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WASHINGTON, DC – House Speaker, Paul Ryan, released a statement back in February regarding the horrible state of sex trafficking in America. He began by stating, “Sex trafficking is a crime that involves coercing a person to engage in commercial sex acts. It is the ultimate violation of human rights and really is modern day slavery.” Often considered to be a crime in certain parts of the world, the International Labor Organization estimates there are 20.9 million victims of a $150 billion industry in existence worldwide. Speaker Ryan wants to raise awareness to the tragedy taking place in our own country. Literally hundreds of thousands are being forced into this work across the nation. “So many victims of human trafficking are in our own backyard, and many of these cases start with deceit, exploitation, and recruitment on the internet,” stated Ryan. Surprisingly, this sort unlawful action is taking place under our noses, in the suburbs and around the corner. Amy Lipovsky, ministry leader for FRe Outreach, shared in a recent article, “The way trafficking happens in the suburbs is through hotels and motels, not brothels and street prostitution. In nice hotels in affluent communities, we notice more of what I call the ‘Pretty Woman’ or more high-class call girl” while other victims may look like a woman on a business trip or even an ordinary mom.” It isn’t always easy to detect so training and keen awareness help, especially when we can educate front desk clerks. Barb Fahrenkrug, volunteer with FRe Outreach, shares, “We don’t want to be obnoxious - we just want to show we care about their business and the people who visit their hotels.” “Building relationships with them is a really good thing. We’ve been able to pray for and minister to staff as well…” Churches across the country have just as much opportunity to get involved in their own community. There can never be too much care shown in the name of Jesus. The hotel staff respond to it and the victims of trafficking can be rescued. It’s a win-win! Human trafficking has become so rampant in certain parts of the world it is woven into the fabric of the culture. As Christians we should make no bones about it, God does not like it, nor ever intended for such atrocity. The Bible is clear that vulnerable people are to be protected, cared for and loved. We can not turn our eyes from the obvious sin in our midst lest it become part of the culture here in our home land. I Timothy 1:8-10 states kidnapping as sin, “Whether the biondage is physical or psychological, unjustly restraining another is wrong.” When Jesus ascended into heaven, God provided the Holy Spirit to be His representative on earth, guiding our hearts and lives. He specifically charged the church with showing love to others, to look after the disadvantaged and to keep ourselves uninfluenced by the world’s values. It is the church, gifted and prepared, that is called to stand up for injustice. People caught up in sex trafficking often struggle with acceptance once rescued. They need to see and experience good, healthy community in order to heal. Many have come from broken homes, were abused as children, and have never known what a good family looks like. The church family can provide these victims with a safe, caring environment in which to overcome and observe Godly acceptance. Since victims are often conditioned to think a certain way, feeling the wrath of an absolute authoritarian when they fail, truth can be misguided, misunderstood and misplaced. God loving people are called upon to wrap the victim in their arms of healthy love, shower them with positive examples, and disciple them in the ways of the Bible. So, what do you do if you suspect someone is being trafficked? Pray, always pray. If the situation feels urgent call 911. If there is no immediate need call the non-emergency number of 311. You can always search the internet for your local anti-trafficking ministry/organization or call the national hotline - 888.3737.888. Whatever you do, please do not turn a deaf ear or blind eye to the ever growing problem. Help the helpless once again find freedom in the land of the free. #JULY18

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BP) – Religious restrictions continue to spread globally in Pew Research Center's ninth annual study of laws and social hostilities in 198 countries, although most countries still rank low to moderate on a study scale researchers devised. Less than half of the countries, 42 percent, ranked high or very high on Pew's scale of restrictions including both laws and social hostilities, up from 40 percent in 2015 and 29 percent in the baseline study period of 2007, Pew said. "Since some of these countries are among the world's most populous (such as China and India), this means that a large share of the world's population in 2016 -- 83% -- lived in countries with high or very high religious restrictions," Pew said, as compared to 79 percent of the world's population living in those countries in 2015. With religious minorities bearing the brunt of the restrictions and harassment, Pew said, "the actual proportion of the world's population that is affected by high levels of religious restrictions may be considerably lower than 85%." In spite of the rankings and variables, religiously motivated harassment and restrictions of varying amounts, whether from the government or society, were reported in 187 of the countries studied. The findings are up from 169 countries in 2015 and indicate the most widespread harassment since 2007. Rankings are based on a composite of government restrictions, including laws, policies and actions by officials, which had increased, and hostilities perpetrated by organizations and social groups, which had remained stable. In its study, Pew devised a 10-point scale based on several indicators and divided the countries into five regions, the Americas, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle-East/North Africa. Christians were most likely to face governmental and social harassment in the Asia-Pacific region, Pew said. There, governments in 30 percent of the countries harassed Christians, and social groups in 27 percent of the countries had done so. Across the globe, Christians were harassed in 144 countries, up from 128 countries in 2015. "In Uzbekistan, for example, authorities raided the private homes of Protestant Christians, seized religious literature and imposed fines," Pew said in its report. "And in Nepal, local communities in the Kathmandu Valley opposed burials by perceived 'outsiders,' making it difficult for Protestant churches to access land they had bought years earlier." Muslims were most likely to face harassment by both governments and social groups in Europe, where governmental harassment was found in 28 percent of the countries and social harassment in 36 percent. Globally, Muslims were harassed in 142 countries in 2016, up from 125 the previous year. Jews, who comprise 0.2 percent of the world's population, faced harassment in 87 countries, most often perpetrated by individuals rather than the government. Egypt, Russia, India, Indonesia and Turkey had the highest levels of both government restrictions and social hostilities in 2016, among the world's most populous countries. In government restrictions alone, China ranked highest, with India ranking highest in social hostilities. When considering government restrictions alone, 55 countries comprising 28 percent of those studied ranked high and very high on the scale, Pew said, compared to 50 countries or 25 percent in 2015. When considering societal harassment, the 54 countries that ranked high or very high on the scale in 2016 were virtually unchanged from the 53 countries ranking high or very high the previous year, remaining stable at 27 percent. Ranking highest in government restrictions in addition to China, Russia, Egypt and Turkey were Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Turkmenistan, Syria, Algeria, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Eritrea, Morocco, Brunei, Singapore, Western Sahara, Azerbaijan, Laos, Burma, Iraq and Mauritania. Ranking highest in societal harassment in addition to India, Russia and Egypt were Syria, Iraq, Nigeria, Palestinian territories, Israel and Bangladesh. Government restrictions included efforts to ban particular faiths, prohibit conversion, limit preaching or give preferential treatment to one or more religious groups. Social hostilities included religion-related armed conflict or terrorism, mob or sectarian violence and harassment over religion-based attire. Researchers studied more than a dozen sources of public information, including reports from the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, various European groups, the United Nations and many independent, nongovernmental organizations, Pew said. The full report is available at pewforum.org under the religion tab. 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. #JULY18

ATLANTA, GA (BP) – It's Thursday evening, and a group boards a bus at the Georgia Baptist Convention building for several strip clubs, a few hotels and an apartment complex where human trafficking has been reported. The "Unholy Tour," jointly sponsored by Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols and the Georgia Baptist public affairs office, stretched nearly three hours instead of the scheduled two. Still, it didn't feel like enough time for various speakers to tell their stories from the front of the unmarked bus. Among them: Kasey McClure, a former Atlanta stripper accustomed to making at least $1,000 most nights who left that world after giving her life to Christ and the birth of her daughter. In 2004 McClure established 4Sarah, honoring her daughter while providing a platform to build relationships with women in the sex industry and, ultimately, to show a way out. In the 15 years since she left the industry, McClure said, sex trafficking has proliferated. "There are three main areas now where girls go -- the strip clubs, on the street and online," she said. "Technology has made it tougher to fight trafficking. Even though sites like Back Page have been shut down, others are doing the same thing." In addition, girls entering the sex industry are getting younger and "promised great lives, but that's not what they get." McClure recalled the impact of former Georgia Baptist public policy spokesman Ray Newman, who died in 2013 from a brain tumor. "He came onto the board of 4Sarah in 2007 and encouraged me to start a scholarship for the girls we were helping," she said. "He made a difference in my life.” McClure recalled a story shared with her by Newman's widow, Gwen, in a letter. In the 1970s Ray told his wife about a young lady who he'd see walking to the club. He prayed for her to go to church one day. And one day she did. Speaking with Newman afterward, the young lady said she didn't feel she belonged there. Of course, Newman urged her to consider that, yes, she belonged. "So many times these women don't feel like they belong. But, we all belong. We belong in the body of Christ," McClure said. Eight other women plus Echols spoke with the group, including those fighting sex trafficking through law enforcement and legal means, as well as some formerly in the industry now working through nonprofit groups to help young women get out of enslavement and others involved in programs to prepare kids to stay away from being entrapped. Echols began the evening referring to William Wilberforce. The English politician became known for his fight against the slave trade but knew he couldn't accomplish his goal of abolishing it alone. Wilberforce believed it would take a personal experience for his peers to join in the struggle, Echols said. The commissioner told how Wilberforce would plan scenic tours of the Thames River, only for the tour to conclude at a slave ship. Its cargo may have since been discarded but the stench of death and misery remained. "Wilberforce wanted people to face the reality of the slave trade," Echols said. "My goal is to bring people in front of those like Kasey, who are trying to help women get out of this and put the bad guys away." The tour wound its way through Norcross, the edge of Lilburn, Chamblee, and Brookhaven before reaching north Atlanta, countering the idea that this is a "big city" issue. Seedy hotels exist in small towns, too. And it's not just hotels. At one point the bus stopped near an apartment building. McClure explained how a madam (yes, it's not unusual for women to enslave other women in the sex industry) had operated from one of the residences. Looking at the apartment complex, bus riders didn't see neon signs but children's bicycles and grills on the porches. There were no obvious signs of a prostitution ring. Later on, the bus pulled near what has become one of Atlanta's most popular strip clubs. McClure said the place has become known for prostitution, pointing to the packed parking lot that included at least one minivan. Lt. Sara Koth of the Forest Park police department and mother of two, said people are shocked to learn how prevalent sex trafficking has become and Atlanta's prominence in it. "To arrest and throw them in jail, you're feeding into the perception that they can't go to the police for help. They'll just get arrested," Koth noted. Those victimized by human trafficking experience a tough process trying to pull out of it, she said. Often, they're drawn to re-enter a lifestyle that -- even if only for a brief time -- gave them some kind of value, as hard as that is to believe. "The victims don't always act like victims," Koth said. "It can be hard when you work to get someone out of it, you even think they made it, and then they go back to it. "You can't take that personal. You go to the next person and try to help them." The victims, said Ryn Beasley of Atlanta Redemption Ink, literally become possessions. "We see women who get branded by their pimp or madam. Girls have come to us with 'Pay me' tattooed on their hand or 'Snitch' on their gum line. Bar codes, a crown, anything that symbolizes they belong to someone -- it's a form of ownership," said Beasley, who worked in the sex industry prior to joining ARI. Mike Griffin, Georgia Baptist public affairs representative, hopes more churches and pastors will take part in the Unholy Tour. Atlanta has become among the worst cities in America when it comes to human trafficking, he told The Christian Index, newsjournal of the Georgia Baptist Convention. "It's important for churches to be knowledgeable. They should be able to educate their congregation on warning signs and dangers involved. Churches need to be able to minister to these victims. "Overall, the tour helps show the need for better public policy regarding human trafficking and support for better law enforcement. Because of the internet and social media, it's become a problem that really knows no boundaries." McClure's faith in God's power to lead anyone out of the sex industry rests in her own testimony. "My relationship with God changed me. When I took that final step out of the club, I had all the material things I thought would better my life. But they didn't, so I thought, 'Why not try God?' "Now when I talk to girls I ask them what they have to show for themselves. They may be staying with men in an extended stay hotel and unable to buy their own food. I was making $1,000-$2,000 a night and still wasn't happy. The only thing that made me happy was stepping out on faith and depending on God." McClure's initial step of faith has led to several more. "I have a 10th-grade education, but now speak to teachers, doctors, lawyers, anyone who wants to hear me. God has opened up those doors for me because I decided to follow Him. "He's using my past to help others." ABOUT THE AUTHOR Scott Barkley is editor of The Christian Index (www.christianindex.org), newsjournal of the Georgia Baptist Convention. #JULY18

Sunday July 1, Call2Fall Join Christ followers from across America in united prayer for our nation. Throughout July, 31 Days of Prayer for Our Nation Continue to be a part of this unifying prayer initiative by praying for our nation with the rest of America, throughout July, using this great resource, 31 Days of Prayer for My Nation. Check out the video and link below for more information. #JUNE18

DETROIT, MI (BP) – First Baptist Church of Trenton prayed for two hours after Sunday morning worship late last year about what to do -- disband, merge or abandon its cavernous building. A day later, church members say God answered with a resounding, "None of the above." One of the church's two boilers had breathed its last breath in November 2016. Cost to repair: $35,000. An anonymous giver provided $20,000, but the work hadn't yet been completed, when in November 2017 the water main broke. The subsequent cost to replace 250 feet of rusted-out pipe: $37,500. "We have no water and no heat this Sunday morning," James Jones, pastor since 2000, told the 21 people who had come to worship in the suburban Detroit church. But a day after the impromptu prayer meeting, the owner of a plumbing company told Jones at the church, "On the way here the Lord spoke to me and said I was to repair this and not charge you a penny," Jones told Baptist Press months later. Jones had never before met the plumber. The water main repair at the church that was a former school building, Jones said, would have just about depleted the church's finances. "Do miracles still happen? These blessings, I feel, are because our church is not a big church, but it's a faithful church," Jones told BP. "Every month we send 14 percent of our offerings to missions through the Cooperative Program, and 4 percent to the [Greater Detroit] Baptist Association, and I believe God honors that." Missions By Jones' calculations upon the 60th anniversary of First Trenton in 2017, the church had given in its lifetime $582,000 to missions through the Cooperative Program, and more than $1.2 million to all mission outreaches combined. Jones is in his second pastorate of First Trenton; he previously led the congregation from 1960 to 1983. During his first tenure, Jones said, he led the church to increase its CP giving from "a little" to 20 percent. Sunday church attendance was about 270. After he left, CP giving dropped to a low of $100 in 1992, and attendance declined. When Jones returned in 2000 for his second stint as pastor, it was with the condition that the church immediately increase its CP giving to 10 percent raising it more with time. "Through the Cooperative Program we can have a part in missions all over the world, all over the United States, and be a part of preparing more than 7,000 men and women for ministry, and that's what we want to do," Jones said about the Southern Baptist method of churches pooling their mission dollars for greater impact worldwide. "Every Sunday morning when I get up to take the offering, I tell the congregation, 'When you give your offering today, you're not only blessing this church, you're blessing people all over the world.'" Over the years, the church about 30 minutes southeast of downtown Detroit has planted six churches and rescued two others. For three years, First Trenton led a ministry to Muslims in Hamtramck, an adjacent community of about 23,000. After 2005's Hurricane Katrina, First Trenton partnered with others in Michigan to provide cash and other essentials for four families who moved from New Orleans to apartments First Trenton provided in its church building. A 55-foot semitrailer full of items went to an additional 25 families in the New Orleans area, plus $1,000 each for 15 student families of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary who had lost everything. Heyday remembered First Trenton has aged and withered. After growing past the capacity of two building projects, First Trenton in 1979 bought an elementary school that had closed. What became the church's worship center could seat 350; but it never has and likely never will, given its lack of parking, its location on a dead-end street in an older residential area, and its limited visibility. Jones remembers the church's heyday, when Sunday morning worship reached more than 400 -- in 1973 -- and the church's bus ministry thrived. That's the era when First Trenton started what is now Legacy Church one town to the north, and Woodhaven Baptist Church to the west. Other church plants spread out from Trenton to as far north as Dearborn. The Dearborn church plant failed to thrive, but First Trenton held title to the property and gave it to a Filipino Southern Baptist congregation. A church plant in Romulus later united with Bethlehem Baptist Church in Bellville, to increase its Gospel witness. First Trenton started a church in inner-city Detroit, with a pastor from Guyana. "We have a great history of church planting," Jones said. "And as we did it, there was only one year we didn't go up in our offerings, and our giving." Within the last two years, two men in their 40s made professions of faith in Jesus, were baptized and now are actively involved in maintenance and upkeep of First Trenton's aging 40,000-square-foot facility. With the city's zoning laws limiting the facility to a church or school, First Trenton is unable to sell its facility and move to a better-sized and more visible location. Church members, however, have carved out an intimate setting for Sunday morning worship, and remain faithful to reach out, minister, and give, all for God's glory, the pastor said. Three Sunday afternoons each month, the church gathers at a local assisted living facility and has worship for perhaps two dozen residents. First Trenton also shows Focus on the Family videos of the Holy Land there on Tuesday evenings. And every summer, multiple mission teams stay at First Trenton while ministering in greater Detroit. "We have a 40,000-square-foot building, and it's paid for," Jones said. "God provided it and we want to use it to honor Him." First Trenton plans to host a community block party outreach again this summer, to start a senior citizens ministry this fall, and to participate financially and hands-on in the Greater Detroit Baptist Association's new innercity ministry. "We need to be aware of our ministry to all the world because Jesus said, 'go into all the world,'" Jones told Baptist Press. "He's our Lord and we love Him and we want to obey Him, and we want to share Him with everyone in this whole world, starting next door to each of us and reaching around the world." ABOUT THE AUTHOR Karen L. Willoughby is a national correspondent for Baptist Press, online news service of the Southern Baptist Convention. #JUNE18

FENTON, MI – We are encouraging Michigan Baptist churches to set aside Sunday, October 7th as Acts 2:41 Sunday. It’s a day to celebrate the work of Christ as churches all over the state baptize new believers on this common Sunday. “Those who accepted His message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them” (Acts 2:41). If first century Jerusalem had a newspaper, the headline about the Day of Pentecost would have declared, “3000 Baptized! It was an incredible move of God!” Early followers of Jesus were together when they heard a sound like that of a “violent rushing wind” and “saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them.” They’d never experienced anything like it. Jesus promised they would be filled with the Holy Spirit and it happened in a powerful, dramatic fashion! It was a day that changed Christianity forever. The new church was alive with the Spirit, ready to share the Good News and it didn’t take long. Jerusalem was filled with people from all nations for the Day of Pentecost. The noise of what was happening to the disciples caught their attention. Surprised and confused, they heard in their own language followers of Jesus speaking. Peter, full of the Spirit, stood and addressed the perplexed crowd. He told them Jesus died on the cross for their sins, and rose again for their salvation. The simple, straight-forward message of the Gospel pierced their hearts and they responded by asking what they should do. Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Thousands responded to the Good News message resulting in this massive baptism service. I imagine that cisterns, pools, and creeks all around the city were used to baptize new believers. It was an incredible moment for the early church as they celebrated the saving work of Christ and welcomed new believers to the family of God. That’s what Acts 2:41 Sunday is all about. It’s a day, October 7th, for Michigan Baptist churches to baptize new believers. Imagine the joy it will bring as we celebrate the work of Christ in the lives of those who follow Him in baptism! Here are some keys to making Acts 2:41 Sunday a success at your church: BAPTIZE 5% - Set a yearly goal to baptize 5% of your church’s average worship attendance. It’s SMART - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. Set aside some of those who follow Christ to be baptized on Acts 2:41 Sunday, October 7th. PRAY 4 - Challenge every believer to pray for four people in their lives to come Christ. Give them an Acts 2:41 Prayer sheet to write down the names of those loved ones who need Jesus. ENGAGE 3 - Engage your community through evangelistic events, mission service, and relational opportunities to experience Biblical community. Take Christ to the streets, the community and neighborhoods that surround your location. SHARE 2 - Intentionally share the story of how you came to Christ 2 times with people who need Him. LEARN 1 - Go to BSCM.org for free resources to share your faith. Learn one way to have a Gospel Conversation then go do it. The early church celebrated as they watched God move in the lives of those who responded to the Gospel on the Day of Pentecost. The cisterns, pools and streams of Jerusalem were filled with people following Jesus in baptism. There were “amens” and tears of joy as these new followers of Christ were enthusiastically welcomed to the family of God. Acts 2:41 was a time of rejoicing. It was a time of celebrating the work of Christ. It’s what, we as Michigan Baptists want to experience as our family, friends, and neighbors publicly profess their faith in Christ on Acts 2:41 Sunday, October 7th. Register here to sign your church up for Acts 2:41 Sunday. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mike Durbin is the State Evangelism Director for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before joining the state convention staff, Mike served as Church Planting Catalyst and Director of Missions in Metro Detroit since 2007. He also has served as a pastor and bi-vocational pastor in Michigan, as well as International Missionary to Brazil. #JUNE18

ST. JOSEPH, MI – Church planter Kevin Hester was volunteering as a hole captain for the Senior PGA Championship tournament in Benton Harbor. One day he was standing by at a driving range as the golfers were practicing. Hester was wearing his MI Moment rubber bracelet as he watched. MI Moment is a tool to help believers share their faith in a natural, un-intimidating way. It is specially designed for Michigan Christians, in that, it uses the state’s unique geography with the Upper Peninsula to illustrate the gap between humans and God. It goes on to explain that like the Mackinac Bridge, Jesus is the only way to overcome that gap. Hester helped develop the MI Moment tool along with the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM). So the church planter was standing by as players were getting ready for the tournament, when one of them stopped what he was doing to ask Hester about his MI Moment bracelet. He answered the way he typically would with that opening question, by saying, “It is celebrating great moments in Michigan”, he added, “this is a pretty great moment, huh?” After a short conversation about other great moments, Hester told the man, “My greatest moment was when I accepted Jesus Christ into my life.” The two men continued to talk, and then right there on the driving range, the professional golfer prayed and asked Jesus into his life. Hester says, “This man was 60-years old, and he said that no one had ever shared with him this message of salvation in his lifetime. I believe that every person needs a moment like that in their life, and many of them are just waiting for us to tell them about it.” Some estimates say as few as 2% of believers have ever witnessed to another person. Hester is the pastor of The Shore Church in St. Joseph, and he has used the MI Moment tool to encourage members of his church who have been intimidated about sharing their faith. MI Moment has a number of different approaches to help Christians enter into conversations about Jesus. Besides using the bracelets as conversation starters, willing witnesses can go to www.MIMOMENT.today, and record a 2-3 minute audio or video to share their moment of accepting Jesus. They then can print MI-Moment business cards with a link to their testimony, and can pass out those cards to people they encounter. For more information about Mi-Moment, just go to www.bscm.org/mimoment. #JUNE18

ROSCOMMON, MI – There are a couple of wild weeks coming this summer at Bambi Lake, you don’t want to miss. No, really, wild! Crazy wild! These are week-long camps for students grades 6 through 12. Wild Week is described as an “amazing, Christ-centered and fun-filled week” and there are, not one, but two opportunities to go. National student speaker, Ken Freeman will be leading both weeks. Despite an abusive childhood, Freeman accepted Christ into his life and for the past 30 years of ministry has been preaching that same gift of salvation to others. The evangelist describes himself as having a passion for the lost and the brokenhearted, and that is evident in every day of his ministry. Ken loves the Lord and he loves people. You will come to love him as well during Wild Week! The first Wild Week is scheduled for June 18-22. The second week is planned for July 16-20. All middle and high school students are encouraged to attend. The cost of the week is just $219 per camper. A $25 non-refundable deposit is required no later than 10 days prior to the event. For more information and to register visit www.bscm.org/bambi. #JUNE18

AUGUSTA, GA (BP) – What makes a good father? In one word, I believe it is character. Nothing has contributed more to the destructive trends of social poverty, perpetual anxiety, sexual identity, personal insecurity, rage, rebellion, anger and even insanity than failed leadership in the home because of an absent or aloof father. Earlier this year, I read the book, "Becoming a Leader of Character" by Gen. James Anderson and his son Dave. Their thesis was this: "Most leadership failures are character failures." This is certainly true in life, but it is especially true in the home and family. Dwight L. Moody defined character as "what you are in the dark." This year we saw national headlines unmask the shame of some of the highest profile celebrities, personalities and success stories. Marriages, families, careers and brands were destroyed once impulsive and indulgent acts were exposed. In the aftermath of these stories, I felt it important to gather a group of men at my church in order to address the topic, The Character Challenge. We examined four essential aspects of character: 1. RESPONSIBILITY Each of us has to take responsibility for who we are. We cannot pass this off or blame it on others. As grown men, we have to own our lives, our decisions, our commitment -- our character! We embrace words like relaxation and recreation, and often resist words like responsibility. But responsibility has everything to do with character. Other people hold us to accountability; we hold ourselves to responsibility. Responsibility is akin to the four-letter word, DUTY! Duty is doing what needs to be done without waiting for directions. It is taking responsibility for both the big and small things. While emotions matter, they cannot and must not dictate what we do every day. Every time we choose duty over delinquency, we pass a test of character. "You have to DO what you want to BE," as James and Dave Anderson write. 2. RESPECT Respect has everything to do with values because we honor, protect and guard what we respect. Respect begins with God our Creator, and He is our Father through Christ our Lord. It is the knowledge and awareness of this relationship that changes everything about how we live. With respect for God and as men of character, we respect women. In February, I wrote an article for Baptist Press to husbands and said, "Your wife needs your respect more than roses." But this is not limited to our wives. Women deserve our respect as counterparts in God's creation and co-recipients of His grace in salvation. While I fully subscribe to a complementarian view that God made us different to make us one in His design, I believe we are distinct, but equal. Galatians 3:28 exhorts us to honor and respect women, and it disallows any place for demeaning, dishonoring or abusing others. Men of character must reject and repent of the all too common misogynistic attitudes and frequent objectification of women. Our society is filled with multitudes of little girls and women who suffer emotional pain and physical or sexual abuse because they are devalued as human beings and disrespected because of their gender. This is more than an issue of culture; for men, it is an issue of character. 3. RESTRAINT Restraint applies to both responsibility and respect, and it is the opposite of selfishness. Many character flaws come from selfish impulse and indulgence. Lives are saved and reputations are forged through selfless acts of sacrifice, while lives and reputations are lost and destroyed by selfish acts of indulgence. Restraint understands that life is not just about us. Unrestrained lives communicate life is all about us. We need something greater than our own best efforts to overcome our self-driven impulses. Divine intervention and motivation change us from the inside out. Only God can do this through His saving grace and by the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit. Character is something we need God to shape in us -- not something we simply squeeze out of ourselves. Character building is what God does in the lives of all who come to Him in Christ. This is what makes the Gospel both powerful and personal. 4. RESILIENCE Character is forged and seen in endurance. We face the relentless realities of fatigue, frustration and failure while seeking to be faithful to each task. We must be resilient to stay the course as we struggle with endurance. Character development is hard, but remember this: The road of life is littered by the debris of many men who have been talented and successful but failed because of their flawed character. My charge to men, to fathers, is to step up to The Character Challenge. Watch The Character Challenge in its entirety: warrenbaptist.org/media/mens-media ABOUT THE AUTHOR David H. McKinley is pastor-teacher at Warren Baptist Church in Augusta, Ga. #JUNE18

ROSCOMMON, MI – The tables were set for dinner and the chicken was in the smoker as women began arriving at the first Titus 2 Women’s Retreat. The women and girls, ages 8 and up, were anticipating the unknown as they approached the lodge. More than half of the women attending were first timers at Bambi Lake. Unlike many retreats, most of the women arrived at the earliest check-in time. Taking advantage of the free time, they explored the camp. They climbed on Noah’s Ark, enjoyed the swings, and played Family Feud in the Lodge Family Room. Others made new friends in the newly remodeled lobby or relaxed in their rooms while last minute details were finished in the workstations, and readied for dining room. At dinner time, the salad bar was plentiful. As salad bowls were filled, smoked barbecue chicken, roasted red potatoes, and a blend of vegetables were served to the tables. Then, dessert was served, key lime or tiramisu. A time of worship began with camp director, Mick Schatz, leading in a few worship songs before Sharon Hessling shared scriptures and life stories to encourage and challenge. Sharon served as an IMB missionary for many years and, now retired, serves the Lord in Port Huron and also makes fabulous pies! In later sessions, she shared stories of women through the Bible, leading from Eve and the first sin, to the cross where our redemption from sin was paid by Christ. She also shared stories of women impacted by expectations and culture, and how women impact women working and sharing life side by side. Activities planned for the weekend? First, lunch preparations were on the agenda, with several opportunities to participate. Karen Villalpando guided a group making four delicious salads and soups including Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup. Tablecloths and flower arrangements were added to the tales as they shared about hospitality. Katie Nettle worked with a group making bread dough. After the dough had risen overnight, it was baked in 15 mini-loaves. Sharon Hessling taught her special techniques for making flaky crust, making apple and blackberry pies. These pies were served for dessert. She even blessed those who follow a gluten free diet with heavenly apple pie. While lunch preparations were proceeding in the kitchen and eating area, craft activities were taking place on the other side of the room. “I really like the vast amount of choices of things to do” said Abigail, age 15. Elaine Hill encouraged women to show appreciation through the special gift of a handmade, unique card. She also offered opportunity to work on scrapbooking pages. First time crafters in this area were delighted with the use of an embosser and a cricut. As a leader of a break-out session, Elaine reflected on one meaningful encounter at the retreat. “As the ladies went from project to project learning different crafts, I noticed a young woman sitting at my table. She looked miles away in her thoughts. As I walked over, she smiled and apologized for not having started her card. I told her I could help her, but she asked to “just talk”. I sat down by her, and she began to share about her family and things that were burdening her heart. I learned that she was a new Christian, but struggling. She had so many things she didn’t understand. After sharing some verses with her, I asked if I could pray for her. We prayed for wisdom, and thanked God for our new friendship. After that session, as I walked back to the lodge, I realized, sometimes we need to bend with the plans, and sometimes women need to be allowed to “just talk.” Sometimes God has a whole different purpose for a retreat. I’m glad I listened.” Christine Witt led groups of women, step by step, through a flower arranging experience. Beautiful creative arrangements were taken home by their creators. Denise Smiley patiently worked with knitting and crochet. Hot pads and dishcloths were the featured projects, and others joined in with projects of their own. “It was kind of making me mad at first,” said Emily, age 13, “but once I could get it, it was OK!” Although it looks easy, it is harder than it looks. Yarn and needles or hooks were taken home to continue developing the skills learned. “It looked like a scarf for a ceramic dog,” Katie began, “but now it looks like a half of a washcloth.” Katie continued, “It made me think of the things that I do that I could teach.” Would they come again? Was it a great experience? Resounding YES!!! Hannah, age 11, says "It was fun. It was really good. I liked it. I enjoyed the crafts, and just everything!" Theresa attended with her daughter. “I enjoyed the fellowship with Godly women, the light flexible schedule and the side by side mentoring. It is a must for women of all ages to attend.” “We were very excited for the opportunity to partner with Bambi Lake to offer the multi-generational retreat for ladies. It surpassed our expectations! A huge thank you to Nancy Spears and Karen Villalpando for directing this event. We look forward to offering the Titus 2 retreat again next spring,” says Sue Hodnett, Women’s Ministry Director. The next Titus 2 Retreat is scheduled for April 26-27, 2019. Reserve that date on your calendar today! You will want to be a part of this event. Then invite friends and family to join in. Go online, make your reservation and pay your deposit. Women of all ages having side by side experiences - there isn’t anything like it! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nancy Spears serves as administrative assistant to Mick Schatz, director of Bambi Lake Camp and Conference Center. She coordinates communications efforts for the camp as well as participating in many of the camps and activities throughout the year. #JUNE18

DESTIN, FL – I grew up with parents who spent their lives serving the community. We housed athletes who my father had coached plus various youth in the community. My mother fed everyone in the neighborhood. We drove people to church and Sunday school. Shane, my would be husband, started attending the church I was at when we were in high school, and his family had another high school student living with them. I’m pretty sure his mother has fed half of Florida. So, we both experienced very giving environments early on. Our parents were very hospitable people. I had always wanted to pursue some sort of serving career working with underprivileged youth or children. So, it made sense when I ended up in the field of criminal justice. I started working for Department of Juvenile Justice at 21 years old. I thought I was doing great work running transition therapy groups. I was helping youth prepare to transition back into their homes and communities. About a year into working there, some girls came back. That really surprised me because I had thought, “Oh, these girls are going to be successful; they have the skills and they know what they need to know.” I dug a little deeper and quickly learned we were sending them out on their own. They had no support system. Most of the crimes they committed were in conjunction with their parents or older siblings. Saddled with this epiphany I took the opportunity to change career paths. I asked myself, what if I worked with the entire family? Two years into my career with Department of Juvenile Justice, I transitioned over and started working for the child welfare system. I was a case manager then a supervisor. I worked in adoptions for a while as a training manager before becoming a program manager for a case management organization. It’s an emotionally intense field, but I had interesting experiences as a case manager and as a program manager. Shane and I had been married four or five years when a couple in our church approached us about a teenager in need of housing and some welfare services. We had no children at the time and plenty of space in our home. So, we agreed to meet to see how we could help. When we met for dinner, it was very clear this young man should move in with us and become a part of our family. He had aged out of the foster care system and was supposed to live with former foster parents, but they were moving. He was going to be homeless. So, Shane and I had a quick discussion. We decided it’s time to say, “Yes!” We have a home. So, we need to open it. We were both 26 years old, and he was 18 when he moved into our home. Corey became our first child. He’s the same age as my youngest sister. So, it became a very interesting family dynamic. We affectionately call him our man child. We had to set some non-negotiables—house rules. You have to have those boundaries. I think that’s a protection around them. Someone cares enough about me to keep me in boundaries. They may not always verbalize that, but I see with my own children “someone cares enough about me to keep me safe.” Then, we were just really flexible from there. Most of our parenting came after we built a strong relationship. He didn’t know us; we didn’t know him. We were strangers in a long line of strangers he had lived with; so, it took awhile for him to realize we cared about him. We cared about his future. We had to do a lot of work to prove we were committed to him and were invested in his character growth and long-term outcome. If God has called you to be a foster parent or to adopt, then He will provide a way. God will provide the support, the babysitter and the finances to make whatever changes you need to make for your home. People in your church will encourage you. It’s not about trying to find the right time; it’s about just doing it and letting God take care of the details. Don’t simply say no. Pray and follow God’s leading. Experience the highest form of hospitality. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Colleen Riddle is the director of Foster Care Ministries for the Florida Baptist Homes for Children. Her and her husband, Shane, have three children. God built their family in an unusual and unexpected way. #JUNE18

ROSEVILLE, MI – When my wife and I were expecting our first child we received a lot of counsel from many different sources about parenting. Sometimes this counsel would come whether we asked for it or not. Friends, further along on the parenting journey, would admonish us to enjoy every moment because time would pass quickly. Others would counsel subtly by asking questions about what type of schooling we had planned for our child. There was certainly no shortage of counsel given in the endless supply of parenting magazines, articles, books, and blogs. If you are a parent you have probably experienced this as well. In Deuteronomy 6: 4-9 we read these words, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all of your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command to you today shall be on you heart. You shall teach them diligently to you children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and your gates.” When Moses spoke these words, he was doing more than giving Israel some wise counsel on how raise well behaved children or some gimmicky parenting tips to help things go well in the home. God’s people were on the border of Canaan anticipating entering into the land that God had promised them. If you were looking for a nice, comfortable place to raise your children, where they could be insulated from a culture opposed to God, Canaan would not have made it on the top of your list. It was a land fraught with temptation that would potentially lure the hearts of God’s people away from following Him. It was with this in mind that Moses urged Israel to diligently instruct their children about God and remind them of the work of redemption God had accomplished on their behalf in Egypt. Moses knew there would be a battle for the hearts of the generations that would come. He knew if God’s people were passive in their responsibility to teach their children, their children would be prone to forget God and chase after worthless things. Tragically, as we read on in the Old Testament, we find out this is just what happened. After the death of Joshua, Moses’ successor, we read these tragic words in Judges 2:10, And there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD, or that work that he had done for Israel. We are far removed from Canaan by time, but not by experience. The same battle Israel would face for the hearts of their children is the battle we are in for the hearts of our children. This world is not a friend to the Gospel. Moses’ instruction to Israel, on the border of Canaan rings, true for us today. We are often diligent in choosing the right car seat, the right baby monitor, or what we believe is the right schooling option for our children. How much more important is it that we are diligent in teaching our children about the great work of redemption God has accomplished through Christ for all those who believe? There is no greater advice that we can heed as parents than the call to shepherd the hearts of our children. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Chad Holmgren serves as the Family and Children’s Ministry Pastor at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Roseville, Michigan. He and his wife Sarah have three children ages 7, 5, and 3. Chad grew up in the state of Michigan and enjoys reading, following Detroit sports teams (Including the Lions), and hunting and fishing. #JUNE18