Search Results

SHELBY TOWNSHIP – We are in the midst of the crazy and busy Christmas season. It seems as if time speeds up from November 1st to January 1st! So often we rush store to store in search of the perfect Christmas gift, we feel pressure to attend all the holiday events we are invited to, and we try to fit in all the holiday baking that is expected of us by our family. If we are not careful, we can get caught up in all the activity and commercialism of the season and miss what the season is all about! A verse I have been thinking on over the last few weeks comes from Luke right in the middle of the Christmas story. The shepherds had been in the field keeping watch over their flock, when suddenly, they were greeted by an angel who told them that a Savior had been born. They were instructed to go to Bethlehem and find the baby who would be wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Once the shepherds saw Him, they began to spread the word about all the things they had heard and seen. However, Mary’s response is found in Luke 2:19 (NIV) – But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. I wonder how we react when we encounter the Savior? Do we rush off to share the signs and wonders He has revealed to us or are we quiet and still before the Lord and take time to treasure the encounter that we experienced and ponder the moment? God has been speaking to me lately about sitting with Him and soaking in the moments of revelations that He brings. These are special moments given to us through our personal and intimate relationship with Jesus. If a friend were to share something personal and meaningful with me, I wouldn’t rush off to tell others. I would listen to her and just sit and be still in her presence. I think that is what God wants us to do as well. Before we rush off to share a revelation we have received, we need to linger a little longer in God’s presence and treasure the gift we have just been given. When we take time to ponder the things of God, they become a part of us. Proverbs 4:20 – 21 (NIV) says, Pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart. One thing that helps me to ponder the things of God, is by journaling. I like to journal when God speaks things to me through His Word or through His Spirit. Oftentimes we think we will remember the moment because it is so impactful, but I have found that if I don’t write it down, it fades quickly from my memory. By keeping a record of what God has spoken, I can treasure that moment and keep it to refer to when I am going through a hard time. This serves as a reminder of what God has done in my life in the past. What are you treasuring this Christmas season? Are you so wrapped up in the busyness of expectations and holiday traditions that you aren’t even able to receive what Jesus wants to give you? Are you only giving Him a few minutes each day, rushing off to the next thing on your “to do” list? Jesus has to be the priority of our lives. This may look like saying “no” to an invitation or laying down a holiday tradition. Once you carve out the time to be with Him, simply sit at His feet and adore Him. Remember why He came and let the Holy Spirit show you the deeper things of God. I pray you will take time this Christmas season to be still in God’s presence and to receive all He wants to give you. As He pours out his blessings on you, treasure the experience and ponder them in your heart. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Karen is married to Scott Blanchard, pastor of Lakepointe Church, and moved from Florida to Michigan in the summer of 2009 to plant Lakepointe Church in Shelby Township. She enjoys mentoring and discipling women and also leads women’s life groups through her church. She is passionate about helping women find their purpose in who God created them to be. She is on staff at Lakepointe Church and loves being part of what God is doing in the Metro Detroit area. #DECEMBER23

DETROIT – As the Christmas season swiftly approaches I must confess since a child I’ve always anticipated this season. To be frank I haven’t encountered many scrooge-like personas. Most people truly await the Christmas season. It’s during this time of the year where people of likemind anticipate cheerful Christmas music, and admire the glows from flickering colorful lights and decorations. I’m not much of a hot chocolate guy, but it’s just something mysterious about this time of the year where hot chocolate or a chilled cup of eggnog is consumed. My family and so many other families embrace this time of the year to gather and share memories, play games and exchange gifts. But as I ever grow in the Lord I also realize this period of the year can be very emotionally weighty. What I mean is that for some this season could also be a solemn reminder that life now may not look and feel like it once did. Some people have had to embrace transitions, loss of loved ones, sickness and despair. And so while Christmas brings joy it can also bring memories. That’s why humanity needs another reason! Reason? Body Furthermore as a firm believer in Jesus I am on a constant journey of spiritual maturity in him. What I have discovered over the years is that there is a far greater joy in Christ that lies beneath the Christmas season. Don’t get me wrong I’ve always known Jesus was the reason for the Christmas season. Growing up in our church as a child we were assigned Christmas speeches and we acted in skits. On another note, like many, our Americanized eyes if only for a short period have been clouded by gifts, music, and the accouterments of a Santa-centered Holiday. As I grow older I am more appreciative and thankful for God's Church because it’s during this season that most churches turn their attention to recognize Advent. And so I love this time because it provides me the time and space to be both reflective and introspective. It is in my state of reflection that I grow more appreciative and humble because of what God has done for humanity through his sacrificial giving of Jesus Christ. What really makes this season special and rich for Christians is that the Christmas season hangs on the hinges of “true love fulfilled”. What Am I getting at? During ancient biblical times many people like you and I heard the prophetic words preached of a coming Messiah. One prophet by the name of Isaiah, stood and preached For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The reality is that many people heard those life-giving words spoken by Isaiah and they didn’t get a chance to see the promise fulfilled, and yet they died with a hope that God in all of his providence is sending a savior into the world that would be the ultimate answer for the issues and problems. I get chills just thinking about the unwavering faith of those who believed in Jesus before his arrival. Now, as we live on the other side of Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection I can truly sense and feel God's love towards the world. The love that brings new life, and births a faith that can conquer the worst of days. A love fulfilled, and so the prophetic promise spoken by Isaiah were not mere words but the truth of God that would lead to God's plan of salvation for all humanity. It is during this Advent season (last week of November-Dec 24th) that we as the church embrace the real reason for this season. Conclusion The virgin birth of Jesus makes the difference during the Holidays. No lights in the world shine brighter than the light God has given us through Jesus. I love Christmas songs. Who doesn't? But, there is no melodic tune that can bring the kind of joy to our hearts like a song written about The Messiah. Through all human experiences whether joyous or sobering the truth remains that God poured out his loving by graciously giving the world his only son Jesus Christ and it is through him that we have a greater reason to live full and purposeful lives. Jesus is the Reason for this Season and every season. Prayer I invite you to this prayer: God, thank you for being a promise keeper, thank you for knowing that we needed a gift that money could not obtain. Thank you for fulfilling your promise in that you sent your Son Jesus Christ into the world and into our hearts so that true Joy would erupt in our hearts. Amen ABOUT THE AUTHOR David Clark is the Lead Pastor of S.E.E.D. Church of Detroit, Mi. S.E.E.D. Church exists to help people grow upward in their relationships with Jesus Christ and others. #DECEMBER23

WESTLAND – I have always loved Christmas! It’s always been a magical time full of twinkly lights, family traditions, familiar decorations, festive gatherings and the celebration of a humble couple and their brand new baby. Well this year for us is a bit different. We too are just a humble couple expecting our brand new baby boy. I’m 8 months pregnant and it makes this Christmas season seem real on a whole different level. We too are waiting for our first baby boy to be born. This Christmas season for us is full of waiting. Not just waiting for this baby, but waiting for dreams to be fulfilled, questions to be answered and for decisions to be made in regards to our precious foster child we’ve had for a couple of years. As we get closer to the addition of one son, we anxiously await God’s plan for the other. We struggle to trust a Holy God amidst a flawed human system. We are both filled with awe and excitement as well as fear, sadness, and uncertainty. We are both thankful for the fulfilled promise of one child and mourning what might never be. We are waiting. We are mourning. We are praising God for what He has done, yet asking him earnestly for Him to intervene. I imagine Mary might have felt the same. Mary was specially chosen to carry the Savior of the world. She had every reason to be thankful and blessed. But the circumstances surrounding the conception of her baby made her an outcast. Mary was betrothed to a good man named Joseph, and had to tell him she was pregnant. During this time, Joseph had the right to stone her to death for this. Yet he married her, taking on the shame and responsibility of raising a child that was not his own. While Mary sings, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior”, she also might have been mourning how everyone else perceived this holy miracle. The gossip surrounding his conception followed her and her family. She was grateful. She was scared or alone. She praised God for this miracle but might have doubted why he had to bring it like this. Christmas also reminds us of this dissonance. The joy mixed with the grief. The suffering and the glory. The joy of the long awaited, promised, perfect Savior to bring us back into relationship with God. The end of animal sacrifices, and not being able to approach the throne. The joy of the heavenly coming down to us. The beauty of a fragile baby invading the world with humility, and service to love us, a wicked and deceptive people. A God who said, “Come to me”. The ultimate healer coming down to rescue us. Yet we don’t need to look far to see that the devil still prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. The evil we see all around us reminds us, the world is not yet fully redeemed. For Christ will come a second time, restoring once and for all. Yet we are waiting. Romans 8:22-23 puts this perfectly: “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” We groan for the world to be set right. We ache for the healing, restoration, and peace that comes from knowing that Christ is, has come and will come. Because of Christmas, because of what Christ came to do we can have hope that when He invades our world the next time he will do it in victory. He has already won! So Lord, find us faithful. Find us to be a people who trust You in the joy as well as the grief. Remind us that while we are waiting You are still good, you are close and you see us. Thank you, that in Colossians 2, Jesus, you, “...disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; [and] triumphed over them.” Christ has already defeated Satan. It is already done! So this Christmas season we rejoice in the victory of Christ amidst the brokenness of the world. We remember when we look at the manger scene that while Christ came in humility, he also came in power. That our promise of victory is only through the victory of Christ over death and the rulers and authorities. We enjoy the twinkly lights, the family traditions, the magic of it all because we know our hope is in much more. Merry Christmas! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Claire lives in Westland, MI with Dan, the love of her life, her beloved foster son, her snuggly pup, Daisy and baby to be! She is imperfectly following her Savior and delights in being involved in the lives of others. She is excited to celebrate this Christmas, but even more the arrival of her sweet miracle baby! #DECEMBER23

ADRIAN – Looking towards the holidays, excitement, and anticipation build. It’s not the gifts or all the trappings that bring these emotions to the forefront, although they help! Instead, it is the realization that we will be WITH family and friends, and memories of being WITH family and friends. It’s the time that we get to spend WITH brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, moms and dads, friends from high school and college we haven’t seen in a while, and the list goes on and on. It's a special time with special people……...the key word is WITH. For me, November and December also bring back fond memories of hunting with my younger brother and dad. We hunted many different animals, and I loved the thrill of the hunt. As I look back now, it’s the memories of being WITH my brother and my dad who passed away a few years ago that make those moments special. The power of WITH is indispensable as we look back as well as move forward. As Advent dawns on us again, WITH is an important aspect for us to remember and on which to meditate. In Isaiah 7:14, God gives Isaiah a word of prophecy about the Messiah that Matthew will quote (Matthew 1:23) when he reports on the birth announcement of Jesus to Joseph. Names are vital in the Bible and this name that would be given to Jesus communicates one of the greatest promises as well as greatest aspects of the incarnation. God, through the prophet Isaiah, gives the name Immanuel to the Messiah. God WITH us. Of all the gifts we are given in and through Christ, it’s hard to find one that compares with the fact that the Father sent the Son to be WITH us. We often look back on the gospel with amazement and wonder. What would it have been like to physically walk with Jesus? To be instructed and discipled by Jesus? To hear His wonderful teachings? To look into His eyes and see love like we had never seen before? There is a sense in which we envy the disciples and long for that kind of relationship with Jesus. But in doing so we forget the very words of Jesus in the gospel of John. He said that He was leaving, but He would not leave His followers as orphans. He said He would send the helper to be WITH them in His physical absence (John 14:15-31). Later, Jesus would say that it was to their advantage for Him to leave, and the Spirit to come to be WITH them. While we celebrate this time of year, may we think deeply of the gift of presence over presents. May we mediate and worship God for the gift of His presence in our life. May we praise Him for the gift of Jesus as a baby coming to be WITH us, but may we also praise Him for the Holy Spirit that is always WITH us today and every day. This is such amazing news that we should also share this gift with others. You don’t have to be alone anymore. The God of the universe wants to be WITH you! May we praise and worship the God who is WITH us and wants to spend eternity WITH us. What an amazing gift! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nate is the pastor at Catalyst Church in Adrian, MI. He has his MDIV from Liberty Baptist Seminary. Nate has been married to his high school sweetheart Alison for 23 years. They have 4 kids Payton (19) Parker (16) Paisley (9) and Paxton (7). #DECEMBER23

A powerful, though often overlooked method for helping protect preborn life is to provide a woman in an unplanned pregnancy a “window” into the world of the child she is carrying. Internal statistics from the pro-life ministry Care Net have shown that when women who are still in the process of making a pregnancy decision are offered the option to view their baby’s ultrasound image in a supportive pregnancy center environment, they are much more likely to continue their pregnancy. That’s why in 2001, the ERLC launched the Psalm 139 Project, named after the verses in Scripture that state: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them” (Psalm 139: 13-16). The purpose of the project is to raise money to provide ultrasound equipment to pregnancy resource centers and provide medical staff with the necessary training for operating the equipment. The initiative also plays a pivotal role in changing perceptions by helping people see that preborn children and mothers with unplanned pregnancies are not abstractions, but individuals made in the image of God and loved by Jesus. The project has received overwhelming response from pregnancy care centers expressing a need for new ultrasound equipment, indicating its positive impact and the demand for such resources. The Psalm 139 Project began receiving funds in 2001 and placed the first ultrasound machine in 2004 (the cost of a machine and training is roughly $40,000). Initially, the project funded two to three ultrasound machines per year. But in December 2020, the ERLC announced an ambitious goal to place 50 ultrasound machines in pregnancy resource centers nationwide by January 2023, which would have been the 50th anniversary of the disastrous Roe v. Wade decision. Since the beginning of this initiative, over 85 machines have been placed in PRCs and other organizations around the United States. Twelve of those placements occurred thus far in 2023. Across this nation, men and women working and volunteering in pregnancy care centers are the real heroes of the pro-life movement. These centers come alongside families facing unplanned pregnancies to educate and empower more women to choose life for their babies. And these centers wouldn’t be able to do this important work without the support of churches within their communities. Cooperation among Southern Baptists The Psalm 139 Project also wouldn’t be able to provide life-saving equipment without the generosity of Southern Baptists and partnerships with state conventions. To recognize these efforts, the ERLC gave a Psalm 139 Partner for Life Award to partners who have shown an exceptional commitment to valuing life by supporting those on the front lines of this essential ministry work. In 2023, the ERLC gave the award to: the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, the Louisiana Missionary Baptist State Convention, the North Carolina Baptist Convention, the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia. These conventions and their churches recognize that Southern Baptists have a greater opportunity to serve families in a post-Roe culture. The ERLC is committed to standing with these partners in protecting life at all stages and will seek to be a leading voice in this next chapter of the pro-life movement. In 2024, the Psalm 139 Project will continue to identify and place machines, with an emphasis in placements in abortion-permissible states and provide critical support for those pregnancy centers as abortion tourism continues to bring an increased number of women seeking abortions to these states. Culture may change; legislation may change, but the Gospel remains the same. At the ERLC, we will continue to proclaim the glory of the Gospel, the value of life, and God’s plan for the family. One hundred percent of financial contributions designated to the Psalm 139 Project go toward purchasing ultrasound machines and providing training for workers. No ERLC Cooperative Program resources are used for these machines. Tax-deductible gifts may be made online or via check to ERLC, 901 Commerce Street, Nashville, Tenn., 37203. Learn more at psalm139project.org. #DECEMBER23

HELEN, GA (BP) – Missionaries are rightly celebrated and honored prior to leaving for the field. However, the challenges of settling into their ministry assignment and cultivating ongoing effectiveness can be overlooked by churches. Natalie Ford considered that reality last year during a conference that had a breakout session on the local church’s involvement in caring for missionaries. “My mind was spinning at the concept of it and what could be done,” she said. “I left thinking there was so much we need to do to undergird our missionaries to ensure longevity.” It led to Ford, a member of First Baptist in Helen, Ga., being named the church’s International Member Care Coordinator in June. In that role, she maintains consistent contact with six missionaries who have been sent out through First Baptist and the International Mission Board. She also works to keep missionaries and their work in front of church members, bringing them alongside as partners in delivering the Gospel. While member care is offered through the IMB, Ford saw the opportunity for more support through a local church. Her background as a licensed counselor also brings an acute awareness to mental health’s importance for those on the mission field far from home. “Several of our missionaries have their own counselor, not me, because of our existing relationship,” Ford said. While she helps missionaries process their times on the field and offers support, professional ethics prohibit Ford from counseling in a traditional role. However, she noted, “I would say my counseling background impacts how I relate to people in general.” Lead Pastor Jim Holmes said the work and Ford’s background will be central in the church’s expanding work to support missionaries. “Natalie is one of our most strategic hires for us in recent memory,” he said. “She is top-shelf and this has excited the church.” Helping ‘the best and brightest’ The conference Ford attended was hosted by Barnabas International. Further training for her role has been received through the Global Member Care Network. Areas in that training include member care on the field as well as how to debrief missionaries and help them adjust upon their return. Ford also connects with missionaries through Zoom and WhatsApp. She develops a biblical theme each month that is shared with missionaries, church members and small groups like Sunday School classes, helping prompt discussions on serving abroad. Jim Gant, executive pastor at First Baptist who also oversees counseling, spoke on Ford’s role and how it came to be. “Natalie alerted our staff to the attrition rate among missionaries and brought recommendations for what we could do to help,” he said. “These missionaries are the best and brightest of us, and if they’re struggling, it’s obvious we need to do more to help them.” Ford’s role calls for communicating with missionaries at least twice per month and encouraging them in areas such as personal spiritual development as well as strategies that lead to personal and relational wellness. Other responsibilities include coordinating efforts among church members to encourage missionaries and facilitating on-site visits with missionaries at least once per year as church finances allow. “Each of our adult Sunday School classes supports a missionary and invests in them,” said Gant, who, when he moved out of his home had it repurposed for missionaries who are temporarily stateside instead of letting it sit empty. “This is all very new to us, but First Baptist is such a generous church that gives toward missions and does everything to help missionaries succeed,” Gant said. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Scott Barkley is national correspondent for Baptist Press. #DECEMBER23

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (BP) – SBC Statesman Emerson Falls has developed a missiological strategy for reaching Native Americans with God’s life-equipping gospel of Jesus. He has done so with wisdom acquired from a lifetime as a Native American, from more than 50 years walking with Jesus, and from nearly that long ministering among his Native people, In his final weeks before officially retiring as the full-time Native American Ministry Partner with Oklahoma Baptists, Falls talked with Baptist Press about the four essential elements of the strategy he has developed. Express the gospel in ways Natives can understand Equip Native disciples for spiritual growth Empower Native churches to be self-sufficient Emphasize the benefit of all God’s people working together for His glory Southern Baptist work with Native Americans is weaker than it was in 2011, when two major events related to Native Americans took place within six weeks, Falls said in mid-November. The visions and goals of The Gathering and The Summit withered in a malaise of reasons that date to the first encounters of missionaries and Natives. The removal of Natives from their homeland, and the removal of their children from their homes, where efforts were made to strip them of their culture, language and worldview, Falls said. Contextualize the gospel “As a result, the message of Christianity did not ring true in the eyes of those being displaced,” Falls said. “A minority of Native people did receive the gospel and we are grateful for the early-day missionaries. However, these missionaries did not understand the principles of good missiology. As a result, Native people felt they had to choose to either be Native American or be Christian. “That background is important,” Falls said. “One of the challenges for us is to contextualize the gospel so they don’t have to choose being a Native or a Christian. They can be both at the same time.” One example of contextualization is an evangelistic tract with a picture of fry bread on the cover. Fry bread is eaten in most Native cultures, though it can be prepared differently and taste differently in Arizona than in Alaska. The tract makes the point that just as we need bread for physical life, we also need bread for spiritual life. Jesus is the bread of life. In 2015, Falls began serving with the Circle of Life Native American Fellowship in Oklahoma City. The word “circle” is an important element in most Native cultures, he said. For people seated in the circle, everyone is equally important and can see each other face-to-face, rather than the back-to-face and raised-podium look of western church seating. Many Native people are involved in powwows, which usually take place on weekends. Circle of Life started with Tuesday evening services so Powwow people could attend church. Powwows got a bad name from early-day missionaries who thought dancing, drums and singing were pagan rites, but powwows celebrate Native culture, and are “one of the few ways Natives today can maintain what little culture we have left,” Falls said, especially for the 87 percent of the nation’s 8.75 million Native Americans in the United States who do not live on reservations. Circle of Life members attend powwows to celebrate their heritage and start friendships that in God’s timing lead to gospel conversations. They also cook dinners, entertain youngsters with balloon animals and face painting, and pass out Bibles and “Fry bread” tracts to parents and others who show interest. “For us, powwows are a mission field,” Falls said. “We go there, build relationships, participate with them, the same things you would do to go in and reach your community. “I think it would be a shame for us to not try to reach the indigenous people from our own country, particularly the way they’ve been treated,” Falls continued. “I believe the true measure of Christianity is how we treat “the least of these.” Native people have experienced their share of suffering. It is time they experience the joy of the Lord.” Spiritual growth Discipling new believers requires a discipler being one-on-one with the disciple, involving discipline, accountability and trust that comes from honesty, integrity and genuineness. “Much of what we [Christians] do is done inside the four walls of a building,” Falls said. “Real discipleship is done in the community. Jesus went to ‘all the towns and villages.’ He saw that the people were like ‘sheep without a shepherd.’ He told us to ‘pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.’ I pray for workers to labor among Native Americans.” Churches that establish long-term connections with Native people result in relationships that nurture disciple-making, he said. Leadership Life often is very difficult for Native Americans. Whether in a city and estranged from their reservation community, or entrapped by reservation life, Native Americans often struggle. Nearly every tribe offers college scholarships for graduating high school students, but “It’s a real sacrifice to go into ministry, so what we have is a ‘brain drain’ from the church, and we just don’t have a large pool of people to begin with,” the Native leader said. “If we’re going to see any progress among Native Americans and reaching our people for Christ, it’s going to take good leadership. “Just as Natives are learning to succeed in business and gain independence from government assistance, Native churches must learn to succeed in ministry without a steady stream of assistance from outside churches,” he said. Work together “We need to get to know each other with a ministry of presence, not doing stuff for people but going and helping people with what they’re doing, not doing church for them but being a friend and when we see a need, minister to that need,” Falls said. “As we minister among them, the opportunities to share the gospel will open to us when they know us.” Best practices for a non-Native church is to establish a multi-year relationship with a Native church that includes repeated in-person and telephone/email contacts throughout the year, Falls said. “Learn what they need so you can give them a hand up rather than a handout. “Maybe the community needs plumbing work done on a shower house. Maybe a bad storm destroyed the powwow’s pavilion. Maybe the school needs painting. Work with – not for – the community. The volunteers you train might turn their newly acquired skills into an income stream.” Leadership leads to longevity in ministry, Falls said. “We’re asking people to invest resources in developing local leaders and helping them until they’re able to develop their own ministries. By demonstrating Christ-like love, we – and they – can earn the right to share the gospel.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Karen L. Willoughby is a national correspondent for Baptist Press. #DECEMBER23

KHARTOUM, SUDAN (BP) – A return to Sharia Law might be in store for Sudan as civil war nears its 10th month there, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) said in its latest Fact Sheet on the Sahel Region of Africa. The Sudanese Armed Forces under the country’s transitional leadership of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has recruited thousands who worked as intelligence operatives of former pro-Islamic President Omar al-Bashir, USCIRF said, raising concerns among Christians that al-Burhan has hopes of establishing Sharia Law. Christian persecution eased when al-Bashir was overthrown in 2019, but a transitional government aimed at establishing democracy has been in jeopardy since civil war began in April between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group under the leadership of General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. “After the fall of the Bashir government, the transitional government granted Muslim and Christian groups some important freedoms, earning praise and support from the U.S. government,” USCIRF said. “However, the outbreak of new conflict in April 2023 within the state security apparatus has severely diminished any possibility of safe, open religious practice in Sudan.” Sudan’s deterioration is part of a recent political trend across the Sahel, including Mali, and Niger, where armed forces attacked an already weak national government and established a military coup. The new under-resourced state is supported by external forces, including the Russian-backed Wagner Group, to confront “extremist elements.” While cracking down on violent extremists, the new government uses accusations of extremism as a pretext for suppressing religious minorities, the fact sheet says. “The state then begins to perpetrate religious freedom violations in the campaign against violent extremist groups,” USCIRF said. “At the same time, competing ethnic and religious groups which historically distrusted one another may take sides for or against the new government, change alliances, or form armed auxiliary units to survive. This posturing may result in further effects on individuals’ freedom of religion or belief.” Eric Patterson, president of the Religious Freedom Institute, said the trend shows the connection between international religious freedom and U.S. international governmental relations. “For those who say that issues of religious freedom and human rights are somehow tertiary, or fourth- or fifth- or sixth-tier things,” Patterson said, “what we see in this region (is) how closely intertwined (are) issues of religious identity, issues of religious political systems, and how closely these are tied to national security imperatives, both for the people on the ground and for our United States allies.” Patterson was a panelist in a conversation USCIRF hosted Nov. 9 on religious freedom in the Sahel. Across the Sahel, “the presence of insurgent groups, ethnic and religious conflict, and the continual intervention of military actors in politics have a direct impact on religious communities,” USCIRF said. During al-Bashir’s regime which spanned 20 years, USCIRF considered Sudan a Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom violations, denoting “systemic, ongoing and egregious” violations. USCIRF downgraded Sudan to its Special Watch List of countries to be monitored in 2019, and removed the country altogether from its list of religious freedom violators in 2020. But the overthrow of the transitional government in April represents “grave threats to religious freedom” there, USCIRF Vice Chairman Frederick A. Davie said in a Nov. 9th conversation. Sudan suffered decades of civil wars that began in the mid-20th Century before the country split in 2011, establishing Sudan as a majority Muslim north and a majority (60.5 percent) Christian South Sudan. Christians comprise about 5.4 percent of Sudan’s 48 million people. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Diana Chandler is Baptist Press’ senior writer. #DECEMBER23

NASHVILLE, TN (BP) – The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission has released a letter urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to rescind a recently proposed regulation regarding foster care providers and foster children who identify as LGBTQ+. The regulation, proposed on Sept. 28, specifies steps foster care agencies must implement or maintain so that children in foster care who identify as LGTBQ+ are ensured a “safe and appropriate” placement if requested. ERLC President Brent Leatherwood said the proposed regulation is a severe violation of religious freedom. “This proposed rulemaking discriminates against religious and faith-based foster care providers by forcing such organizations to choose between their deeply held convictions and their desire to live out their faith by caring for some of the most vulnerable children in our society,” Leatherwood said in a letter released Monday, Nov. 27. “Religious and faith-based organizations’ belief in a biblical sexual ethic is not at odds with the ability of foster families to provide “safe and proper care” to foster children from any background. … We strongly believe that HHS should rescind its proposed rule. The proposed rule will lead to religious discrimination of otherwise qualified foster families and will result in a catastrophic lack of foster care placements for the vulnerable children who need them most.” The regulation, proposed by the Administration for Children and Families (a division of the HHS), is officially titled “Safe and Appropriate Foster Care Placement Requirements for Titles IV-E and IV-B.” The Social Security Act requires state and tribal agencies’ children’s welfare agencies to implement certain plans in order to ensure a proper foster care environment for children. Under the proposed new regulation, those requirements would expand to include “providing for the needs” of self-identifying LGBTG+ children. The regulation states, “To be considered as a safe and appropriate placement for a LGBTQI+ child means the provider with whom the agency places the child will establish an environment free of hostility, mistreatment, or abuse based on the child’s LGBTQI+ status, the provider is trained to be prepared with the appropriate knowledge and skills to provide for the needs of the child related to the child’s self-identified sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, and the provider will facilitate the child’s access to age-appropriate resources, services, and activities that support their health and well-being.” Leatherwood said the regulation forces Christian parents and foster care agencies into an LGBTQ+ affirming worldview which would violate their religious beliefs. “Although HHS claims it is not violating the free exercise of religion, the Department is functionally enforcing such discrimination by relying on the false assumption that only ‘affirmation’ of a child’s LGBTQ beliefs is ‘safe and proper,’” Leatherwood said. “Contrary to such assertions by HHS, a foster family should not have to agree with every political, spiritual, and other belief of a child to be deemed ‘safe and proper.’ A foster parent’s biblical belief regarding sexuality and gender identity does not detract from their ability to warmly welcome a vulnerable child into their home. … What should remain preeminent in considering foster care placements is whether the foster parent has a physically safe and secure home with access to the resources the child needs while a permanency plan is developed. “Foster care is designed to be a temporary placement to solve underlying issues preventing parents from adequately caring for their child. As such, the rights of biological parents are worthy of protection – including the right to oppose damaging gender ideology.” Leatherwood also appealed to Southern Baptists’ strong belief in the importance of foster care ministry. “Southern Baptists have long prioritized a robust theology of support for foster care, repeatedly stating in resolutions a desire to continue to participate in our nation’s foster care system,” he said. “In 2022, Southern Baptists resolved ‘to continue and increase their efforts to serve and support … foster-care and adoptive families, doing invaluable and often under-recognized work in the care of women and children at every stage of life.’ “Our deeply held religious conviction to serve and protect vulnerable children has led thousands of Southern Baptists to launch foster care organizations, foster children, and create ministries in their congregations to support the physical and financial needs of foster families. Additionally, congregations across the country have hosted training for foster families to ensure they are trauma informed and have all the knowledge and resources they need to be “safe and appropriate” placements for children in crisis. Every life is precious and worthy of dignity and protection, and that includes protection from sexual ethics that themselves cause harm to children. As Southern Baptists, it is these very beliefs that lead us to serve the most vulnerable and that make these families a “safe and proper” placement for these children in need. Hannah Daniel, policy manager for the ERLC, explained the ERLC opposes the regulation not only because it violates religious liberty, but because it does not serve the best interest of foster children. “This new rule from HHS would limit the ability of Christian parents to participate in the foster care system without compromising their deeply held beliefs regarding gender and sexuality,” Daniel said. “Children who identify as LGBTQ make up a disproportionate percentage of those in our foster care system, and these children desperately need love, care and safety. This rule would exclude millions of parents who are ready to provide that and push these children toward homes that will encourage harmful gender transition procedures during an already traumatic time in the child’s life. The ERLC filed comments pushing back on this rule and urging the Department to consider these harmful implications — not only for people of faith but also for the wellbeing of the child.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Timothy Cockes is a writer in Nashville. #DECEMBER23

PLYMOUTH – Executive Director-Treasurer, Tim Patterson, of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) publicly announced his upcoming retirement. At the close of the recent annual gathering of churches at Mile City Church Plymouth, Patterson set his final day of service as December 31, 2024. Patterson, noting that at the end of 2024 he will have served Michigan Baptists just under ten years said, “I have no doubt that we are poised for a remarkable future as we take our next steps to accelerate Gospel movement.” President Ed Emmerling, immediately after Patterson’s retirement announcement addressed the gathering, speaking on behalf of the officers said, “Our intention, if God allows, is to bring to next year’s annual meeting a recommendation for the next executive director of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan.” Two others, during the same meeting, announced their imminent departures from BSCM ministry roles during 2023. Mike Durbin, the state’s Church Strengthener and Director of Evangelism will retire on December 31, 2023. Durbin described his feelings in his written report: “I will be retiring from the BSCM at the end of this year. I do so with many wonderful memories and great hope for the future of Michigan Baptists.” Mick Schatz, the state’s Director of Spiritual Enrichment and Retreats announced his resignation in his written report: “I am thankful for the privilege of serving almost seven years . . . I will be stepping down at the end of this year, December 2023.” Retreat Center Sale Postponed Officers and trustees of the state convention started the annual gathering with a motion to sell the state’s camp and retreat center to another Christian camp association. But an amendment to the original motion asked for the postponement of the sale and for up to three additional years for volunteers to manage the retreat center with a limit of no more than $100,000 from Cooperative Program dollars contributed from Michigan churches. The amended motion was adopted by a margin of approximately twenty votes. The officers, the trustees, the state executive, and the supporters of the amendment will work together to create a working expression of the amended motion and annually report back to the churches on progress. Delayed Increased Dollars to Missions and Education An annual state convention budget of $2,454,701.00 was adopted for 2024. Due to the increasing demands of the camp and retreat center’s costs, plans to raise the amount of the Cooperative Program by an annual amount of 5% this year (from 35% to 40%) until we reach 50% of all church contributions to be sent on past the state convention to the International Mission Board, the North American Mission Board, the six seminaries, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and SBC Executive Committee were postponed by the officers and trustees. Reelection of Five Officers Last year’s five state convention officers were reelected: President Ed Emmerling of Westside Baptist Church of Flushing. First Vice President Ray Ruffin of New Found Hope Community Church of Redford. Second Vice President Josh Tovey of Redemption Church, Grandville. Jerome Taylor, Recording Secretary of Eastgate Baptist Church of Burton. Dr. Michele White, Assistant Recording Secretary of Middlebelt Baptist Church of Inkster. Bylaws Revision and Attendance Officers and trustees of the state convention presented a revision of previous bylaws uniting the officers and trustees in a more collaborative effort when handling the business of the state convention. Former committees were removed from the new proposed edition so that every trustee would be more aware of the complete business of the convention. After some discussion, the proposed bylaws were adopted by the convention. This year’s annual meeting registered 222 total in attendance with 186 registered messengers and 36 guests. There were 70 churches represented. The five newly reelected officers will convene next year’s annual state convention on November 1, 2024 at Cedar Street Church in Holt. #NOVEMBER23

ANN ARBOR – “There is no way I am qualified for that.” “What in the world would I do or say?” “What if she saw the mess of my life?” “Where could I possibly find the time to do that?” “What if this younger woman is an emotional drain to me?” These are the knee-jerk questions that rise up within my heart when I consider what it costs me to disciple another woman. The idea can make me break out into a cold sweat. However, I read passages like Titus 2:3-5, Matthew 28:18-20, and 1 Thessalonians 2:8, and I am challenged that discipling a younger woman in the gospel isn’t an option to be considered— it’s a command to be obeyed. I also see that God created me as a woman with a unique calling to reflect God’s nature to, as Gloria Furman often says, “nurture life in the face of death.” We cultivate life. We mother (with or without children of our own). God has commanded us to make disciples. He has uniquely wired us as women to make disciples. However, in my flesh, I wrestle with fears, lies, and a desire for personal comfort as I consider actually doing it. Maybe you feel like me? When was the last time you pursued a younger woman (spiritually younger, not necessarily by age) and invited her to follow you as you follow Jesus? To serve us as Michigan Baptist women, I want to provide some helpful encouragement to some of the obstacles that we may feel as we consider the cost of discipling women. There is so much to say about this topic, so admittedly, this encouragement only scratches the surface. However, one of the best pieces of advice that I have received about doing anything seemingly hard is this: Start simply. And, simply start. What if I feel ill-equipped? The good news: You are (😂 you can roll your eyes and say “Gee, thanks Emily…”), but if you are in Christ, you have the Holy Spirit who will empower you. The Lord always uses ill-equipped, ordinary, messy people to accomplish His purposes… so the good news is that you are the perfect candidate. Mark Dever says, “discipling is simply helping others to follow Jesus” or put another way, “deliberately doing spiritual good to someone so that he or she will be more like Christ”. The truth of the matter is that you can always find someone with whom you can deliberately do spiritual good—even if it is simply gathering to pray, listen, and share what the Lord is teaching you through His Word with her. Practically, here are a few great resources that may serve you: Discipling by Mark Dever This Discipleship podcast series from Journeywomen Growing Together by Melissa Kruger Who do I choose to disciple? That’s a great question. Pray through this question and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. Here are a few questions to help you discern: Who, within my local church, am I burdened for them to grow in Christ? Is there anyone within my small group that would be a natural fit? Is there someone that I serve alongside in my area of service at church that I should consider? With whom in my church does my schedule naturally sync up? Is it logistically possible to meet on a regular basis? What if I cannot possibly manage adding another thing to my schedule, or another person to my life? This is a tender and yet very real obstacle. With help from the Holy Spirit, walking with God in His Word, and living in regular fellowship in the local church, you may have to discern that you are not in a season of life to pursue someone in an intentional discipleship relationship. There are seasons of life where we must live within our God-given boundaries and not meet with someone regularly. I am thinking particularly about seasons of grief and crisis where we simply must focus on persevering moment by moment through the fire in which the Lord has placed us. However, because it's a command given to followers of Christ, and we were made to do it, we have to carry the tension in all seasons of life that despite its cost, it is one worth paying. As Karen Hodge often says while drawing a timeline on a board, we need to “live for the line [eternity], rather than the dot [the temporary circumstances we are facing].” We need to orient our lives around the central task of making disciples because our hearts are set on eternity—when we will gather with our brothers and sisters around the throne of grace and worship God. Oftentimes, the obstacle I feel in discipling a younger woman is simply believing I am already too busy and carrying too many burdens to possibly entertain adding one more thing to my schedule. However, the truth is that discipling a younger woman is a kind invitation from God that will (1) expand my heart; (2) fuel my walk with Him; and (3) help me more effectively mother, serve in my local church, love my husband, cart children to and from extracurricular activities, run errands, do my work, and more—otherwise known as fulfilling my other responsibilities. Discipling others expands your heart. I am a mother to four children. When I first found out about having my second child, I was genuinely nervous about my ability to love both children well. Would my oldest feel slighted because I had to focus on the baby? Would my love be divided between two children? However, I learned that love doesn’t divide into two pieces when you have two children. Love multiplies. Love doubled, then tripled, then quadrupled for me as I welcomed each child into my life. As we consider discipling younger women, we think that our hearts are at capacity and we cannot possibly handle one more person in our lives. However, love doesn’t divide. It multiplies. Each person we know and love increases our hearts—they don’t take away from our love for others. Like the Grinch whose heart grew three sizes in one day, each person that the Lord gives us to love, increases the size of our heart and our capacity for love. What a kind invitation from God! Discipling others fuels your walk with Him. I don’t really know how the Lord does it, but I know it to be true. When we step out in faith to point others to Jesus, it turns the gears of our hearts towards our own growth in Christ. We feel more needy, so we run to Him. We prepare to teach truths that we desperately need ourselves. We speak exhortations that the Spirit uses to challenge our own hearts. We feel burdened over our inabilities and our concerns for our sister in Christ, so we pray fervently. We worship joyfully when we see the Holy Spirit at work. I don’t know how it works, but making disciples is a fuel to our own walk with the Lord. Discipling others helps me be more effective in all other areas of life. The roles we have and the responsibilities we carry aren’t divided into silos separated from one another. Instead, because I disciple this woman from my church, I am more effective in all other areas of my life. I jokingly reminisce that it was through investing in a younger woman that I learned that side parts in your hairstyle are out, and middle parts are in. However, more than keeping up with the trends and speaking the next generation’s language (which is important), discipling others has strengthened me in my motherhood to four young children. When I confess my sin of anger during my discipleship meeting with my friend, I am specifically killing the sin I often commit towards my children. I am also modeling to my children that followers of Jesus make disciples. As I learn to teach this to the younger woman at my church, I am better equipped to teach my children the Scriptures around the kitchen island. While I am applying this specifically to my own daily context of motherhood, this principle can be applied broadly to whatever your own daily life looks like. We often think that we don’t have the space to disciple someone else, but I propose that maybe we cannot afford to skip discipling others because of the other responsibilities we carry. Sisters, I pray that as you consider your calling to disciple another woman, that you would be encouraged to start simply, and simply start. There is so much joy on this journey of following Jesus, and He is inviting you to join His work in pointing people back to Him. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Emily Guyer is a wife, mother, and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. She is married to Michael, lead pastor of Treasuring Christ Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and together they have four children – Amelia, John, Caroline and Graham. She serves as the Director of Kids Ministry at Treasuring Christ Church and also as Graphic Designer for Journeywomen. She is passionate about others knowing, loving and following Jesus. She loves to travel (she has a soft spot for North Carolina beaches, Disney World, and unique cities), have meaningful conversations, drink Ethiopian coffee, and create beauty through designing, writing and teaching. She is happiest when she is with her family and dear friends. #NOVEMBER23

EATON RAPIDS – On Thanksgiving day of 2020, I cooked my first turkey. I spent the night before seasoning the turkey, injecting it with all the buttery goodness and spices that make my cajun palate happy. I woke up early, bagged the turkey, and placed it in the oven. I’ll never forget the feeling I had when I opened the oven 7 hours later... My dreams of a beautifully roasted, cajun spiced turkey turned into a dry and chewy nightmare. In my first attempt at cooking a turkey, I had misread the recipe and cooked a thawed turkey at the required temperature and time of a frozen turkey. To say I was disappointed, discouraged, and frustrated would be an understatement. However, hope was not lost. My ever patient and caring wife came to my rescue with a hug, a smile, and some pretty amazing turkey gravy. The gravy, not the turkey, became the star of the meal for our family that day! It was rich, flavorful, and served as a great topping on every side on the table. It even gave new life to my recent batch of turkey jerky! In just one short hour, I realized that my frustration had turned to contentment, my discouragement to joy, and my frustration to gratitude. Pastoral ministry often comes with a variety of challenges and setbacks, many of which can become quite discouraging for the pastor and his family. Our best laid plans can often leave us feeling like that turkey; dry and burnt. If we allow ourselves to focus solely on what didn’t work, we will miss the opportunity to be grateful for the things that did. Here are 5 ways you can turn bad circumstances into moments of gratitude this Thanksgiving season. 1. Start your day with a prayer of thanksgiving. “It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night." Psalm 92:1-2 Like drinking a good cup of coffee, gratitude is a spiritual caffeine. It focuses our attention away from our problems and toward Jesus Christ, the ultimate solution to them all. 2. Don’t become a victim to your circumstances. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” James 1:2-3 Every trial, every circumstance, is an opportunity to be refined into the image of Jesus. Take joy in the process, and enjoy the fruit of steadfastness when it comes. 3. When the main thing fails, be grateful for the one thing that didn’t. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 You put in all that time and preparation. I get it. But there’s always a reason to rejoice. Don’t let a bad circumstance ruin a good opportunity to give thanks to God. 4. Don’t forget the bigger picture. “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 Last month, our church plant celebrated the baptism of a 66 year old friend that my wife and I had been praying would come to Jesus. Dozens of conversations, hours of prayer, and many tears took three years to bear fruit. Yet, every conversation, prayer, and tear made a difference. God is weaving small victories into Gospel testimonies. Be grateful for each step. 5. Be grateful for someone else’s success. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 The imperfections in my leathery turkey only helped to highlight the utter perfection of my wife’s turkey gravy. Pride craves accolade, but humility gives it away. May your thanksgiving be filled with lots of laughter, time with family, and a nice, juicy turkey to eat. If something falls apart, I pray that you will have a bit of turkey gravy to be thankful for. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Chris Ridler is the founding pastor of Living Hope Community Church, a church plant in Eaton Rapids, MI. He is also the 5th-8th grade Social Studies at Island City Academy in Eaton Rapids. He has been married to Becky for 20 years and has one son. #NOVEMBER23