Within North America, one of the greatest pockets of lostness is men. Sixty-one percent of men across our culture do not profess a personal faith in Christ and another thirty-three percent are characterized as cultural Christians. Recent studies identify less than six percent of American men as Biblical believers. However, if dad is the first... Continue Reading →
Understanding the Times and Knowing What to Do
A mission conference several years ago greatly impacted my life. The key speaker made a passionate appeal, by calling for a commitment to missions. This plea moved me to lead our church, in answering the call to partner in Tanzania. On that day, I was reminded how awesome it is for believers to hear and... Continue Reading →
Finishing Strong
I penned these words as I sat in a rest area on my way home from a hard trip to Michigan. This was a weekend of storm for our Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief family. The whirlwind came without warning on a dark, Friday afternoon. A tragic vehicle accident occurred for two disaster relief volunteers, who... Continue Reading →
Is Your Church Ready?
Disasters often strike with little warning, and no community is beyond the reach of natural or man-made catastrophes. Because of this, a church must plan on how to respond to disasters, large and small. Studies indicate that most businesses, organizations, and churches fail to prepare for any kind of disaster event. For the church, this... Continue Reading →
Trampled Grass
The man shared despondently, "The only thing that is trampled when two bull elephants fight is the grass between them." These words sum up the despair of tens of thousands of displaced refugees. Sadly, many of them have been forced to flee their homeland in South Sudan, as civil war erupted last December. A few... Continue Reading →
Seeking Those Who Can Do
General Dwight D. Eisenhower wrote this in 1942 during the Second World War, "This is a long road we have to travel. The men who can do things are going to be sought out just as surely as the sun rises in the morning." We have witnessed a continuous erosion of morality and ethics in our... Continue Reading →
Ten Ways the Church Can Respond in Times of Disaster
What is a disaster? A disaster is any occurrence that causes suffering and creates human needs that cannot be alleviated without help. Disasters can occur at any moment and in any place. Here are ten ways that your church can minister, if disaster strikes your community: Pray for those affected. God can do far more than any of... Continue Reading →
Remembering the Persecuted
Many Christians put their life on the line every day across the globe. As you read this today, Christians continue to be persecuted for their faith in over 40 countries around the world. In many of these lands, it is illegal to own a Bible, share your faith publicly, or teach your children about Jesus. These believers... Continue Reading →
Get Trained
As America watched footage of the devastation in Moore, Oklahoma and the incredible loss in the flooding that swept across Colorado, many people were moved to pack up and be a part of the recovery efforts. As a State Disaster Relief Director, I often get calls from spontaneous volunteers wanting to serve, and it troubles me that I am unable to use these... Continue Reading →
Lessons Learned from the Vols
On January 1, 1968, I listened to my first University of Tennessee Vols football broadcast. I will never forget the excitement of the Orange Bowl. The Vols rallied from a 19 to 0 deficit in the second half, behind the incredible play of quarterback, Dewey "Swamp Rat" Warren. This great comeback left Tennessee with the opportunity for a... Continue Reading →