Going as a witness to our community, state, nation and world, is not an option, it is a mandate given to us by Christ himself. Matthew 28:19-20 says that we should go into all the world and make disciples. Acts 1:8 tells us that after receiving power, we will be His witnesses everywhere we go. ... 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 →
Shepherd God’s Flock
As a young pastor, I wanted to change the world, change the church, and change people's lives. I am now late in my ministry, and have come to realize that I cannot change the world, the church, or people. God is the only one who can change and transform all things. As shepherds of the flock, our... Continue Reading →
Kilroy was Here
As a boy, I often remember seeing "Kilroy was here" crudely written on interstate overpasses, restroom walls, and desks. This American cultural expression traces its roots back to World War II, when this graffiti began to appear almost anywhere that our troops had passed. Last year, Kentucky Baptists left their mark in the streets of New York... Continue Reading →
Light in the Darkness
Since the year 2000, we have witnessed a multitude of record breaking disasters across the globe. From killer tornadoes to life-shattering earthquakes, from massive tsunamis to mega-storm hurricanes, disasters are dark times of pain and loss. Disaster Relief is neither simple, nor easy. It can be complicated, messy, and difficult. Disaster work can be frustrating and heart-breaking. Through... Continue Reading →