Stewart was paying bills in a flash, while Nancy Spears measured a window and sewed-up a colorful sash. Bob Kiger was winterizing trailers on the breast of the new-fallen snow while chilly Judy Roy installed insulation under the trailers from below. When, what to our groggy eyes should appear, but Sue Hodnett arriving with her latest kill, a bloody, ten-point deer. Slowly someone appeared in the office door not too lively, nor quick, We knew in a moment it was Tim Patterson enjoying a peppermint stick. Walking with Starbuck’s coffee, in-hand, into the office he came, Tim Patterson whistled, and shouted, and called them by name; Now Mike Durbin! Now Tony Lynn! Now church strengthener and church starter! Onto more churches! Onto stronger churches! Let’s work harder and harder! To the top of our goals! To the top of our reach! Anyone who isn’t praying is lower than a leech! As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, So down to the conference room everyone flew, With hearts full of hope, and Tim Patterson, too. And then, for an hour, everyone heard in the room The prayers and petitions of the church-bride to the groom. Requests were made as everyone took turns in a round, Anticipation grew as each awaited a divine answer to land with a miraculous bound. Everyone on their knees, there were tears on each face, They pleaded and prayed with urgency and haste; Everyone could feel the Holy Spirit in the midst of the room, One by one they peaked to see what was happening when they felt the Spirit land with a boom. Tim jumped to his feet! His dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his voice was airy! His big gleaming smile was drawn up like a bow, and the beard on his chin was salt and pepper like a one-week snow. Tim said, “Five hundred churches by 2025 is within our reach,” a soft glow encircled him as he said, “Forgive me, I’ve got to preach!” He spoke from Scripture carefully laying out every single word, wanting to make certain God’s plan was easily heard. Afterwards, each person giggled and squirmed with excitement like a cheery young elf, Jamie made phone calls offering Christmas wishes to everyone on the list she kept on the shelf. Mike, doing the same, in his office inserted earbuds on each side of his head, Nancy, on the other hand, with love in her heart baked and wrapped gluten-free bread. Art repaired and reworked a computer for a pastor in need of love and a friend, Sue reached out to the women expressing her thanks letting them know their impact has no end. Andrew, before closing down his computer, responded to every single question and need, Lori, wanting everything to move smoothly during Christmas break, made certain every bill was paid with the fastest of speed. Bob stepped into his truck to deliver some love and honked the horn that sounded like a whistle, Judy, now that her service here was completed, gently made her way out to serve others that night like the down of a thistle. Mick and everyone else paused as Tim and Sabrina drove out of sight and heard them say, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” Originally written by Clement Clark Moore and first published on December 23, 1823 Adapted by Tony Lynn on December 7, 2019 #DECEMBER19

MONROE, MI – The year of 1861 proved to be a dark year for our nation as it marked the beginning of the American Civil War. It also proved to be the beginning of a very dark time for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (February 27, 1807 – March 24, 1882) who was the most popular American poet of his day. On July 10, 1861, Longfellow’s wife, Fannie, died tragically from severe burns after her dress caught fire the previous day. As Henry tried to extinguish the flames, he was burned so badly on his face that he was unable to attend her funeral. Longfellow would carry the physical and emotional scars of that event for the rest of his life. He grew his trademark beard to cover the physical scars. In his December 1862 journal entry, the emotional scars could not be hidden, “‘A Merry Christmas’ say the children, but that is no more for me.” The following year brought more heartache. On November 27, 1863, Longfellow’s oldest son, Charley, was shot and severely wounded during the Battle of New Hope Church. Longfellow sat by Charley’s bedside for weeks as he recovered. Robert J. Morgan writes; “On Christmas Day, December 25, 1863, Henry gave vent to his feelings in this plaintive carol that can only be understood against the backdrop of war” (Then Sings My Soul, Book 2, p. 97). The plaintive carol that Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote eventually became the hymn, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. It conveys the deep emotions of a 57-year-old widowed father of six who observed the darkness of the world around him and the effects it had on his family. I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men! And thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along The unbroken song Of peace on earth, good-will to men! Till ringing, singing on its way, The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime, A chant sublime Of peace on earth, good-will to men! Then from each black, accursed mouth The cannon thundered in the South, And with the sound The carols drowned Of peace on earth, good-will to men! It was as if an earthquake rent The hearth-stones of a continent, And made forlorn The households born Of peace on earth, good-will to men! And in despair I bowed my head; “There is no peace on earth,” I said; “For hate is strong, And mocks the song Of peace on earth, good-will to men.” At the point when Longfellow felt like dropping his head in despair, he heard the Christmas bells sing louder and he penned one final verse… Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail, With peace on earth, good-will to men.” How much do we need that reminder ringing in our thoughts! Despite the darkness of sin in this world, our hope is secure in the eternal purposes of God to bring peace through Jesus the Christ. It was the hope God promised at the fall (Genesis 3:15). It was the hope God proclaimed through Isaiah the prophet (Isaiah 9:1-7). It was the hope celebrated by the angelic multitudes at the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:14)! It is a hope that will be fully realized for believers when Jesus returns (2 Thessalonians 1:7). I am no Longfellow, but please graciously allow me to submit a few more lines to take us from the cross to the second coming… The Prince of Peace has entered in To glory having conquered sin Christ gave His life, A sacrifice For peace on earth, good-will to men Repent now and count the cost Apart from Him your life is lost His grace imparts, Faith in our hearts His peace on earth, good-will to men Soon comes the day Christ will appear The Prince of Peace His power clear Witnessed by all, In worship fall With peace on earth, good-will to men Grace and Peace, Jay ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jay Anderson serves as Lead Pastor at CrossPointe Church in Monroe. Jay and his wife, Kristie, are blessed with four active children (Noel, Deacon, Anna, Selah). Prior to coming to Michigan in November 2016, the Andersons served as church planters in Iowa and cross-cultural workers in East Asia. #DECEMBER19

JACKSON, MI – It’s an early Monday morning in September, and the sun is just rising over the horizon casting cool shadows over the empty parking lot of Grace Church in Jackson. Honestly, part of me dreads the twelve-hundred-mile trip in front of us. But along with the rest of the crew from our church, we decide to be joyful as we finish loading the van and trailer. We’re driving to Texas to remove mud from homes after a devastating flood brought on by a recent storm. As I start to close the trailer doors, my eye catches the shovels, hammers, and saws in the corner. Tools of the trade I remind myself. But next to those tools, I see the tools of another trade, a trade that removes mud from the souls of men- a stack of Bibles for children and adults. It’s a beautiful picture of the work we do in Southern Baptist Disaster Relief. For a moment, I stop and reflect on all the places Jerry and I have gone over these last fourteen years, places where these tools have made a difference. Recent memories of Granite City, Illinois come flooding back. A major thunderstorm flooded the town causing families to abandon their homes and cars. The water damage was extensive. The heat oppressive. The mold dangerous. The impact on families in the area was almost indescribable. I think of one young family’s home that was flooded, mold was setting in, and they had lost nearly every possession they owned. Most of their belongings ended up on the curb to be hauled away unceremoniously. But this family had something more precious than those disposable possessions. This young mom was expecting any day. I’m a mom, too, and I feel the desperation in these young parents’ eyes as they stare at their home. In an instant our team knew what needed to be done. We grabbed our shovels, hammers, and saws from the trailer, and went to work mudding and cleaning their home. Later, as Jerry and I were falling asleep on the floor of the local church that hosted us, we prayed. We prayed for that young family, our team, and us. It took three days of strenuous labor in the summer humidity and many trips to our knees in prayer to complete the cleanup. Using the Bibles in our trailer, we ministered to them, cried with them, and then a week later said good-bye. It’s usually like that, we minister to people for a week, maybe two, and then we return home. We often never hear how God blessed the families after our work is complete. But then, my thoughts return to that young family. A few days after getting home, Jerry and I got an email with an attached picture. I still have the photo of that young dad holding his newborn, his eyes full of hope. As I closed the trailer with Jerry, and we gathered for prayer in the parking lot before heading to Texas, I thought about how God uses those tools. He uses them to change disasters into His glory, tragedy into Divine hope. Like other Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams across the state and throughout the nation, our team from Jackson does this because each one of us is called. The work is far from easy, the time away from home difficult, and the work, well, it physically wears us down. But our hearts remain strong because Jesus’ love is stronger. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jerry and Jeannie Dolson live in Jackson, Michigan where they attend Grace Church. They have been married for 58 years, have six children, fourteen grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren. Jerry is a Navy veteran and Jeannie a former salon stylist. For nearly fifteen years the Dolsons have been actively involved with Michigan Southern Baptists in the Disaster Relief ministry. Their ministry has taken them throughout the country to feed others, mud-out homes, clean up neighborhoods, chainsaw fallen brush and trees, assess the needs of communities, and comfort others as chaplains. Jerry and Jeannie are 77 years old, still active in Disaster Relief, and continue to serve the Jackson community and Grace church. #DECEMBER19

MONROE, MI – I had the privilege of growing up in the church that I now pastor, Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. I remember always looking forward to the Christmas program our church would put on. Every year our building would be crammed with people from our community celebrating the birth of Jesus along with us. We would have the manger scene, wisemen, shepherds as well as the occasional live animal. Thinking back, those moments were essential for me and my walk with the Lord. I guess I didn’t realize it back then, but God was using those plays as well as my parents, Sunday School teachers, and pastors to help me grasp what Christmas was all about. I will forever be thankful for that. It wasn’t until I was studying at bible college that I was introduced to Advent. At first, I was pretty skeptical about it. It sounded old fashioned and archaic. As I began to study what advent really was, I felt a sense of freshness within the Christmas season. I first started having my family observe the Advent season. We would light one of the candles on Sunday, and then spend that week discussing passages concerning the theme for that week. We would normally use Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. It was such a wonderful way for our family to keep focus on the blessedness of Christmas. Some years later I found myself back at MMBC, but this time as a pastor. I was given permission to walk our church through the Advent season. I was a little nervous because I wasn’t sure what everyone would think about it. Regardless of my nerves, I found a couple ladies to help me buy a wreath, candles and table then we set it up in the front of the church. Then on Sunday mornings we would have different church members come and read some selected verses for that day to go along with the theme. We would light the candle and have a time of prayer, thanking God for the hope, love, joy, and peace that is found in Jesus. After that, we would have a sermon focusing on our theme. I know all of this sounds so simple, but for me it was a big deal. As a pastor I can sometimes feel the pressure of being creative and unique, especially during the holiday seasons. One of the best pieces of advice I ever received concerning preaching at Christmas and Easter was simply, “Tell them what they came here to hear because it is the best story you can tell them.” Advent helps me remember this. We don’t have to come up with some special service or creative form of media to be effective this Advent season. We just need to be faithful to tell the good news to those that God brings to our services: God wrapped himself in the flesh, came to this earth to free us from our sins so we can know what true hope, love, joy, and peace really are. I’m thankful for pageants, plays, concerts, movies, and other types of delivery to get the message of Christmas out to the world. We need to remember the power of God is not in our creativity, but in His activity. This Advent season let us be faithful to trust God with His word. Let us boldly proclaim the truths of this Advent season not trusting in our creativity, but in His power through His Word! Pastor friends, tell them the story they came to hear, and trust God to change their lives. 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. #DECEMBER19

SAGINAW, MI – I will never forget sitting across the desk from my pastor waiting to hear his response. I was not raised to be a godly man. When I was grown and went to college, I did not live a godly life. Yet, here I was by the mercies of God a saved man searching for God’s will in my life. I was waiting to hear my pastor’s response to the bombshell I had just dropped on him, “I think God is calling me to be a pastor.” I’m not even sure if I knew what that meant back then, but I was convinced that’s what I was supposed to do. So, when my Pastor uttered the words, “I don’t think that’s possible,” I was crushed. “You’re too unconventional. No church would accept you like you are,” he went on to explain as my thoughts drifted to sorrow and confusion. I sat and waited on the Lord for 10 years wondering if he was right. I thought maybe God had no place for a guy like me leading His people. Fast forward to a few years ago, and I can tell you that my old pastor may have been absolutely right and I’m so glad he was. I’m not a traditional pastor. Of course, I wear that hat now and then, but I was created to be a church re-planter and God was preparing me for The Valley Church the whole time. When I found The Valley, they were just like me, lost in the search for God’s will, unsure of themselves with a closet full of skeletons, and convinced they weren’t good enough to carry out the will of God. But so much has changed. As we tried together to take stabs in the dark for what God had for us, we grew together. As we tried new things, we failed together and then regrouped always together. Then we realized something. We needed the Gospel. I know this sounds like a no-brainer to most, but what I’m talking about is the REAL GOSPEL. Not just church, the plain and simple Gospel. No fluff, no watering it down, no pulling punches, no excuses, no legalism, no lasciviousness, no commandments of men, no additions, no special sauce, just Jesus Christ and all that He is, all that he has done and all that he still has to do. We needed the Gospel of grace and freedom while embracing love, duty, and service. Jesus’ Gospel! Since we have found The Gospel we have found purpose. People that have sat in church pews for 30 and 40 years have come to the Lord, others have repented of their wayward lives and refocused on the Lord. People have begun to dig into their destroyed families and love again. Jesus has begun to raise up leaders in a church that hasn’t had strong leadership for years. There have been bumps along the road, but Jesus has been faithful to keep us as we continue to boldly grow in His leadership, and as we yearn for nothing more than the Gospel. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Thomas Metz is the Senior Pastor and Church Replanting Missionary of The Valley Church in Saginaw, Michigan where he serves along side his Wife Shannon and five kids; Irelynd, Tara, Ashtyn, Madelynn and Tommy. #DECEMBER19

NASHVILLE, TN – After 50 years of pastoral ministry, Tony Evans has released "The CSB Tony Evans Study Bible" and "The Tony Evans Bible Commentary" with LifeWay's B&H Publishing. In doing so, he became the first African American to publish a study Bible and one-volume Bible commentary. "I'm humbled. I'm from urban Baltimore. I would never have thought I would be in this place," said Evans. "I know God could have used someone else. The fact that He's allowed me the opportunity to do this with my weaknesses and with my flaws, it shows me grace, it shows me mercy, it shows me gratitude." Due to the historic nature of the study Bible and commentary, the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., has informed Evans they will be placing the publications on display in the future. Evans said he wanted to create "The Tony Evans Study Bible" and "The Tony Evans Bible Commentary" to "show the kingdom thread throughout all the books of the Bible and to help readers see how eternity and history are connected by this unifying theme of the glory of God through the advancement of His Kingdom." For Evans, "you should study the Bible to find out what the King is up to and how you fit into this Kingdom program," he said. "Now you're not just studying the Bible, you're finding out how you fit into the Bible." He is the senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas and the founder of The Urban Alternative, a media ministry whose radio broadcasts are heard by millions each week on more than 1,400 radio outlets across 130 countries. Evans has been breaking racial barriers for much of his ministry. In 1982, he became the first African American to graduate with a doctoral degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. "To be the first of anything is an honor," said Evans. "But you want to handle honors in the right way -- to carry yourself in a way that recognizes you are a tool that God didn't have to use. You are privileged because He used you. That ought to make you a better servant, not a bigger star." Evans also noted there being a "downside" to being the first African American to reach certain milestones because it means "it took a long time before African Americans were allowed in our major institutions of biblical learning due to segregation." He said that while he is excited, it's also "disappointing that I had to be the first because it took that long for Christians to catch up to righteousness when it came to justice and the issue of race." Evans said the root of divisions, like those surrounding race, come from people not having and exercising a worldview driven by God's Kingdom. He recalled being rejected by a church because of his race. "That's an illustration of how I was hearing something preached and wasn't seeing it worked out in society," he said. Helping people grasp a Kingdom-oriented mindset has been part of Evans' ministry and is a reason he developed his study Bible and commentary. If an individual develops a "comprehensive Kingdom approach" to life, Evans said, they can see how the Bible addresses everything they face. "I've not found an issue yet that a Kingdom approach will not address in a simple form." "The Tony Evans Study Bible represents five decades of Dr. Evans' faithful Bible study and teaching," said Trevin Wax, director for Bibles and reference at LifeWay Christian Resources. "Tony Evans is well known and respected for his practical teaching and application of Scripture. My prayer is that Dr. Evans' study Bible will equip and empower readers of God's Word, so they better understand what it means to live according to God's Kingdom agenda." Evans has served as the chaplain of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks for three decades and counting, the longest standing NBA chaplaincy. He is also a former chaplain of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. In addition to the study Bible and commentary, Evans has authored more than 100 books, Bible studies and devotionals, including "The Kingdom Agenda," "Pathways," "Detours" and "No More Excuses." The Tony Evans Study Bible from the Christian Standard Bible includes extensive notes and resources crafted and curated by Evans from his sermons, teachings and writings; 40 articles; 50 "Lessons of Kingdom Living;" and additional online resources that feature 170 videos from Evans. #DECEMBER19

REDFORD, MI – I remember when it all changed, the exact moment when I gave my life to Christ. Sitting in a home Bible fellowship I remember everything about that day, but most importantly I remember the hymn we sang, “Let Your Lower Lights Be Burning” a Phillip Bass hymn written in 1871. Nearly 125 years later, it would be made famous by Johnny Cash. It spoke volumes to me as a new believer, and is still speaking volumes to me as a church planter here in Redford. Something about the illustration of the lighthouse still speaks to me. Maybe it’s because I’m a native Michigander and my family loves nothing more than spending our summers in towns like Spring Lake or Beulah. The imagery of GOD’s mercy beaming brightly from His lighthouse to us still gives me chills. The hymnist goes on to say, “But to us He gives the keeping of the lights along the shore.” Heeding that call to be the keeper of the lights along the shore is what led me along with our team to plant The Commonwealth of Faith Church here in Redford Township, Mi. Our aim was never to become just another church in the community, but to be the community’s church. Since our launch we’ve hosted several community events leading to tangible physical and spiritual needs being met. At our Harvest & Community Resource Night, we hosted more than 300 families and partnered with several community-based organizations such as THAW who gave out over $35,000 in assistance to families who are facing hardships keeping their homes warm during the winter. We’ve even had the misfortune of actually physically rescuing a member of ours who was in an abusive relationship and being held along with her children in dog cages by a former lover. As dark as that was, we’re ever so thankful for the opportunity to shine bright. Redford and the surrounding area of Detroit has changed quite significantly in the past few years. For those seeking safer schools and a stronger neighborhood we’ve become a “safe haven” positioning us to reach them in a greater way. Since we’ve “started” we’ve had the pleasure of partnering with 3 schools providing them with a stronger sense of community by stepping up and filling the gap when and wherever our presence could help. Now as a Christian community, we stand ready to tackle another project in our community, and need your prayers and assistance to do so. We’ve been given the opportunity to make the former St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church our home. The building was sold to a charter school operator who had no interest in operating a church. It was later confirmed that they had made plans to raze the edifice. To be honest with you, it broke my heart to know that a business could tear down a facility that was built to boldly beam the Gospel. This November, literally a year since the church’s closing, we’re happy to announce that GOD is moving us forward in our effort to restore this lighthouse. This campaign isn’t just about a Sunday service, it’s about recommissioning this facility, dedicating it back to God’s service to serve our neighbors. It’s ensuring that the families in this community have access to at least one hot meal a week through our planned Mercy Kitchen, and that children have a safe place to do homework through our Safe Haven Homework Help Program. Through our ROOTED IN REDFORD, ROOTED IN CHRIST campaign (COLO 2:7) our plan is to restore this facility so that others can lay ROOTS and grow stronger in Christ. With your prayers, elbow grease, and donations we can bring this vision into fruition and ensure that our lights will beam BRIGHT. For more information on how you can help and commit yourself to the campaign visit www.rootedinredford.org ABOUT THE AUTHOR Torion Bridges is the Lead Pastor of The Commonwealth of Faith Church in Redford, he and his wife Jasmine are the proud parents of Hunter (age 2) and Hannah (7 months). Torion is a bi-vocational church planter serving who loves using the art of story-telling to WIN souls for the Kingdom. #DECEMBER19