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RICHMOND, VA – The International Mission Board will install Dr. Paul Chitwood formally as its 13th president on Feb. 6, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. at Grove Avenue Baptist Church in Richmond. The public is invited to attend the installation service, which will include a Sending Celebration honoring the appointment of 19 new Southern Baptist international missionaries. The IMB’s board of trustees unanimously elected Chitwood, 48, as president of the organization on Nov. 15 in Richmond. Chitwood, who previously served as executive director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, took office immediately as president of the 173-year-old entity, the largest denominational missionary-sending body among American evangelicals. More than 3,600 Southern Baptist international missionaries serve worldwide. The special service will include a charge to the new president and the new missionaries by Dr. Tom Elliff, former IMB president, who served in the role from 2011-2014. Other notable guests who will participate in the service include IMB President Emeritus Dr. Jerry Rankin, who served as IMB president from 1993-2010; Dr. J.D. Greear, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and pastor of The Summit Church in Durham, N.C.; Sandy Wisdom-Martin, executive director/treasurer of the Woman’s Missionary Union in Birmingham, Ala.; Dr. Chuck Pourciau, chairman of the trustee presidential search committee and senior pastor of Broadmoor Baptist Church in Shreveport, La.; and Dr. Clyde Meador, IMB’s interim executive vice president. Dozens of Southern Baptist leaders endorsed Chitwood as the IMB’s next president. “I have had the privilege of witnessing first-hand the quiet grace, genuine humility and incredible effectiveness with which Dr. Chitwood has carried out his many roles as husband and father, teacher, pastor, IMB board chairman, and executive director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention,” Elliff said. “As many … will testify, Paul Chitwood is eminently qualified to serve in this new role. It will be a privilege to pray for him faithfully as he assumes leadership in this new era of advance in global missions.” “Dr. Chitwood is uniquely qualified to lead us into the next era of Southern Baptists reaching the nations,” Pourciau said. “His missions heart and leadership acumen will serve us well in the years to come. I am eager to watch God work through him as he leads our international missions efforts.” Experienced servant-leader A former chairman of IMB’s board of trustees, Chitwood most recently served as executive director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, the state’s largest religious organization with 750,000 members in 2,400 churches and 70 associations, from 2011-2018. For 18 years, Chitwood served as the pastor of local churches of varying sizes: First Baptist Church, Mt. Washington (2003-11), where he is a member; First Baptist Church of Somerset (1999-2003); First Baptist Church of Owenton (1995-99); and South Fork Baptist Church in Owenton (1993-95). As a pastor, his churches averaged giving 18.5 percent through the Cooperative Program. During his pastorates, he served as chairman of the IMB trustees from 2008-10, part of his tenure as an IMB trustee from 2002-10. His overseas short-term mission involvement includes work in the Americas, South Asia, East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and the Caribbean. As executive director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, Chitwood led the organization to a greater focus on strengthening local churches, planting new congregations, evangelizing the unchurched, and shifting more funding to international missions. In consideration of leading the largest denominational missionary-sending body among American evangelicals, Chitwood has stated that he is committed to the organization’s next executive vice president being someone with significant mission-field experience. Chitwood has traveled extensively overseas in support of the IMB and worked alongside IMB missionaries, which gives him a view into the missionary life and task but also makes him realize how much he will depend on men and women who have long-term overseas experience. Chitwood was Kentucky Baptist Convention president in 2005-06; first vice president in 2003-04; and president of the state pastors’ conference in 2002. He was chairman of the SBC Committee on Nominations in 2015-16, and he also has served on several other state mission committees and in associational leadership committees. He has served as a trustee of Crossings Ministries, Sunrise Children’s Services, Kentucky Baptist Foundation, Oneida Baptist Institute, Baptist Haiti Mission, and Bridges to Nigeria. He is an adjunct professor of leadership at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He previously has been an assistant professor of missions and evangelism at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, University of the Cumberlands, and Boyce College. A native of Jellico, Tenn., Chitwood is a 1992 graduate of Cumberland College (now University of the Cumberlands), where he has served as a trustee. He earned a master of divinity degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1995 and a Ph.D. from the seminary in 2001. He currently is pursuing a master’s degree in nonprofit administration from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame. Chitwood and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 25 years. Their family includes a son Daniel, 22, and daughter-in-law Derrika; and three daughters: Anna, 20; Cai, 12; and Lilly, 6. The service will be broadcast via Livestream. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Julie McGowan is public relations manager for the IMB. #FEBRUARY19

ALPHARETTA, GA – In the early days of his church plant, pastor Ryan Weaver and his team at Remedy Church scoured the newspapers looking for ways to serve the people of Salisbury, Maryland. They found a small ad asking for landscaping help that eventually caught their eye. “We saw the landscaping ad and when we realized the need was on Booth Street we knew it was the right place for us,” Weaver explains. Few others in the area might consider Booth Street to be “right place” for them to serve. This pocket of the community is marked by the darkness of crime and poverty that covers the local news on a weekly basis. Most of the families live in low-income housing and are struggling against the cycle of destitution that has permeated Booth Street for so long. Rather than shy away, Weaver and his team jumped into service on Booth Street, taking 25 people to the area for a day of service. “We showed up that day and just served–landscaping, weed-eating, cleaning up trash,” Weaver recalls. “But I noticed members of our team slowly starting to talk to the people on Booth Street, getting to know them and figure out their specific needs. That was really the catalyst to starting our congregation’s relationship with our friends on Booth Street. “Serving them enabled us to intersect in their stories and start having the kind of conversations that build trust and relationships. Service was the only way we were going to be able to share the gospel with our friends on Booth Street.” That kind of service is the heart behind the North American Mission Board (NAMB). They encourage churches to host a day or season of service in their communities in an effort to share the gospel in action with neighbors in need. And a service day is exactly the avenue to do that. "There are several great opportunities open during March for you to volunteer with university students on their Spring Break. Go to volunteer.sendrelief.org/gensend to see the different opportunities (33 listed). For more information please contact Bob Kiger, MI Disaster Relief Director at Bob@BSCM.org." Send Relief believes the Church is the solution. Our initiatives equip and encourage churches to engage in their communities and be the places that serves the least of these. Be part of Send Relief today. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sara Shelton is a writer for the North American Mission Board. #FEBRUARY19

CONCORD, NH – Planting churches in rural places around the globe is essential. For if the knowledge of the glory of God is to cover the earth as the waters cover the sea (Hab. 2:14), then every hamlet and village must contain a gospel gathering of worshiping witnesses. Consider, for example, one picturesque town of 4,800 residents near where I live. Like a third of over two hundred towns in New Hampshire, it has no evangelical church. Though small, this town matters to the mission of God. That’s why in the fall of 2018, a small missional community from my church started meeting there every Sunday night. They gather in a public building to eat together, to worship Jesus, and to love their community by serving its unique needs. Cities matter too, and their strategic importance has been proven and promoted over the last several decades. But planting rural churches is no less important. Rural life is a reality for billions of people—people who are of immense value to Jesus and his plans. Consider these three reasons gospel work in the less populated places is worth our time. 1. Small Beginnings, Big Impact The birthplace of Jesus is an example of how God can spark great works out of small places. “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days” (Mic. 5:2 ESV). Countless big works of God find their roots in geographically small beginnings. “Rural life is a reality for billions of people.” There is no doubt that the global population is urbanizing. But rural life will never go away completely. Besides, the trend toward where people are moving overlooks where they are coming from. What would it look like if many of these future urban dwellers found the joy of Jesus in country churches and went into their new cities prepared by rural congregations for gospel mission? Significant urban evangelism could happen because cities are populated by passionate “country Christians.” 2. Small Numbers, Big Celebration Leaving the ninety-nine to find the one fits with the pattern of rural ministry. For while the theme of the three parables of Luke 15 is the value of the “lost” to God, two of the stories focus on the small number of one. To be sure, it would be a stretch to apply this directly to rural ministry and church planting. However, there is no doubt that one lost person in a village who is safely brought into the Father’s house is worth celebrating in heaven. Furthermore, the amount of time that Jesus spent in the lesser-populated places of Israel should cause us to take notice. The woman at the well, the demoniac among the tombs, and the recruitment of fishermen to be his first disciples all took place in the context of rural ministry. And then there is Matthew 9:35, which explicitly mentions Jesus’s desire to take the gospel everywhere that people are. “Jesus continued going around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness” (ESV). Kingdom work can’t only be a numbers game, therefore. It’s good to strategize how we can reach more with the gospel. But there always ought to be a genuine celebration of reaching small numbers in small places. 3. Small Size, Great Praise The church of the West today often seems mesmerized by bigness. Yet God is neither impressed with nor opposed to big platforms and large seating capacities. As the creator of all things, big and small, he delights in all that is good. When it comes to great big churches or tiny village gatherings, “He will bless those who fear the Lord, both the small and the great” (Ps. 115:13 ESV). So it pleases him to bless burgeoning suburban churches as well as the gathering of two or three in his name. We must, therefore, never overlook the small by focusing on the big or the great. I think heaven will surprise us all. Small deeds will be celebrated much more than they were on earth, where they often receive little recognition. Indeed, the small will join the great to shout praises with an equal voice. As John wrote, “Praise our God, all his servants, and the ones who fear him, both small and great!” (Rev. 19:5 CSB) Coming Full Circle About thirty-five years ago, a rural New Hampshire pastor helped a soon-to-be-married couple understand the gospel. They professed faith, were baptized, and began a journey of following Jesus. They lived in that town I mentioned above, where the wife became an elementary teacher. She has remained in that school all this time, and as a couple, they have loved their neighbors faithfully for over three decades. Today, they are part of that small group seeking to plant a church in the community, and all of this is thanks to the faithfulness of Christians in rural places. “Rural church planting matters because people live in these places, and people matter to God.” At the end of the day, rural church planting matters because people live in these places, and people matter to God. So for those who get the Spirit’s nod to reach people in small places, please know that this is a big deal with heaven’s attention and affection. The good news is for both the city and the country, the urban and the rural, the great and the small. ABOUT THE AUTHOR David Pinckney is a second generation New Hampshire pastor who has been at it for over thirty years. He’s the founding pastor of River of Grace Church in Concord, and he also serves as co-director of the Acts 29 Network’s Rural Collective. He is passionate about seeing pastors in small settings thrive in God’s big grace. David and his wife, Sharon, have four sons and one daughter who all are walking with Jesus. #FEBRUARY19

Love is hard to define. And yet we know when we’ve been loved. YPSILANTI, MI – If you said, “Show me a solved mathematical equation that proves with certainty that you love your wife,” I wouldn’t be able to do that. And yet I know, with certainty, that I love my wife. It didn’t take long for me to fall head over heels for that girl. After only one date I got home and wrote in my calendar, “This is the one!” (I’m not making this up. I really did.) Joy, unfortunately, hadn’t yet received that memo from God. A couple of months after that first date I blurted out my love for her. Her response? “You don’t love me. You don’t even know me!” Oops. Did her reaction cause me to think I had gotten it wrong? Did I say, “I misread that one,” and move on? No way! Joy was worth waiting for. I carefully refrained from using “the L word” and began to persistently demonstrate my love for her. After a hundred little sacrificial gestures she finally came around. One evening after a long talk, she said, “I’ve been thinking about my future, and I realize that I don’t want a future without you in it.” Yes! That’s why I persistently sacrificed in a hundred tiny ways. That girl became the Joy of my life for the rest of my life. We’ve remained married over forty years now. I think that God exhibits the same kind of tenacious love, offering persistent sacrificial gestures to people who crave a future filled with love and purpose. The Old Testament reveals well over a hundred sacrificial ways that God persistently demonstrated His love for His “Chosen Ones,” the Nation of Israel. And if that wasn’t enough He sent His only son as the ultimate demonstration of sacrificial love to people who had not yet “gotten it.” But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8, CSB) And then because God was so loving and so persistent He empowered a bunch of people as His agency of reconciliation. Those of us who call ourselves “The Church” – those of us who have gotten it – are tasked with revealing God and His persistent love to a world in need. Often it takes a hundred little sacrifices before someone sees that God is really serious about this eternal love. Like the guy who drove 45 minutes each way one day a week for six months to meet a friend for lunch so they could talk about God’s crazy sacrificial love. That lunch buddy finally showed up in a home Bible study group and months later accepted the grace his friend had been talking about and demonstrating to him. Or like the lady who hosted a weekly Bible discussion in her home for three years before one of the women in her study says, “I get it now!” When a lot of people who are distant from God first hear someone blurt out how God loves them they might think, “Love me, God doesn’t even know me!” But after a hundred little sacrifices from God’s grace agents, some might eventually say, “I’ve been thinking about my future and I realize that I don’t want a future without God in it.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Clark Cothern is grateful to serve as Pastor at Living Water Community Church, Ypsilanti, MI. Living Water is a congregation continuing to learn how to R.E.A.C.H. (Recognize Everyone And Communicate Hope). Clark and his wife Joy live in Milan, MI. They have three grown children and two grandchildren. #FEBRUARY19

DETROIT, MI – I remember watching Godzilla movies on Saturday mornings. Yeah, I know. I’m a nerd. A giant, mutant dinosaur emerges from the depths of the earth to wreak havoc. Unbeknownst to everyone, Godzilla is actually on a mission to do good. Usually something like ridding the earth of impending doom from another large mutant like Mothra. But no one seems to care about the good he’s trying to accomplish, because of all the damage he’s causing during his plight. Have you ever noticed, some brides act more like Godzilla than beautiful wives-to-be during their wedding season. However, instead of physical destruction, these “bridezillas” leave behind a path of relational destruction. Their tempers are short, frustrations high, and no one is competent in their eyes. Overly critical, they want everything done to perfection. And maybe the worst part all of these emotions are directed at the people closest to them. The people in their corner. While their mission of planning a day filled with beautiful vows, fun dancing and delicious food was accomplished, no one seems to care because of all the damage they caused. Pastors and leaders have ministry seasons that seem a lot like wedding planning. Seasons that lead to milestone events. Maybe it’s the launch of a ministry, construction of a building, a large outreach or the opening Sunday of a church plant. During these times, leaders can appear a lot like bridezillas. The most thoughtful leaders can turn into monsters leading up to and during the event. Then when everything is over, the monster disappears and the person you once knew is back. I’m sure it’s happened to someone you know or even yourself some time in ministry. I know I’ve been a terror during certain ministry seasons in my past. I’ve had my share of hurting family, staff and volunteers in the name of the mission. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about how to love those around me leading up to large events, mostly from the mistakes I’ve made along the way. Here are some guidelines on how to love those around you leading up to a ministry milestone: People are not pawns People are not tools used to make the ministry succeed. People are the ministry. If I’m not honoring people, then I’m not honoring Jesus. That includes my staff, leaders and volunteers. I had to stop looking at people as pawns in my attempt to win the game of ministry. (Phil 2:3) My family is not the cost of doing business The ends do not justify the means. Our families are not supposed to be sacrificed on the altar of ministry. Jesus was enough sacrifice to cover our every need. Our families are our first ministry. They are to be stewarded, not discarded in the name of Jesus. I’ve found in ministry seasons leading to milestone events in my life, they were the first thing I sacrificed. Ministry milestones are good, but not if they come at the cost of our families. (1 Tim 3:4-5) Love Jesus more than Jesus' work I’ve found that the times I’ve spent the most as a ministry bridezilla, are the times I’ve spent the least with Jesus. Our amount of love and grace are directly associated with intimacy with Him. Don’t allow the amount of time spent planning and executing an event trump the time you spend with your Savior. Rest is not an option, it’s a necessity. So is resting in the Lord. Our worth is not found in the work of Jesus, but in the person of Jesus. (Matt 22:37) It feels amazing to charge towards the vision God has placed on our hearts. Sometimes we may approach it like bridezilla but we don’t have to. There are always going to be seasons in ministry where we are working a little more, sleeping a little less and spinning a few more plates. But in our passion to do the work of God, let’s not forget to love the people of God. (1 Pet 4:8) ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tito Diaz is the multiplication pastor for Mile City Church in Detroit. He serves as a NAMB Church Planting Catalyst. #FEBRUARY19

SOUTH LYON, MI – It is the Lord’s design that His people work together to accomplish His purpose. This is one of the strengths at First Baptist Church. (Matthew 19:26 “With men this is impossible, But with God all things are possible.”) Each year, we participate in the Samaritan Purse Shoebox Ministry, packing 110 boxes this year, with toys, school supplies, and personal items. Our WMU reached out to a class of fifth graders in a small town in northern lower Michigan. Boxes were placed in our church. Within a few weeks, they were overflowing, not with ‘gently used’ but new shoes, socks, pants, hats and gloves. The most popular with the students were the snacks. One student wrote, “Thanks for the snacks, people with no snacks are happy to get a snack if they don’t have any. Your snacks are the best snacks.” A group of our members packed and mailed boxes to our men and women serving in the military. Another group of ladies met at the church and filled 27 gift bags with treats, lotion, chapstick, all items we take for granted. We believe children, and adults, begin to see God’s love through the generosity and love of His people. We may never know the joy that the children feel when they open an unexpected gift, and learn that someone they may never meet or know, cared enough to share God’s love. We pray for each child that they might know God’s love through the gift of His son, Jesus. We also wanted to give each of the students a warm fleece blanket. Through the generosity of several members, we purchased twenty-five of these warm blankets, which even had pockets for their feet! They were delivered just before Christmas break, and as one teacher related a personal message, “The blankets are something these students will not forget.” Giving has a way of blessing others, even beyond our imagination. A great blessing is giving through the Lottie Moon offering. (Matthew 28:19 “Go ye into all the world…”) Our offering reaches into some of the most atheistic countries in Europe such as the Czech Republic. Our goal was $4,500 and so far $6,000 has been given because of our strong belief and worth of missions. We are truly blessed and know that God has a purpose. We once had a pastor who loved to say, “We can never out give God.” Reaching souls for Christ, the living Son of God, is the purpose of the church. We thank Him daily, giving Him all the glory and praise. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Donna Campbell and her husband Fred have been members of First Baptist Church of South Lyon since 1966 serving in various areas of the church most notably the bus ministry. Donna is presently the WMU Director and the mission work of the church. #FEBRUARY19

Preface from Pastor Eli of the First Spanish Church in Detroit: This morning, as a follow up to the Saturday Health and Job Fair at the First Spanish Church Detroit, I received the letter below from Benjamin Moy, member of Lakes Bible Church, and the student from the University of Michigan, who helped us organize the Health and Job Fair. I thanked our members for practicing filoxenía, the love of the stranger, hospitality, and for preparing the soil for evangelism for both our neighborhood guests and the students and doctors. I encouraged our church members by stating they are valuable and needed for our church's ministry. Thank you for praying. Pastor Eli Dear Pastor Eli and the entire PIBH family: On behalf of the Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program, I would like to thank you for your hospitality and kindness in hosting the health and job fair. You all went above and beyond to help plan and publicize the event, which made the fair a true success. We were able to screen about 50 people despite the cold weather, which likely kept some at home. I know that we are excited to partner with you all again. Perhaps more important was your testimony of faith to members of the club. The students commented on how your servants’ hearts and generosity was something they had never experienced before with any community organization. Truly, your commitment to the truths of the Gospel as well as your active, mission-minded zeal was very evident. From young to old, for a few minutes or all six hours, whether you helped set up tables, prepare the food, or engage with the students, you demonstrated how Christ’s church should operate. Your involvement today reminded me of Matthew 5:16, where Jesus said: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Personally, I am grateful that you opened your hearts and building to us. You did not have to, but you did so willingly and cheerfully. Your church is filled with special people and I always have fond memories of time spent in Southwest Detroit. God bless you all and I hope to see many of you soon. Sincerely, Benjamin Moy ABOUT THE AUTHOR Benjamin Moy is a member of Lakes Bible Church, and a student at the University of Michigan. He was instrumental in making the Health and Job Fair a success. #FEBRUARY19

RICHMOND, VA – I have often wondered what one small family can do to combat social injustice. Racism, for example, is an issue so massive and personal that I wonder how we can even begin to build bridges between cultures where the chasm is deep. I have noticed, however, some really encouraging diversity in the lives of families who seek to parent missionally and base their parenting decisions on a conviction to “spend and be spent” for the cause of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 12:15). It has been interesting to follow the kids like ours who were raised overseas. Our girls grew up on multiple continents, as did many of their friends. I’ve seen both the blessings and the scars that accompany life as an expat. One thing I have noticed is that missionary kids (MKs—also known as TCKs or “third-culture kids”) tend to deeply love people who are different from them. Even after MKs return to America, many are drawn to international students and tend to have deep friendships with individuals of many different cultures and races. In fact, if you were to look at the wedding pictures of many MKs I know, you would see extremely diverse wedding parties. And if you ask them what made the difference in how they formed these friendships, they often can’t even tell you. All they can communicate is that lifestyle patterns became relational norms that helped to instill in them a love for all people. “One of the easiest ways to teach kids to love others is to simply give them many opportunities to connect deeply with lots of different people. Invite diverse people into your home and let them see you as you really are.” Let me suggest three lifestyle patterns in missional parenting that build love for others: 1. Missional families make hospitality that includes diverse peoples the norm. One of the easiest ways to teach kids to love others is to simply give them many opportunities to connect deeply with lots of different people. Fill your home with people. As fun as it is to meet a friend at a public place for coffee, relationships reach a different level inside homes. Invite diverse people into your home for meals or coffee and let them see you as you really are. Let them see your marriage, your laundry, and your muddy shoes. Instead of meeting a friend for coffee at a coffee shop, make them coffee and serve it to them at your kitchen table. Our children tend to love and trust those whom we love and trust. So, if you can’t remember the last time you shared life with someone who doesn’t look like you, work to form new habits. Invite people into your home, truly love and welcome them, and make hospitality the norm for your family. 2. Missional families have experienced being a minority, and they are better for it. Intentionally going places where you are the minority can be hard. Placing your kids in situations where they are the minority can be much harder. Yet, there is something beautiful about helping children develop a soft heart for others, and there is a different level of compassion that is developed when we walk in someone else’s shoes. My children were the only American kids in their elementary school most of the years they attended. They looked different, had to learn a different language, and had to learn a culture that was new to them. It wasn’t easy, and I’m certainly not recommending that all kids move around the world. Yet, finding situations where they can take part in a group or activity where they aren’t the majority culture can help to fight entitlement, pride, and selfishness. It’s healthy for our children to learn early that the world is a big place and not everyone is like them. 3. Missional families teach a biblical worldview that helps children love those whom their Father in heaven loves. Sometimes American children learn so much about American history in school that they almost think the world began in 1492. We need our children to understand their place in the history of a much bigger story. They need to understand the grand narrative of Scripture and how they personally fit into it. When you read through the Bible with your kids, point out geography and show locations on maps. Buy a globe. Start in Genesis and show them what part of the world the Garden of Eden was in. Don’t let them skip over names like the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Our children need to know that biblical stories are real stories that took place in real cities by real mountains and real rivers. Talk about where Abraham lived and where Moses talked to Pharaoh. Tell them about the kingdom of Israel and how and where it was divided. Look through maps of Paul’s missionary journeys and talk as a family about the early church and where it began. Our kids should know from early ages that the Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek and Aramaic, and that English was a later translation. We have to teach our kids that we are part of a story that is much bigger than our little worlds. We are part of a story full of people and languages and cultures that our Father created and loves. Loving Our God and Loving Our Neighbors Missional parenting should lead us to raise and train our children in light of both the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18–20) and the Great Commandment (Mark 12:30). Out of a desire to love the Lord with all of our heart and soul and mind and strength, and out of a desire to love our neighbor as ourselves, we intentionally work to make the gospel known to the nations. So, let’s build family rhythms that welcome all kinds of people into our homes and lives. Let’s place ourselves in situations that allow us to grow in understanding and compassion for others. And let’s be intentional to teach the entire story of God and his plan for his people. Can we eradicate all racism in the world? Probably not. Can we build habits of love for others in our homes? We absolutely can, and we absolutely should. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Cyndi Logsdon spent twelve years living in a predominantly Muslim nation where she raised two daughters, shared the gospel, discipled women, and drank lots and lots and lots of tea. Today she serves alongside her husband at the International Mission Board as well as leading missions efforts at her church, Movement Church in Richmond, VA. #FEBRUARY19

SHAREFAITH.COM – On the battlefield of evangelism, people soon realize that it's not always as easy as it should be. The Gospel message is simple, and quite frankly attractive. Mankind is fallen, God loves His children, and they can be forgiven of sins if they believe in Jesus...easy. Unfortunately, Christianity is not always viewed in such simplified terms. As a matter of fact, God is often seen as a big meanie in the sky who tallies up wrongdoings so He has an excuse to throw people into hell. To top it all off, God requires mankind to follow a strict rule book, which is unreasonable and not very fun at all. So why the misconception? Those who don't believe in Jesus often do not have college degrees in theology. Those who are uninterested in a subject rarely take the time to study up on such things. Judgment is made solely on what information is available with the least amount of effort required. This is where many fall into error. It is the job of the apologist and evangelist to attempt a correction of this error. Christians are interested in the subject of God but don't take the time to study up on apologetics, doctrine and theology. This is to fall into the same error as the non-religious. Apologetics takes time and effort. Believers are commissioned by Christ to make disciples of the nations and to bring the truth of the Gospel to unbelievers. Apologetics is not simply a specified subject that only apologists are required to know; apologetics is crucial to evangelism which is required of all Christians everywhere. God paints a sobering picture of the error of willful ignorance. "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me." Hosea 4:6 The Bible is clear about the subject of knowledge. Knowledge of God and His ways are tools that Christians need to become effective evangelists and preachers. Apologetics are used to correct faulty thought processes and beliefs, they are used to present evidence of the truthfulness of the Gospel message and are also used to solidify personal faith. Christians present Christ in an intellectual satisfying discourse, simple yet beautiful. "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. "For it its written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.'" "Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God. It pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe." "For the Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are being called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (I Corinthians 1:18-25) ABOUT THE AUTHOR Enthusiastic and charismatic are words often used to describe Roberto (Joey) Perez. When asked about his silly personality he said, "Being raised in Santa Cruz, California, you have to have a sense of humor...or at least your parents do!" Roberto has served at his church faithfully since he received Christ in 2002. In 2004 he joined a college internship called the Armor Bearers. He graduated from the program in 2006 and in 2007 received a Bachelor of Theology Degree. Before receiving Christ, Roberto played in a Ska-Punk rock band. He attributes his rude boy years as a time of formation. "I just remember how badly we wanted to change the world. We were on a mission!" While Joey's life since Christ has changed dramatically, his motivations haven't. His mission remains the same -- to change the world. He uses wit, humor, knowledge and love for his fellow neighbor to present the Gospel of Christ and to help lead the lost to repentance. #FEBRUARY19

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – In 1949, Father Roberto Busa approached Thomas J. Watson, the founder of IBM, with a simple proposal: let’s bring words to your computer! Busa recognized God’s ultimate creativity and dominion over all creation. And he challenged Watson to take the computer beyond pure computational power and make it work with text. Busa was motivated by a desire to digitize the works of Thomas Aquinas so they could be accessible to anyone with a computer, but the result was that digital text revolutionized communication. Busa once said, “Since man is a child of God and technology is a child of man, I think that God regards technology the way a grandfather regards his grandchild.” I wonder what God thinks of his technological grandchildren today? Is he pleased with the way we have used our God-enabled creativity to create the tech that is impacting this world? Here are 5 Tech Trends for 2019 and the Implications for Mission 1. Uberization Definition: To subject (an industry) to a business model in which services are offered on demand through direct contact between a customer and a supplier, usually via mobile technology. (Collins Dictionary) Key fact: At least 40 percent of Americans will participate in the Gig Economy by 2020. Why Uberization is trending: Workers seek more control and better quality of life while employers look to reduce costs and risk. When an industry “uberizes,” it allows individuals to take resources they already have that are being underutilized and monetize them through a larger ecosystem that attracts and coordinates the service. In turn, companies have a seemingly limitless pool of people that can respond with rooms to rent (AirBnB) or rides to give (Uber). Mission implication: From the moment Jesus ascended after leaving his disciples with the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18–20), the missionary workforce has been flexible, scalable, and responsive to the movement of the Holy Spirit. Uberization can help missions sending agencies in considering how to redesign organizational structures. Mission agencies might adopt models that allow people to commit latent talent and resources directly to the cause in a way that keeps overhead low and empowers people to generously serve as God leads. The challenge is to harness the innovation of uberization while also retaining high value on training and member care that sends people out prepared and supports them while they serve. “As God’s servants, our challenge is to use every tool at our disposal to advance the kingdom with the understanding that none of these technology-enabled trends should govern our ministry.” 2. Blockchain Definition: Blockchain allows digital information to be distributed, but not copied. That means each individual piece of data can only have one owner. (Medium) Key fact: 39 percent of companies surveyed across seven countries plan to invest five million plus in 2019. Why Blockchain is trending: There is significant distrust (the Trust Gap) between individuals and the institutions that make society work (banks, governments, corporations, and even nonprofits). The middlemen that have traditionally guaranteed trust (FDIC, United Nations, World Trade Organization, ECFA, etc.) are currently in a trust deficit. So, people are decentralizing trust by choosing to manage financial transactions directly by harnessing solutions like Blockchain. The technology enables individuals to convert money into a cryptocurrency so that funds can be sent and received without bank involvement. Home buyers, news readers, suppliers, and people using digital devices appreciate the transparency of a process that cuts out a middleman. Mission implication: The same lack of trust in institutions extends to nonprofits. According to the Global Trust Index there was a 9 percent drop in the trust of NGOs (Non-Government Organizations) by Americans in the last year. What could that mean for believers? There may be a deterioration in trust between mission agencies and individuals who seek to have more control over how they give and serve globally. Sending churches might increasingly look for a direct connection with the mission field and a high level of transparency about the path their money and service will take. Given this trend, mission agencies must step up efforts to increase trust and empower people by engaging them with greater transparency. 3. Surveillance Definition: Surveillance involves the monitoring of a person, place, or object to obtain certain information or to alter or control the behaviour of the subject of the surveillance. (Australian Government) Key fact: Video surveillance market will be close to 40 billion dollars by 2023. Why surveillance is trending: In times of uncertainty, individuals, organizations, and governments attempt to reduce insecurity by tightening control. Surveillance on a grand scale has been made possible by significant innovations in facial recognition, video capture, and big data analysis. Countless hours of video footage are now being captured and analyzed by governments and businesses all across the globe. Mission implication: Governments want to know about people within their borders, but increasingly people will not want to be known by them. Believers will be watched closely and sanctioned if those in power do not want Christianity to prosper. Increasingly, surveillance will extend beyond national borders as countries profit from exporting their technology to other countries in order to gather more data to train the artificial intelligence in their systems and keep tabs on diaspora communities. Agencies will need to train missionaries to recognize surveillance while calling God’s people to step into ministry knowing that persecution and opposition should be expected. 4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Definition: Artificial Intelligence is the science and engineering of making intelligent machines. (John McCarthy) Key fact: 77 percent of consumers are utilizing a product or service that is enabled by artificial intelligence Why AI is trending: The natural result of wanting to reduce risk, gain control, enhance security, and rebuild trust is artificial intelligence. Since we struggle to find a common moral framework in a post-Christian world order, we look to machines to provide objectivity. Our hope is that machines will crunch through the data, learn how to solve problems, and maybe even make up for the relational struggles that have plagued us since the Fall. One example is a new messaging app called Ixy that promises “conflict-free” conversations with the help of an AI mediator. Mission implication: There is huge potential for AI to help mission sending agencies with cross-cultural communication, streamlining operational tasks, and creating better donor experiences. However, at its core, AI may be the latest Tower of Babel—a manifestation of the desire to control our destiny and be our own god. We must utilize AI-based tools with caution to make sure that we’re not buying into assumptions and expectations that remove God from his place in our lives. AI tools could push mission agencies to conform to the biases and assumptions of their creators and the corpus of human knowledge they learn from. AI systems cannot be designed to recognize spiritual priorities or have spiritual discernment. 5. Internet of Things (IoT) Definition: Simply, the Internet of Things is made up of devices—from simple sensors to smartphones and wearables—connected together. (Matthew Evans) Key fact: There will be over 14.2 billion connected devices in circulation by 2019. Why the Internet of Things is trending: The Internet promises connectivity that creates efficiency, convenience, and new opportunity. With the growing number of devices that are connected via the Internet, users are finally seeing some of those promises realized in their daily routines. Whether they are starting their car, heating the living room, syncing grocery lists, or a million other daily tasks, the information and devices that manage them are now connected online. Users hope that this connectivity will improve their quality of life. Mission implication: As the world’s citizens live in an increasingly connected world, mission agencies and missionaries have to design programs, products, and services that interoperate with their lives. This means that in order to get a hearing from many people around the globe, we’ll have to connect into their connected lives. Our messages will have to be on the platforms and devices that they already depend on. Because the number of devices is so massive and diverse, we have to be intentional about where to integrate and how that will impact other ministry efforts. We’ll also be challenged to consider how interoperability is creating distracted people who can hide behind the gadgets that order their lives. The very tools we hope will give us access to people may also actively block us from sharing the good news with them. Into the Future What are we to make of the world that is taking shape around us? As God’s servants, our challenge is to use every tool at our disposal to advance the kingdom with the understanding that none of these technology-enabled trends should govern our ministry. We walk boldly into the future open to innovations that could further mission while recognizing our hearts desire is for God’s ways and our value and identity are from God’s hand ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jon Hirst has served the global mission community as an innovator for over twenty years. He currently serves as director of program innovation for SIL International. He is the co-editor of Innovation in Mission (IVP) and has written or co-written three other books and countless articles. Jon and his wife, Mindy, live in Colorado and have three children, a dog, and three birds. You can find Jon at www.generousmind.com or on Twitter. Jon would like to thank several thought leaders for their invaluable insights as he was writing: Jeff Holder, Chad Williams, Greg Outlaw, and D. Ray Davis. #FEBRUARY19

WASHINGTON (BP) – The number of Christians suffering high to extremely high persecution is 14 percent more in 2019, Open Doors reported, counting 245 million individuals globally. Persecution driven by Islamic extremism and Communist authoritarianism in the world's two most populous countries, India and China, marked the increase, Open Doors said today (Jan. 16) in releasing its 2019 World Watch List of the 50 countries with the most extreme Christian persecution. "Islamic radicalism continues to dominate and influence all spheres of life for Christians, and we are watching China and India very closely," Open Doors USA President and CEO David Curry said in releasing the latest findings. "The distressing impact of billions of people living in an environment in which the government oppresses freedom of religion is unraveling day by day as millions of Christians are being attacked, imprisoned or killed." Life without religious freedom is no freedom at all, Curry said at a Washington press conference announcing the findings. "Religious freedom is the first freedom," he said. "If you don't have the right to make up your own mind, are you really free at all?" China climbed to 27th on the list from 43rd in 2018. India ranked as the 10th most persecuted country this year, its first time in the top 10 in the rankings' 27-year history. India outpaces China in persecution, despite the rampant closure of house churches and the widespread arrest of Christians. "India has a large population of Christians," Curry said, "and the radical agenda of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata) Party has created an environment -- and I can't repeat this enough because it needs to be understood -- that India's not a safe place for Christians. Because the government has looked the other way when mobs have attacked churches, and then they have tacitly approved the arrest of pastors. Christians of all kinds are under pressure in India." North Korea, an authoritarian regime mandating worship of President Kim Jong-un, maintains its first place for the 18th consecutive year. Others in the top 10, in descending order are Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Sudan, Eritrea, Yemen and Iran. Russia, which had not placed in the top 50 countries of persecution since 2011, entered the 2019 list at No. 41. Globally, persecution against women and the spread of radical Islam across sub-Saharan Africa join authoritarianism as notable trends driving persecution. Africa is a major epicenter of violence against Christians, with groups loyal to the Islamic State growing in sub-Saharan Africa. Open Doors noted a splinter group of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province, or ISWAP. Numerically, the 245 million persecuted Christians counted this year are more than the 215 million counted in 2018. Globally, one in nine Christians is highly persecuted -- an increase from one in 12 last year. Each day of 2018, 11 Christians were killed, totaling 4,136 by year's end. Most of the killings -- 3,731 -- were in Nigeria, which ranks 12th on the list, Open Doors said. Pakistan and the Central African Republic round out the three countries where Christians experience the most physical violence. "Open Doors continues to see ominous persecution trends against Christians," Curry said. "Open Doors will continue to walk alongside these Christians and advocate on their behalf for human rights we take for granted in America." Among few improvements for Christians in 2019, Iraq ranked number 13 this year after an eighth-place spot in 2018, evidence of the territorial defeat of ISIS. Malaysia improved from 23rd to 42nd, where the electoral victory of the Pakatan Harapan political coalition has reportedly given hope to persecuted minorities. North Korea, despite its first-place rank, freed three imprisoned Korean American Christians in 2018, including a pastor convicted erroneously as a spy. Open Doors markets its list as the "only comprehensive, annual survey of the state of religious liberty for Christians around the world." Interviews and research conducted November 2017 through October 2018 measures Christians' ability to practice faith in five spheres of life, namely private, family, community, national and church. Each category is measured with numerical points, with the total score determining a country's ranking. For instance, North Korea garnered 94 out of 100 points, with India accumulating 83. Ranking 11-50 on the list are, in descending order, Syria, Nigeria, Iraq, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Central African Republic, Algeria, Turkmenistan, Mali, Mauritania, Turkey, China, Ethiopia, Tajikistan, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Brunei, Tunisia, Qatar, Mexico, Kenya, Russian Federation, Malaysia, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Bangladesh, the Palestinian Territories and Azerbaijan. The full list and accompanying resources are available at opendoorsusa.org. Open Doors has worked for more than 60 years to help Christians living in countries the organization deems the world's most oppressive and restrictive for believers. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Diana Chandler is Baptist Press' general assignment writer/editor. BP reports on missions, ministry and witness advanced through the Cooperative Program and on news related to Southern Baptists' concerns nationally and globally. #FEBRUARY19

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI The Invisible Child (a story from Chad) The girl attached herself to us at our arrival at the market. We wandered through the dirt pathways between the varied stalls of the African version of a mall/flea market. She was always there. I met her gaze, noticed her lack of shoes, her torn skirt, hungry eyes. I smiled. She smiled back. Our host told her that we had nothing for her, and told us to not give any money since beggar children are sent out by the Imam to beg for him. He gives them training in the Koran and a scrap dinner. The host said if we give money we will be surrounded and unable to move on. So I obeyed. Other children approached us in groups of 3 or 4, but quickly went away. The girl, however, stayed as if she was part of our group. She brought up the rear, almost as if she were shepherding the white ladies so no one would be left behind. She talked to me. I talked back, but we didn’t share a language. She was mostly curious, and I think she felt safe. I was praying for her as we moved through the market. Others just looked through her, around her, past her, but we had a connection. The only time she wasn’t invisible to others was when 3 other beggar children began to hit her with their begging bowls. They had shoes and better clothing. They had each other. She covered her face and took the abuse. I stepped between and scolded. They scattered for a few minutes, only to come back with more abuse in the next aisle. My friend saw the action and intervened as well. Then the girl stood up for herself. She had found some courage after our defense of her. We lost our little shadow only when we boarded the 3-wheeled taxi to leave. I didn’t lose her in my heart. I still pray for her. I can’t fix her life. But I can recognize her as a child made in the image of God and worthy of my attention, however brief. I can keep a promise I made to really see people, to treat no person as invisible or unworthy of my kindness and my prayers. I will not forget her. Wearing the Lafai* *a traditional scarf/veil dress worn by draping one long piece of fabric from head to ankle. As we walked the myriad dirt pathways through the market our host heard the repeated comment: "Ladies are here and they are wearing Lafais." How unusual is it that western women will dress in African traditional dress while visiting that it would prompt this refrain so many times? Do others not do the same? Why do we dress in local attire when visiting Africa? To respect local modesty standards To place value on their culture To not draw attention to ourselves and our independence To gain credibility as humble helpers To represent Jesus as our Lord more than we display our own culture Are we willing to lay aside our rights and our cultural preferences, to reach others with the good news? Jesus Christ put on human flesh to live among those he created. "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." No matter the place, another country, culture or community, we as representatives of Christ should be the example of love and respect. “They” take notice and that may be the reason we are given the opportunity to speak into their lives with the Gospel message. Philippians 2:3-11, Colossians 4:5-6, 1 Peter 2:11-12, 15-17 Engineers, Doctors, Dentists, Artists The great missionary question: Why do professional people with multiple degrees, young children, Christian community, loving family and a fast track to the American dream plant their lives in the middle of the Sahara Desert? Picture this: Continual dust that invades sinuses, lungs, eyes, ears, homes, food, linens, cars, and toes. Oh my. The foot dirt! Longing for family at holidays and on birthdays, knowing that the togetherness with them may not come until years have passed. Small wages, small houses, intermittent water and electricity, questionable food quality, exposure to diseases virtually unknown in-home circles, desert treks for supplies that would be as near as the Dollar General at home. Why? Why go? Why bother? Because we are to be imitators of Jesus Christ. When we take up residence among those we are longing to know the glory of God and the grace and truth of Jesus Christ we must be there. Romans 10:1-4, Colossians 1:24-29, Colossians 3:1-4, Philippians 3:7-17, John 1:9-14 ABOUT THE AUTHOR Karen Villalpando is a Michigan Baptist, an IMB Trustee and the director of Child Care at Memorial Baptist church in Sterling Heights, MI. #FEBRUARY19