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FENTON, MI – In just a few short days, the Christian world will celebrate the greatest event that has taken place in all of humankind’s existence on this terrestrial ball. There is nothing that even comes close to the worth and wonder of what happened on that day, and has caused us to remember and celebrate annually that which changed the course of humanity. Christmas is better than great, but if there had not been an Easter to follow then His coming at Christmas would be for naught. This was no accident. The situation did not get out of control and go so badly that a mob murdered Jesus of their own volition. Circumstances did not dictate the outcome. From the beginning of time, this has been the plan of God for the redemption of sinful and broken humanity. This did not take God by surprise and there was no plan B. Love may have come humbly to earth on Christmas but Love arose victoriously to heaven on Easter. A glorious resurrection took the henchmen of hell by surprise. A glorious resurrection dumbfounded the calloused executioners that tormented and tortured Him. A glorious resurrection left the religious world confused and cowering in the dark corners of their black souls. Because there is an Easter, every Believer should have a hallelujah in their hearts and a loud, lingering praises on their lips. A pastors’ child, three-year-old Nicole, was as anxious for Easter to come as she had been for Christmas day. Her mother was expecting her third child in just a few weeks, and many parishioners were giving them baby gifts since this was her parent’s first child in their church. Nicole had picked out a new dress and her mother had given her a new white bonnet. She and her parents stopped at a store to buy her a new pair of shoes to go with her outfit. While in the store, she repeated something she had been saying all day. She said, "I can't wait for Easter, Daddy!" Her father asked her, "Do you know what Easter means, honey?" She replied, "Yes." "Well, what does Easter mean?" In her own sweet three-year-old way, with arms raised, a smile on her face, and at the top of her voice she said, "Surprise!" What better word could sum up the meaning of Easter! Surprise, death! You lost! Surprise, hell! You can no longer hold us. Surprise, sin! Your curse is gone. Surprise, mourning disciples! He is alive. Surprise, modern man! He is still transforming lives today! Now that is something to shout about. On the Easter, just before he died, D. William Sangster painfully printed a short note to his daughter. A deeply spiritual Methodist, he had been spearheading a renewal movement in the British Isles after World War II. Then a disease that progressively paralyzed his body ended his ministry, except for prayer. He even lost use of his vocal chords. Nevertheless, the last Easter Sunday he spent on earth, still able to move his fingers, he wrote: "How terrible to wake up on Easter and have no voice to shout, 'He is risen!' Yet far worse is to have a voice and not want to shout." It is my prayer and God’s desire that we truly celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. Celebrate with the voice He has given you and shout to the world! Surprise! He is alive and well and soon coming again. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tim Patterson is Executive Director/Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Elected unanimously in May of 2015, Patterson formerly served for 9 years as pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. He also served as trustee chair and national mobilizer for the North American Mission Board. #APRIL18

FENTON, MI – Last month, I described what I labeled as Secondhand Faith. I described its six traits or markers. This month, I do not want to paint a completely negative picture because there is good news. There is evidence that spirituality has grown in recent years. Bookstores have enlarged their spiritual reading sections. Music producers have created discs from all corners of the spiritual world. Mainline movies from Hollywood have been filled with spiritual themes. People have used the Internet, in record numbers, searching for answers to spiritual questions. Television and radio programs have been peppered with spiritual jargon. Pop culture and current celebrities have cast a spotlight on the latest self-improvement trend. Spirituality is on the rise. We cannot let this moment escape us without trying to move our world from an ambiguous spirituality toward an accurate expression of genuine faith. Like the freshness date on a bottle of milk, it could be that we have a limited window of opportunity in which to transform the population before the next mood takes us farther away from authentic spirituality. We should make the most of this opportunity. Ten Trends I need to share what I believe are ten trends in today’s world. This phenomenon is a multigenerational trend. I have friends, who live by secondhand faith’s six markers, who are in their 20s, 40s, and 70s. I find that those who have adopted the mood of secondhand faith live by the following ten trends: 1. Are comfortable with mysteries, everything need not be explained 2. Prefer learning through interactive dialogues, not monologues 3. Like to discover things for themselves, not be indoctrinated 4. Have a bad impression of Christianity, not an accurate one 5. Focus on the here-and-now, not so much the hereafter 6. Will choose amorality over a stringent morality 7. Want to be perceived as spiritual, not religious 8. Feel insignificant, not important 9. Want community, not isolation 10. Are skeptical, not gullible A familiar passage written thousands of years ago says, “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). While that is absolutely true concerning man’s search for meaning, it is still profitable to analyze our current situation in fresh ways. Twelve Effective Habits The markers and trends associated with secondhand faith offer a quick sketch of our contemporary audience. By reviewing these lists, from time to time, I have created twelve personal habits that I follow while trying to help friends transform their secondhand faith into a genuine faith. 1. Intercede for friends, seekers, and myself through regular prayer times. I ask the Lord to open up opportunities for spiritual discussions. I have to be ready to discuss spiritual matters when the moment arrives. Those important moments often come at the most surprising times. 2. Inform people about the gospel with all sorts of media. I share creative business cards, digital images, text messages, tracts, websites, video files, audio files, DVDs, and CDs, with my contact information attached. Those materials start and continue dialogues. I attempt to fill their senses with different forms of the same message: video testimonies, music, and personal stories of conversion from those who resemble my friends. It seems that offering morsels of the message in small doses is much more effective than exhaustive explanations. 3. Initiate spiritual discussions and listen carefully. I have stopped using the word “religion” when talking with someone about his or her spirituality. Labels too often lead to misunderstandings. I intentionally use everyday language to discuss faith. I usually say something like, “Please, tell me about your spiritual journey.” This approach seems to lead to a more candid and thorough discussion. During the conversation, or soon afterwards, my new acquaintance asks about my spiritual journey which allows us to more freely discuss the claims of Christ and Christianity. 4. Infiltrate the lives of people in a respectful way. People who follow secondhand faith rarely come to church. Therefore, I have to make the initial effort by entering into areas of their lives where we can have conversations. Intentionally bridging relationships with new friends can be done through cultural, recreational, activist, and social activities. Oftentimes, I find those involved in meaningful or charitable activities more easily identify with me. I explain my concerns for ecology, world events, social injustices, and charitable events while referring to my faith. Our common interests allow me time to translate the gospel into forms they will more easily understand. 5. Introduce people to the Lord as if He is a close personal friend. This is not an effort to trivialize God. It is a way of showing God’s personal concern in their lives. People often think that God is too impersonal and far-removed from their reality. Understanding that God knew them before they were born and that He knows their thoughts and motives moves them from feeling insignificant to a more correct assessment of how God actually sees them. 6. Inspire people with the narrative stories of the Bible and current testimonies. People like to know they are not alone in their daily struggles. They find community and answers in other peoples’ experiences. They are not looking for perfect people. They are looking for people who are transparent and honest about their own spiritual journeys. In reality, they want someone to show that a more fulfilling life can be acquired in this lifetime. 7. Instill a confidence in the Bible by helping people to become familiar with its contents. People want to know how the Bible relates to their daily lives. Scriptural application needs to be straightforward and practical. They will discover for themselves that much of their dissatisfaction in life comes from the fact that their lives do not line-up with the expectations in the Bible. 8. Interact in small discussion groups mixing many seekers with a couple of respected believers. Most of my friends seem to learn best through interactive dialogues and discussions. They do not seem to gain as much from simply listening to a discourse. Monologues make them feel they are being coerced with religious propaganda. They are not comfortable displaying ignorance on subjects. So, small groups allow them to express their doubts and explore their questions in a friendly, relaxed environment. This involvement with other Christians advances the seeker’s confidence in genuine faith. The more Christians a seeker meets during the early stages of his or her search, the more reasonable conversion seems. 9. Invite people to attend a gathering of Christians involved in a vibrant worship experience even before they have become Christians. Seekers, involved with secondhand faith, often crave a dynamic and vibrant community. They love the mystery of worship. They find a sense of belonging and community within Christian groups often before they are ready to convert to Christianity. Our friends have often made their final step toward conversion after observing Christians in authentic, passionate worship. Figuratively speaking, I find ways to expand the entryway of our Christian groups and churches. I have to allow people to take part in our activities and to find a sense of belonging before they are willing to believe. 10. Identify prayerfully where God is at work in each person’s life and customize relationships so as to join God in what He is already accomplishing. The Holy Spirit is always at work urging men and women toward the Lord. I want to take part in what God is already doing rather than control all of my relationships in a common manner. 11. Insult no one. While making comparisons between spiritual pathways, discussing morals, and encouraging those involved in secondhand faith toward genuine faith, I have to be careful to not insult, malign, or attack anyone’s personal spirituality. This is important regardless of where my friends are in their spiritual journey. I can say that something is not in agreement with the Bible or is not in keeping with God’s expectations without offending anyone. People learn to make their own critical comparisons as they increase their confidence in Christ and the Bible. 12. Inquire frequently, asking people to reflect on where they are in their spiritual journey when coming to Christ. People need to share their spiritual challenges aloud, as they consider the claims of Christianity. They often struggle with the exclusive claims of Christianity stating that Christ is the only way to salvation. Allowing them to wrestle aloud with their obstacles in a secure relationship allows them to discover new spiritual insights. Let me ask, are you and your church poised to attract and persuade those who live by a secondhand faith that Christ is the only true solution for their condition? If not, call, email, snapchat, or one of those other new ways of communicating and we will help. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tony Lynn is the State Director of Missions for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before coming on staff at the BSCM, Tony served as lead pastor for more than six years at Crosspoint Church in Monroe, Michigan. He and his wife, Jamie, also served with the International Mission Board in Africa and in Europe. #APRIL18

FENTON, MI – My wife shared a verse from her devotional time that spoke to her heart and subsequently, mine. She quoted the words of Jesus in John 16:16. He says, “a little while, and you will no longer see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me.” Jesus is talking about his crucifixion. The reason they wouldn’t see him is because he would soon be dead. He is going to be executed on a cross for our sins and His death will turn their world upside down. The three days between the crucifixion and the resurrection were agonizing for the disciples. It was a time of crushing sorrow. They spent three days living in fear and condemnation. They tortured themselves as they went over and over all the possible, “If only’s” They were living in the land of “would of, could of, should of” but it didn’t change anything. They blamed themselves, each other, the Jewish leaders, and the Roman Government for what happened. Life was instantly defined by a new reality - Jesus was dead! We look back from the perspective of history and we understand that it was only “a little while” and they saw Jesus again. Their sorrow was turned to joy because of the resurrection. The resurrection changed everything, but those days when they couldn’t see Jesus were some of the most difficult days of their lives. Someone has aptly said, “A little while doesn’t feel like a little while when you can’t see Jesus.” The disciples weren't the only ones who experience life's “little whiles." You and I go through "Little Whiles" in life. Little whiles are times when we struggle. Times when we are going through things are difficult or confusing. We experience things that are painful emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The reality is that no one gets through life without getting hurt - not even Jesus! Jesus faced the pain, the cruelty, the injustice of the cross, and he died. But DEATH COULD NOT KEEP HIM! Life changed instantly for the disciples Easter Sunday. “So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Peace be with you’"(John 20:19). Jesus stands in their midst. They see Him and it changes everything. His resurrection fills their lives with hope and gives them reason to rejoice. Seeing the living Jesus changes everything. They move from one “little while” to another when they see Jesus. Seeing Jesus still does that today. 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. #APRIL18

ROSCOMMON, MI – Easter! Resurrection Day! Truly a time for reflection and celebration. We must reflect on the greatness of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. He made possible that which could never be achieved through human effort - a personal relationship with the Heavenly Father. Colossians 1:21 puts it like this - “Once you were alienated and hostile in your minds because of your evil actions. But now He has reconciled you by His physical body through His death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before Him.” WOW! Even though I was once owned and controlled by evil and even though my attitudes and actions were wicked and vindictive towards His love, HE STILL GAVE EVERYTHING FOR ME! WOW! Forgiveness has been given, my status has changed from slave to free, able to stand holy, faultless, and blameless before the King of Kings! What makes Easter even more amazing is its’ availability. This total forgiveness and freedom is available to all who believe and confess the Lordship of Christ. Our Heavenly Father would prefer all to accept the “gift” of Resurrection Day. It is not limited to a those of a particular race, color or economic status. It’s not even limited to those who are kind, good or moral. It is for ALL. As our church attendance increases on Easter Sunday it’s easy to see that a lost world is desirous of something more. Something life changing, a new status, a family, a refuge to run to, an anchor in the storm, a someone named Jesus. Let’s not be shy in introducing them to Him - forgiveness and freedom. Finally, as I reflect on Easter, I am overwhelmed with the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He literally gave-up everything for me and you. He embraced suffering so I could experience joy. He embraced death so I could have life. He gave up a home in heaven so I can call heaven home. WOW! The love of Christ for us demands a response. I love to write and sing worship songs as it is my personal response to what Christ has done. This song “A Crown for a Cross” is a feeble attempt to respond to the overwhelming, never-ending love of God! “A Crown for a Cross” Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, living to die, Jesus, broken for my sin, battered and bruised, my only rescue You saw me unclean, still You came to redeem me You suffered my shame, still You called me by name You gave everything, a crown for a cross, a throne for no home, You suffered alone, You poured out Your love, so extravagantly, You took my blame, You gave everything, a crown for a cross Jesus, laid in borrowed tomb, salvation had died, Jesus, victorious over death, rose from grave, I am no longer a slave I was broken apart, still You gave me Your heart, I was living a lie, still You gave me new life You gave everything, a crown for a cross, a throne for no home, You suffered alone, You poured out Your love, so extravagantly, You took my blame, You gave everything, a crown for a cross With my hands I will praise you with my voice I will shout Your name With my strength I will serve You, all my life I will give You everything With my hands I will praise you with my voice I will shout Your name With my strength I will serve You, all my life I will give You everything I will give You everything, I will give You everything So, WHAT WILL YOUR RESPONSE BE? ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mick Schatz serves on the staff of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. He is the State Director of Spiritual Enrichment and Retreats and lives at Bambi Lake. #APRIL18

RICHMOND, VA – International Mission Board missionaries Dr. Randy Arnett, 62, and Kathy Arnett, 61, died March 14, 2018, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Missouri-native missionaries served as theological education strategists for Africa. The Arnetts were traveling to a theological training event with fellow missionaries Jeff and Barbara Singerman, from Ohio, when the single-vehicle accident occurred about two-hours’ travel from Kinshasa, the nation's capital. The Singermans, who sustained injuries in the accident, were transferred to Kinshasa for medical care. They have since been transferred to Johannesburg, South Africa, for continued care. The missionaries were driven by a Congolese national who also sustained injuries but has been released from medical care in Kinshasa. “Randy and Kathy Arnett in so many ways represent what is best about the IMB,” said IMB President David Platt. “They gave their lives and family for over 30 years proclaiming the gospel, planting churches, and training pastors and missionaries across Sub-Saharan Africa. They did all of this with a zeal for God’s name, a confidence in God’s Word, and a dependence on God’s Spirit. They lived — and died — for what matters most in this world. They will be missed deeply by their family and friends, our entire IMB family, and men and women across Africa, yet we are looking forward to a reunion with them when one day we will see all the fruit of God’s grace in them for His glory among the nations.” INVESTED IN AFRICA Randy and Kathy Arnett were appointed as Southern Baptist missionaries on Oct. 14, 1986. Following French language study in Tours, France, they moved to roles in theological education in Lomé, Togo. Randy taught at Ecole Baptiste de Théologie pour l’Afrique Occidentale (the Baptist Seminary of Theology for West Africa), and Kathy directed the Bible Correspondence School and then served as director and professor in the seminary wives’ program. In 2000, the Arnetts moved to Cote d’Ivoire to coordinate Southern Baptist human needs ministry for West Africa. Kathy also served as regional HIV/AIDS coordinator, responsible for the research and development of church and team HIV/AIDS responses for West Africa. In 2003, Randy became the West Africa research and analysis coordinator. From 2004-09, he served as West Africa regional leader, still based in Cote d’Ivoire. Kathy became the regional events coordinator for West Africa, organizing large-scale meetings, mid-term conferences and training events. From 2009 until their deaths, the Arnetts were theological education strategists for Africa. They were responsible for networking with seminaries worldwide and assisting national theological institutions in improving their effectiveness. They also taught at the Institute Baptiste pour la Formation Pastorale et Missionnaire in Côte d’Ivoire, in subjects such as evangelism, missiology, cultural anthropology and Baptist history. JOYFUL RAPPORT “What stands out to me about Randy and Kathy was their love for Africans and the exceptional rapport they had with them,” said Roger Haun, who served alongside the Arnetts in Africa. “This rapport came from the fact that Randy and Kathy were joyful people — always smiling, and Randy was often teasing and joking with people and always sharing in their lives.” Haun, who now serves as director of IMB’s personnel service center in Richmond, and his wife, Sarah, knew the Arnetts for the duration of their careers as missionaries. They served together on leadership of the West Africa regional team, they lived as neighbors in Africa, and their children attended school together. The last time the Hauns were with the Arnetts in Africa was the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Baptist work in Cote d’Ivoire in August 2016. “Many participants were marching about two miles from the nearby town to the seminary where the celebration was held,” Haun said. “Randy and Kathy were right there in the middle of it — singing and dancing the whole distance with the African participants under the hot African sun, rejoicing with their African brothers and sisters in Christ.” INFLUENCE FOR GENERATIONS Colleagues of the Arnetts have noted how their lives impacted the work of theological education strategy in Africa and around the world. “Randy and Kathy were long-term missionaries who epitomized what being a missionary is,” said Chuck Lawless, who serves as team leader for theological education strategists for the IMB. “They were no longer North Americans taking the gospel to Africans. In some ways, they had become Africans taking the gospel to other Africans.” “The Arnetts were theological trainers who knew well the importance of contextualizing our training approaches,” Lawless said. “We will miss them greatly, but their influence will continue for generations.” LIFELONG LEARNING In the preface to his doctoral dissertation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, which later became the book Pentecostalization: The Evolution of Baptists in Africa, Arnett wrote that he discovered through his study “that my missiology, birthed in the crucible of practice, holds up in the heat of academic inquiry. Indeed, I have adjusted and strengthened my thinking, but the foundation stands firm.” “Many students begin their doctoral studies with a dissertation topic in mind. I did not. About two years into the program, I encountered a word in an obscure article that caught my attention —pentecostalization. The term captured that which I had observed among West African Baptists. Thus, the quest began, the quest of placing the pentecostalization of Baptists in the crucible of academic inquiry. And, it has been an insightful and enjoyable quest.” Arnett added that “God called me to missions and gave the faculty of scholarship. My insatiable desire for understanding comes from Him. Thank you for your goodness and mercy that makes all this possible.” The Arnetts are survived by two grown daughters, Bevin Wyrick and Jillian Cavness. Visitation is planned for Thursday, March 29, from 4-7 p.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri. A memorial service is planned for Friday, March 30, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Springfield with a graveside service to follow. The daughters plan to honor their parents by wearing African clothing to the funeral and invite others to also wear African clothing, if they feel led. Read a tribute to the Arnetts’ work by Chuck Lawless, dean of doctoral studies and vice president for spiritual formation at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he also serves as professor of evangelism and missions. Lawless also serves team leader for theological education strategists for the IMB. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Julie McGowan is public relations manager for the IMB. #MARCH18

NASHVILLE, TN (BP) – In an era of shrinking newspaper readership, Baptist state papers retain a viable path forward as "niche publications" with strong online and print presence, state paper editor Lonnie Wilkey told the Tennessee Baptist Historical Society (TBHS). "The newspaper industry is declining, but Baptist papers still have a future," said Wilkey, editor of Tennessee's Baptist and Reflector newsjournal. That's "mainly because we are niche publications ... If you want to read about Tennessee Baptists, the only source you really have is the Baptist and Reflector." Baptist papers in other states, he said, similarly serve as the main viable sources about Baptists there. Wilkey made his remarks in a keynote address March 8 at the TBHS's 20th annual meeting in Nashville. Held at the Southern Baptist Convention Building, the gathering also featured a business session and a panel discussion on the society's first 20 years and the need for a new generation to pick up the mantle of preserving Baptist history. State papers, Wilkey said, are key sources for preserving Baptist history because "the news we report today is tomorrow's history." Nonetheless, newspapers in general "are dying," Wilkey said, noting that from 2008-11, 166 secular newspapers stopped publication or shifted exclusively to online content. With the transition to online news content, he added, readers are spending less time consuming news articles. Amid those realities, Wilkey suggested ways "to breathe new life" into Baptist state papers. First, state papers must adapt by combining a "strong online presence" with continuing print publication, though perhaps with less frequent print editions. For the Baptist and Reflector, Wilkey said, developing a website "has actually helped us become a better, more effective newspaper" by publishing stories as they break rather than waiting for the next print edition. At the same time, "we would lose a huge section of our readers" -- especially in smaller churches -- "if we stopped publication of print" editions. State papers also must adapt by involving more young adults in their production, Wilkey said. Seminary communications offices and state paper internships used to produce numerous young Baptist journalists, he said. But today "there are not that many young journalists coming along, so it's up to the papers to go out and find people who will carry the banner." While innovative strategies for increasing revenue and readership are essential for state papers going forward, Wilkey said, their survival ultimately is a spiritual matter "in God's hands." "If we continue to tell stories ... of how the churches are bringing Him glory and honor, our publication will succeed and will survive because we have to have someone to tell those stories," Wilkey said. The TBHS panel discussion featured retired Tennessee Baptist Convention executive director James Porch, retired Belmont University historian Albert Wardin and retired Middle Tennessee State University historian Fred Rolater, who received the Albert W. Wardin Meritorious Service Award during the meeting to honor his contributions to the TBHS. Wardin, author of a 700-page history of Tennessee Baptists, encouraged Southern Baptists to learn not only the history of their own denomination, but of other Baptist groups as well. "We don't realize the history and the past relationship to other Baptist groups," Wardin said, "and why there have been divisions." Those divisions have "made what we are today." Porch, who holds a doctor of theology degree in church history, said Baptist historians, like Baptist journalists, need to develop a new generation to carry on their work. "If we could develop a core" group from younger generations who understand "the importance of our history," Porch said, "it would be one of the best things that we could do." See related Baptist Press story on state Baptist newspapers. ABOUT THE AUTHOR David Roach is chief national correspondent for Baptist Press, the Southern Baptist Convention's news service. BP reports on missions, ministry and witness advanced through the Cooperative Program and on news related to Southern Baptists' concerns nationally and globally. #MARCH18

RICHMOND, VA – Omar Loza accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior in his home country of Peru, and then he shared the gospel with his friends and family. A few years after reading that God wants believers to take the gospel to the ends of the earth, he visited an Andean town. “I saw Aymara people worshipping God in their own language and culture,” he said. “God put in my heart a desire to see many different people groups worshiping Him.” Omar’s wife, Tia, said she also has known she wanted to make Christ known to others since she surrendered her own life to the Lord’s leadership. The Lozas, who are being sent by La Respuesta-Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, to serve God in the Americas, are among 20 new full-time, fully funded missionaries appointed by International Mission Board trustees Feb. 28 and recognized during a Sending Celebration near Richmond, Virginia. Good news “God reconciling all peoples of the earth to Himself and to one another was good news to two kids raised in broken homes,” said Stephanie Roth, who was born in Alaska, “met Jesus” at age 3, and moved to Kansas at age 10. “Reading about and meeting missionaries in person drew me to dedicate my life to missions as a teen.” Her husband, Christian, said he learned the realities of a culture far from God while spending summers with his unbelieving father in Sweden. Christian said it broke his heart. “Redeemer Church has been a flame for us, a place of warmth and comfort, burning refinement, and an igniter to see God’s glory made known,” he said. The church, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is sending the Roths to Scandinavia to share the gospel among the European peoples. Encountering God IMB President David Platt challenged the new missionaries with a message from the Book of Exodus, beginning with the story of the Israelites in slavery in Egypt and then God’s plan to deliver His people. “Moses was simply minding his own business, but you never know when your life might be changed forever by an encounter with God,” Platt said. In an encounter with God, Moses asks two questions: “Who am I? Who am I, God, that you would send me, a stammering shepherd?” (Exodus 3:11) and “Who are you?” (Exodus 3:13). God’s answer: I AM — Yahweh — translated “The LORD.” “The same God who appeared to Moses in the burning bush is the same God who is sending you,” Platt told the new missionaries. “Remember when you are God’s servant in God’s presence doing God’s work, you are on holy ground. You are in the presence of the holy God of the universe.” He said the Name of God also reveals that God is merciful, He is ever-present, He is all-powerful, He is self-existent, He is self-sufficient, He is eternal, He is immutable, He is faithful, and He is sovereign. Therefore, Platt said, the missionaries must remember to find their rest and refuge in The LORD, and live so the nations might be glad in Him. “You are stepping out on the absolutely true promises of God,” Platt said. “There is no safer place to be.” Surrendered Just as Moses obeyed God and trusted His faithfulness, the new missionaries are following God’s leadership in their lives. For Mark and Aimee Phillips from First Baptist Church, McAllen, Texas, exposure to God’s work through the years has led to their joining Him on mission. They are being sent to serve in Sub-Saharan Africa among the peoples of Madagascar. “Through the testimonies of missionaries at church camp, I became burdened for those that don’t know Jesus, and it was there that I surrendered my life to share the gospel with the nations,” Aimee shared during the celebration. “In Romans 15 it says, ‘those who have never heard will understand,” Mark said. “This same call to take the gospel to the nations was confirmed in my heart during a summer volunteering with the IMB in Uganda. Through multiple short-term mission trips and ISC terms, God has continued to reaffirm His call on our lives to share the gospel where Christ has never been named.” Who will go? Luke and Lilly Price* attend a church in North Carolina that highlights a people group every Sunday that has no access to the gospel and no known believers. “As one of the pastors, I would encourage our people to pray that God would send believers to take the gospel to these people groups,” Luke said. “One day I realized that I couldn't keep praying that God would send other people to take the gospel. We needed to be willing to go.” Lilly said they are excited to be going to a part of the world — South Asia — that is home to hundreds of unreached people groups. They are joining more than 3,500 other full-time workers sent by Southern Baptists, cooperating with the vision of a multitude from every language, people, tribe and nation knowing and worshiping our Lord Jesus Christ. The opportunities are limitless. Find out how you can go. *Names changed. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Julie McGowan is public relations manager for IMB. #MARCH18

SHARONVILLE, OH – Tragedy strikes the human experience. We suffered the horror of the Valentine’s Day slaughter of children at a Florida high school. We bid farewell to the last great evangelist just a few days later. Many readers experienced the loss of a loved one or friend to sickness, accident or age. Nothing ever prepares us for these events but it’s the first one, in Florida, that has rocked us to our core. How could a young man decide to deliberately murder his peers? Does the Bible reveal the root of such tragedy? Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:1-4 about the last days. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;” Whether these are the last days or not, all would agree they are perilous. The thing that makes them that way are the men who live as Paul describes. The list is long and sordid. As we look at it we can calculate multiple reasons why tragedy is the fruit of such men. So how does the church respond? Let’s stay with Paul’s letter to Timothy and see if he’ll give us an answer to our question. First, he tells Timothy to hold on to what he has learned (2 Tim 3:14-17). Timothy lived a biblically centered life which started in his childhood and continued through his association with Paul. The church and Christian parents must make Bible training a priority for children and youth. It is time to return to catechizing our families in the word of God and the doctrines of our faith. Second, he tells Timothy to preach the word (2 Tim 4:1-2). Notice that this is the only remedy to the kind of unsound doctrine that leads to error. The church must make the exposition of the word of God central to every service, every ministry, every class, and every event. It is the foundation of a healthy Christian spirituality. Finally, he gives Timothy a four-fold charge (2 Tim 4:5). Paul tells him to watch. This is the work of every man in prayer. Watchfulness describes the church. Paul tells him to endure affliction. We have something of the same tenor in 1 Tim 2:3 where Paul says, “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Life during perilous times is hard. The “despisers” are looking for a reason to do their work against the church. We must endure and preach and pray. Paul tells him to do the work of an evangelist. Our broken world needs the gospel. The men described in chapter three need the gospel. Who will tell them if not the church? Paul ends by telling him to fully perform his ministry. People are hurting. Tragedy again has raised its ugly head. How should the church respond? We fully perform our ministry by demonstrating the love of God we have received. The shattered and broken hearted need comfort. They need the comfort we have received in Christ. During these perilous times let’s resolve to let the church be the church. That is, a family of biblically centered, cross carrying, Christ committed people ready to comfort a hurting world. ABOUT THE AUTHOR David B. Smith is a pastor and the founder and broadcaster of Daily Dose Radio, a five minute podcast studying the Psalms verse by verse. #MARCH18

FENTON, MI – During the month of March Southern Baptists will join together in prayer and giving to support our mission efforts across North America. The offering is called the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering (AAEO) and is named after a champion of missions who lived 100 years ago. Here and Now is this year’s theme referencing the urgency of the need. Every gift to the AAEO - 100 percent – goes to train, resource, and send more than 5000 missionaries in church planting and compassion ministries across the United States, Canada and their territories. The cooperative giving of Southern Baptist churches and individuals makes the work possible. The churches that make up the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) gave more than $140,000 to the offering last year. As part of the mission offering emphasis, the North American Mission Board (NAMB) highlights the work of a group of missionaries from around the continent. This year, one of Michigan’s own missionary couples, Travis and Jennifer Whittaker, are two of the featured missionaries. They are a church planter couple at the Mile City Church in South Lyon. Travis began his life in Christian ministry as a musician until God called him to do more. “I never wanted to plant churches,” Travis says. “Because of my stuttering problem, I wanted to sing for Jesus, not teach. But I heard the call of God challenge me to lead in a new way.” Mile City is helping launch a new church in Grand Blanc this year, and is already planning to help another new church. To see the video of their story just click here. NAMB provides a wide range of resources to prepare churches to give and pray for the AAEO. Check out the various resources with multiple language translations, videos for your church, social media package and printable resources. To view all the available resources, visit www.anniearmstrong.com/resources. #MARCH18

GANGNEUNG, SOUTH KOREA (BP) – On an uncharacteristically warm day during the Winter Olympics, visitors to the train station were greeted by a number of different religious groups. The Mormons wore yellow vests. The Jehovah's Witnesses had their literature racks set up. Methodist Koreans were carrying yellow bags as they handed out literature. Among these were a group of volunteers from the SBC of Virginia distributing copies of the books of Romans and John in 24 different languages. "The world comes to one location, so this gives you an opportunity to share the Gospel and to give them something in their hand that they can read and follow up with even after they leave," said Steve Bradshaw, director of evangelism for SBCV. "We're to go into all the world, so it's really just doing the work of the Great Commission." The Virginia volunteers were just a few of the many Baptists, both from the United States and across the world, who traveled to South Korea to minister and evangelize during the Olympics. "There's a sense of unity in the games," said Mindy McCord, administrative coordinator at SBCV. "We're all cheering for our own people. It's all competition, but once you're outside of the venue or the event, there's not contention between countries. It's just so easy to strike up conversations with people who you wouldn't normally interact with." David Crim, a long-time Southern Baptist who serves as pastor of International Baptist Church of Manila in the Philippines, brought 14 of his church members to South Korea to seek opportunities to share the Gospel with people. Crim said his "disciple-makers" were trained to start "Gospel conversations" using the acronym "LOVE." They'll ask people what they "like" about the Olympics, what their "opinions" are about what the world needs most to experience the kind of unity seen at the Olympics, what is most "valuable" about the Olympics that can lead to peace and unity and then "engage" them in a short message about how they can be connected with God's love for them. International Baptist Church also established a website, godspassionconnected.info, where they could direct people they encounter who wanted more information about what it means to be a Christian. Those who respond through the site will be directed to a church in their community. Overall, Crim said his church's interactions had been positive. "There have been a few rejections and even a few unkind responses, but most people have been willing to engage," he said. "We are leaving the results of our conversations to God. We see our role as simply planting seeds of the Gospel." Randall Aldridge, an SBCV church planting strategist and part of the South Korean ministry team, went to the Olympics in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro and connected with Outreach Bible Project, a ministry of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Acworth, Ga. (an American Baptist congregation). OBP is a ministry that takes short-term volunteers to Olympic host cities to help distribute Bibles, tracts and pins that are used as a means of sharing the Gospel. "We just wanted to see if it was something that our churches could get involved with, if it would be another opportunity that we could offer our churches to do ministry around the world," Aldridge said. "God always provides for us divine appointments and opportunities to share the Gospel and also to connect with other Christians." The SBCV group also spent time, in addition to the train station, at Olympic Park for the ice events and in Alpensia for the ski events. Bradshaw said they were already thinking about how SBCV churches might be involved in the 2020 Olympics in Japan and come alongside local churches there to assist them in sharing the Gospel. For McCord, the trip to South Korea was a trip home. The daughter of International Mission Board missionaries who served in South Korea, McCord lived there until she was almost 14. "For me to be able to come back home and do ministry where ministry began for my family is a pretty incredible opportunity," she said. "I love these people. I love this country. This is home. To remember that, to see that again 20 years later, is pretty special." ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tim Ellsworth is a sports correspondent for Baptist Press and associate vice president for university communications at Union University in Jackson, Tenn. He is covering the Winter Olympics in South Korea for Baptist Press, previously having covered four Olympics -- 2008 in Beijing, 2010 in Vancouver, 2012 in London and 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. #MARCH18

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Rev. Billy Graham has been described as the most widely heard Christian evangelist in history, according to the Associated Press. He traveled to 185 countries worldwide spreading the Gospel, but his first ever crusade took place in Grand Rapids. It should then come as no surprise his ministry had an impact on many right here in Michigan. Graham's famous televised "Crusades" had Michigan roots. Hudsonville couple, Wendell and Grace Leathead, in an interview with The Grand Rapids Press years ago, remembered a message they heard from Graham at a Grand Rapids rally in September 1947. "It was the renowned evangelist's first 'crusade.'" "That particular night impacted my whole life in terms of serving the Lord," said Grace Leathead. "He preached such a simple gospel message. I was really touched by that message, and opened my heart to the Lord and became a Christian." "He had a way of exciting you about the word of God when he preached and people responded to his message," Leathead said. "He was just a real inspiration to me and to so many thousands of people...He didn’t try to be showy or anything. He was just so convinced of what he knew to be the truth and expressed it very well." At the time, Wendell and Grace were teenage sweethearts, were among a group of kids from Grandville's Grace Bible Church who went to hear Graham speak at Calvary Church. They later married -- he worked in construction and she served many years as church secretary. Their souls are among the countless ones touched by Graham, who went on from speaking to 6,000 people in that initial crusade in Grand Rapids to lead rallies involving millions of people across the globe, and upward of 1 billion television viewers. Graham’s legacy also extends to the local chapter of Youth for Christ, an organization he helped create. "We stand on his shoulders as we continue to serve kids here in West Michigan," West Michigan Youth for Christ Executive Director Dan Kregel told 24 Hour News 8. "He started off as our first employee. He made $75 a week back in the day and we went all over the country at youth rallies, sharing the good news of the Gospel." Graham served as the first evangelist leader for the organization. Kregel said he set the tone for their continued mission. "It’s sad," Kregel said of his death. "Our world has lost somebody of such high integrity and such high character and just a deep calling to share the good news of the Gospel. His life purpose was to help every single person experience life in Jesus Christ and you know, that’s really the hope of the world." Billy Graham was 99 years old and will be laid to rest in Charlotte, North Carolina. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Tanda Gmiter serves as the newsroom leader for MLive in Grand Rapids. I have the pleasure of working with our wonderful staff of journalists and being immersed in West Michigan's news scene daily. I am proud of what we do here at MLive. Lynsey Mukomel joined 24 Hour News 8 from Cadillac, where she anchored weekends and reported at the 10 News. Lynsey grew up east of beautiful West Michigan, in Troy. Lynsey attended Columbia College Chicago, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and Latin American and Latino studies. Lynsey is thrilled to join West Michigan’s #1 news team and is passionate about sharing people’s stories, uncovering corruption and reporting breaking news. #MARCH18

DETROIT, MI – When I played basketball I would hear my coaches tell me all the time to “stop looking at the scoreboard.” Then when I became a basketball coach I told my players to “stop looking at the scoreboard.” Looking at the scoreboard can either make you lazy or discouraged, either way it does no good. If a team is “winning” they have a tendency to stop playing hard and to rely on their natural talents. If a team is “losing,” they become discouraged and no longer want to play the game they love. One of the most dangerous things athletes can do when they are engaging in their sport is to look at the scoreboard. Although the scoreboard is an indicator of what is happening in the game, it does not tell the whole story. It only gives you a brief snapshot, but it does not show you a picture of what will happen within the game in the future. As a church planter, I offer this advice to others pursuing God’s calling to begin a new church - Do not look at the scoreboard. We all know what the church planting scoreboard is. The ABCs, Attendance, Buildings and Cash. From the world’s perspective that may measure success, however it is not an indicator at all if we are being successful in the kingdom. If those are the measurements then Jesus would have been a failure! Leading a church is not a sport and the only scoreboard that matters is that we are being faithful to the assignment that Jesus has given us. Crossover Church was planted in September 2016, and we have come to realize that only He is in control of the outcomes. We are to live a life of faithfulness to Him. God has called us to focus on the field, not on the scoreboard. And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. - Luke 10:2 (ESV) God wants us to focus on the field of people who are lost and who are waiting for laborers to share the gospel with them. The reason we can even dream about planting a church is because someone went out into the field and shared the gospel with us. The scoreboard lies, it doesn’t tell the whole story. No matter what it looks like, we are already victorious. We have already won the championship. We are on the winning team. Let’s stop looking at the scoreboard and start looking unto Jesus. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ken Nether was a typical teenager who “grew up in church but never grew up in Christ.” However, while he was playing professional basketball overseas, the God he heard all his life whispered “Go Home.” Ken decided to listen and has been following the path God has set before him ever since. Pastor Ken has been a teacher and basketball coach in the city of Detroit for the past 6 years. He is a dynamic communicator, insightful scholar who has the ability to connect with all people from all ages and backgrounds. On September 18th, 2016, Ken and his wife Tolice, alongside an incredible team, launched CROSSOVER CHURCH. #MARCH18