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 →
A New Start Should Involve Reaching New People
The New Year’s Eve celebrations have ended and before us is a new year of new opportunities, new beginnings and new direction. This is the time of year that we find ourselves evaluating the past year and making new plans and resolutions for the coming year. Usually the new plans have something to do with... Continue Reading →
Hope is Coming
Christmas is about Jesus. It is a time to celebrate His coming. In fact, Christmas is about the hope of Jesus coming to a world in need. During this time of year one way Southern Baptists celebrate Christmas is by giving to missions through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. As I think about Christmas, missions,... 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 →
Missions Thinking Doesn’t Fulfill the Great Commission
Acts 1:8 challenges every Christ follower to be a missionary everywhere - locally, regionally, nationally and around the world. All believers are called to this commitment, but sadly, we know that not all are obedient. Likewise, churches are to be Great Commission churches - sending people and making disciples everywhere, locally, regionally, nationally and around... Continue Reading →
Ready Church
Most churches, businesses, and organizations fail to prepare for any kind of disaster. The result is that each of these entities lessen their ability to survive and recover. However. a far greater tragedy is that the church often fails to minister in a positive and effective manner following disasters. Kentucky Disaster Relief's strategy plan, "Ready... Continue Reading →