Last week, at our annual state convention, we recognized churches that had shown marked improvement in their missions participation. Those churches understood the commandment we’ve been given to go and make disciples of all people and had intentionally sent their members out on mission. It was so interesting to learn of things the churches had... Continue Reading →
Chosen to Go
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now... Continue Reading →
The Lord Will Provide
In the book of Genesis, God told Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering. So, in obedience, Abraham binds Isaac and places him on the altar. At that time, God provided a ram to sacrifice in place of Isaac and Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah Jireh, meaning the Lord... Continue Reading →
Storm Chasers
I have served almost twelve years as Disaster Relief Director for the Kentucky Baptist Convention and have been involved in countless disaster responses across our globe - from hurricanes on the Gulf Coast to tornadoes in the Midwest to famines in Africa. As I reflect on these events, there is no question in my mind... Continue Reading →
They Went because They Were Sent
In response to Scripture (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15 and Acts 1:8), churches should be intentionally sending their members. Sending them on mission trips, church planting efforts, ministry projects and disaster relief responses. The church can reach our world with the gospel by putting the focus on how many we send rather than how many attend. ... Continue Reading →
What is Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief?
Our world continues to experience devastation and destruction annually. Man-made events as well as natural disasters continue to challenge our minds with “why.” Why has this happened? Why me? Why my community? As Believers, we cannot answer the “why,” but we can respond with love and compassion as we help those affected know that they... Continue Reading →
My Name is Alex and I’m a Missionary
There was a celebration reception at the Freeda Harris Baptist Center in eastern Kentucky earlier this month to recognize retiring missionaries Greg & Alice Whitetree and incoming missionaries Richard & Amy Greene. Richard served as a pastor in Salyersville before being called to come serve as director of the Baptist center in Pike County. He... Continue Reading →
Amazing Grace
Jesus demonstrated to a broken world that “grace” is more powerful, more inviting, and more life-changing than fear, lectures, or judgement. God’s truth is embraced when we understand that God is good and desires to give us life. Our Christian faith teaches that Jesus fully satisfied God’s wrath and judgement on the cross, and assures... Continue Reading →
What Is Our Answer When Disasters Come?
When disasters strike, we must avoid the urge to throw out pat answers or offer flippant explanations. So how do we answer those struggling in the aftermath of disasters? We grieve with those who suffer. Suffering causes us to pause, to look at the hard questions, and should move us to weep with those who... Continue Reading →
Where is God?
Natural disasters continue to strike with little warning across the globe. In the aftermath of these tragic events, people often ask, "Where is God?" Intellectual answers even when based on fact do not take away the pain or the loss of those affected by disasters. People need hope and grace amid the darkness, and I... Continue Reading →