On June 23, torrential rains struck West Virginia, which caused severe floods that took 23 lives, destroyed or severely damaged over 500 homes, and left over 60,000 without power. A federal disaster declaration was issued for the counties of Fayette, Clay, Roane, Summers, Monroe, Greenbrier, Kanawha and Nicholas. Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers were among... Continue Reading →
When a Change of Course is Necessary
Not long ago, I was invited to preach at a church in a metropolitan area. I arrived on a Sunday morning to a large church facility that was showing some signs of some needed maintenance and renovation. I estimated that the auditorium would seat 700-800 people. They had an abundance of Bible study classrooms and... Continue Reading →
Good Fishing
Jesus said to His first disciples, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19.) I had a good friend who was an excellent fisherman, and made a decent living as a fishing guide. If there was one fish in a lake, my friend would catch it. Why was he such a good... Continue Reading →
Displaced
They often flee in the middle of the night, taking only what they can carry. They flee because their ethnicity, religion, or politics make it unsafe to remain in the place that has been home. They are refugees. People without a home, without a country. The decision to leave their homeland is not a easy... Continue Reading →
Rebuilding the Walls
The physical damage from disasters can be catastrophic to communities, families, and individuals. Everyone who is affected faces a long recovery. Once the immediate crisis has passed, it can be months and even years before lives begin to normalize. Rebuild ministry is a way to help families and vulnerable populations restore their lives and recover... Continue Reading →
Have It Your Way
For forty years, Burger King was known for its slogan, "Have It Your Way." It would be wonderful if one could order life like this. Give me a double blessing with pleasure, money, recognition, a little adventure, and hold the danger. Give me a mega church with extra good health, great leaders, and make it... Continue Reading →
I’m Not Trained, But I Did Stay at a Holiday Inn Last Night
Believers often ask in Disaster Relief, “Why do I have to go through training to serve as a volunteer? Why can’t I just go help people?” Preparation is important in any area of ministry, because it enables us to be more effective in ministry. The wisdom writer in Ecclesiastes 10:10 declared, “If the ax is dull,... Continue Reading →
Grumbling
A sign leading into Yankton, South Dakota reads, "Yankton, S. D. The Home of 30,000 Friendly People and a Few Sore-heads." We understand the sign, because we all know a few soreheads. Grumbling and complaining are rarely labeled as being a problem. Grumbling is not one of the seven deadly sins. To my knowledge, there are no... Continue Reading →
Safe Church
Once upon a time, churches were considered safe havens that were untouched by the violence of our world. The recent mass shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston, South Carolina has again reminded us of the need to be prepared for the unthinkable. First Thessalonians 5:3 cautions us about the false thought... Continue Reading →
World Hunger Sunday October 11
When Southern Baptists observe World Hunger Sunday on October 11, they will be called to act on the commands of Scripture. The Bible tells us that when Jesus saw the hungry and hurting multitude in Matthew 14, "He had compassion on them..." He healed and fed those who flocked to Him. Scripture is... Continue Reading →