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ALLEN PARK, MI – In the eight years of being a pastor, my focus has been on revitalizing churches. In the last two and a half years in my current position of Senior Pastor of the Southfield Road Baptist Church, we have been in a continued effort to revitalize our church which means breaking through the church culture that is no longer effective. This year alone through the work of God we have seen a 33% growth rate and a 280% increase in baptisms. Many of our churches are struggling because they cannot seem to let go of the Church culture from the good old days, and embrace new ways of reaching those both inside and outside of the church. The struggle of evolving the Church culture from the past is real, and undoubtedly a major factor in the struggle to go into the world to make disciples, baptize, and to disciple its members. It is also the single reason that churches struggle to maintain relevance in the ever changing cultures within our communities. The fact is, change has to come within the church in order to grow our members and to be relevant to those who are unchurched. Evolving the Church culture is not easy, but it can be done. Many of our older members remember a time when the church was full and ministries abundant, but those days are gone. The truth is many churches are dying before our eyes, and there are many others who are in need of desperate repair and revitalization. We must answer the statement of “we have never done it that way before” by casting the vision, and not letting the Church limit God. Let’s be clear: The Word of God never changes. God’s Word is as true and relevant today as it was yesterday. But, the way we connect with our neighbors may need to change to share the Good News with them. How do we do that? After Nehemiah surveyed the crumbling walls surrounding Jerusalem, he cast a vision for revitalization: “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates have been burned down. Come, let’s rebuild Jerusalem’s wall, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.” I told them how the gracious hand of my God had been on me, and what the king had said to me. They said, “Let’s start rebuilding” (Nehemiah 2:17-18) HCSB. First, we must catch the vision that God has cast for He spoke of the present issue: “Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates have been burned down”. He painted the picture of satisfying the goal: “Come, let’s rebuild Jerusalem’s wall, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.” We are to cast the vision by being honest about our current situation, but also we must convey what the future holds. Second, we must encourage and empower the church members by telling the members what they are doing right. The Bible tells us “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Paul admonished the leaders of the church in Thessalonica to encourage the members. One of the most essential things I have done as a leader is to encourage God’s people by reminding them of the things that they are doing right and sharing how God has worked through their obedience. When you encourage God’s people with the things that they are doing right, you empower them to do even more. Change means you have to have each other’s back. The people of Jerusalem rebuilt the walls halfway up, then received opposition, they became discouraged. Nehemiah could have given up, but what he did instead altered what happened to the completion of the wall and empowered the people. “So I stationed people behind the lowest sections of the wall, at the vulnerable areas. I stationed them by families with their swords, spears, and bows. After I made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the great and awe-inspiring Lord, and fight for your countrymen, your sons and daughters, your wives and homes.” (Nehemiah 4:13-14). When you encourage the people, and remind them of things that they are doing right, it builds their confidence and strength to accomplish anything. When your members know that the leadership will fight for them - even in opposition - individual members move forward with increasing boldness. We break through the old church culture and empower the people to embrace how God wants them to change the world. Third, give all the honor and the praise for everything that has been accomplished to God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Teach the people that God is working through them to complete His glorious mission to reconcile others back to Him and praise Him. By far my favorite part of this step is watching the awe and wonder in the lives of people who come to realize that God’s power is truly unchanging! The joy is infectious, and when that happens you find your members running toward the next obstacle with faith and boldness. Gathering together, working together, building together, we can accomplish more together than apart. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rev. Timothy Jones serves as Pastor of Southfield Road Baptist Church in Allen Park, MI. He also serves as our Greater Detroit Baptist Association Moderator. #DECEMBER16

LAKE, MI – The Bay Area Baptist Association (BABA) celebrated 54 years of ministry at its Annual Meeting on October 8 at Bethany Baptist Church in Lake, MI. At this meeting, the messengers conducted business, heard reports, fellowshipped together and celebrated many things God has done over the past year. BABA pastors received gift bags for Pastor Appreciation month containing lots of resources and access to more than 100 books. The Audit Committee brought a favorable report stating that the Association was in good financial shape. In addition, they recommended a financial policy manual be developed and an external audit be conducted in 2017. The BABA Constitution was given a complete overhaul including clarifying wording on marriage, gender and sexuality. We relaxed the definition of “participation” for cooperating churches to include any financial support, physical attendance/involvement at various meetings/events of the Association and/or by submitting an Annual Church Profile each year. Doing any of these things keeps a church in good standing with the Association. Also, the title was changed from Associational Minister to Associational Missionary to better fit the nomenclature used around the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) and Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Reports were received from each of the BABA ministry groups and from our BSCM guests, Darren and Sharon Greer. They shared about church planting around the state and the work of Michigan WMU. The Bay Area Baptist Association recognized, with a certificate and gift card, Helen Henley for serving faithfully as WMU leader for the last 22+ years. Also recognized, in absentia, was Pastor Steve Roe of Riverwalk Baptist Church, Bay City, for the three years he served as our Moderator. In a major act of new business, Pastor Rodolfo Diaz-Pons of Riverbend Baptist Church, St. Louis moved that the Association establish an offering to be promoted annually in May. It was approved as the Tom and Sandy Martin Associational Offering. Tom faithfully served our Association for 23 years as the Director of Missions. New officers were elected: Moderator – Mike Wester (Lighthouse, Caro) Vice-Moderator – Terry Wilson (Harmony, Mt. Pleasant) Clerk – Patty Albright (Saginaw Valley, Saginaw) Treasurer – Denise Taglauer (Crossway, Bay City) Allan LaVigne, Pastor of New Beginnings Baptist Church in Dodge City, brought the annual sermon. The meeting concluded with a meal in the church fellowship hall. After the meal, many stayed to participate in Crossover Lake. Last year, the BABA began to hold Crossover events in conjunction with the Annual Meeting to help the host church reach their community with the gospel. Bethany Baptist Church, led by Pastor Malcolm Brown and Assistant Pastor Gene Hockey, has been extremely aggressive this year reaching into the community. They have gone door-to-door, hosted cookouts at a local park, held a hayride, and held a Fall festival. They are planning to have Thanksgiving and Christmas outreach initiatives as well. They have seen new people attending and getting involved in the church. Associational Missionary, David Roberts said, “I am extremely proud of all their efforts to get outside the walls of the church and reach people for Christ. I hope more of our churches will step up and step out in a similar fashion.” Next year’s 55th Annual Meeting will be held October 7, 2017 at Harmony Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. David Roberts serves as Associational Missionary of the Bay Area Baptist Association of Michigan. #DECEMBER16

O'FALLON, IL (BP) – We are all wounded to some extent. We are wounded by living in this sinful and fallen world. We are wounded by the sins of others. We even carry wounds as a result of our own sins. All of us know pain and all of us need healing. Your pastor, your parents, your spouse, your neighbors -- all of us. The question is not really who wounded you or how many scars you carry or how deep the cut is. The really important question is: What do you do with those wounds? Do you ignore them? Try to drink them into oblivion? Use them as rationalization to lash out at others? We can bring our wounds to Jesus. He can forgive and He can heal. He knows and He cares and He binds our brokenness. By His mercy we can find new life and new meaning. We can be forgiven and we can forgive -- really forgive. And through that forgiveness we can find a balm for our sin-scarred souls. Jesus said, "Those who are well don't need a doctor, but the sick do need one. I didn't come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Mark 2:17). Some pretend they don't need any help. The truth is we are all sinners who need a doctor. The Doctor. The one who died in our place to take our sin upon Himself. The One who loves, forgives and heals. Come to Jesus as you are. Broken and wounded and needy. Bring your past and your pain. Bring your sorrows and hurts. Bring your anger and disappointment and questions. Surrender your life to Jesus as your Lord and Savior for salvation and abundant life in His loving arms. The Great Physician heals. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Doug Munton, online at dougmunton.com, is first vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention and senior pastor of First Baptist Church in O'Fallon, Ill. His latest book is titled "30 Days to Acts." #DECEMBER16

LOOMIS, CA – As the tall, stately angel rose and walked toward the front of the chapel, there was a buzz among the cadets. Gabriel was a living legend. He cleared his throat. I've been asked to speak to you today about what I've learned throughout my career. Foremost is this: we are servants of the Most High God. This lesson I learned not during my days here at the academy, but from a human being, a girl. I had been summoned before God to be briefed on a new mission. He told me: "Gabriel, you have a most delicate assignment. I am sending my Son to redeem the earth. To do this he must become a human himself. Your mission is to announce this plan to the young woman I have chosen to be his mother. Her name is Mary. She lives in the village of Nazareth in Galilee. She is betrothed to be married. That means that she is already considered a wife, though she is living at home until the final ceremonies a few months from now. And Gabriel ... she is a virgin." He went on to describe my role and brief me on the various contingencies, concluding with these words. "Gabriel, by all means, be gentle." I arrived one spring morning as Mary was climbing the path from the well and came to where I was sitting on a large boulder. She's only a child, I thought when I first saw her — But such were the customs of that place and I was assured that the Father knows what he is doing. As she approached, I stood, dressed as I always dress — long white robe, golden sash, and so forth. "Greetings, Mary," I began. She gasped. "Hail, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you!" All the color drained from her face. I motioned for her to sit. She carefully removed the full water jug from her head, set it down, then eased herself onto the far end of the rock. "Don't be afraid, Mary," I said. "You have found favor with God." I waited a moment for her to calm down. "You will conceive in your womb and bear a son. You are to name him Jesus." She appeared stunned by these words, but I continued. "Your son will become a great man. He will be called the Son of the Most High God. What's more, the Lord God will give him the throne of David his ancestor. And he will reign as Messiah over Israel forever. Of his kingdom and reign there will be no end!" I paused. The message shocked me; I couldn't imagine the impact it must have had on her! She was quiet for a time. Then she asked in her young teenager voice: "How will this happen, since I am not yet married?" I answered: "The Holy Spirit will come to you, The Power of the Most High will overshadow you, Therefore your son to be born will be holy, He will be called 'Son of God.'" Amazing! The Father was prepared to rest his entire Christ-enterprise on this young girl — her response, her whim, her decision. She was to be the mother of God's own Son — so young. I continued to reassure her. "And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has conceived a son." Mary murmured, "Old Elizabeth? Really? Oh!" I could see just a glimmer of a twinkle return to her eyes. "Yes, they called her 'barren,' but she's already six months pregnant." Mary was almost grinning for a moment. Then I saw her smile fade. I couldn't read her thoughts, but could only imagine what she must be thinking. How could she ever explain this to anyone? Who would understand? Who would ever believe her? Her father would be furious, her mother deeply hurt. And Joseph? There would be no wedding. Her dreams of marriage and family vanished in an instant. And the town fathers? Would they try to stone her? I had been given one sentence by the Father with which to respond: "Nothing will be impossible with God," I said. "Nothing!" She was quiet a moment longer, lost in her thoughts. Then she looked up at me with clear eyes and said intently: "Here I am. I am the Lord's servant, his handmaid. Let what you have said come to pass." She stood up. As she began to lift the heavy water jug to her shoulder and then hoist it up to her head, I reached to help, but she shook her head and lifted it up herself. As she made her way up the path to the village, her steps were assured, almost a spring to them. At the top of the hill she steadied the jar with one hand and waved to me with the other. Then she was lost from view. And that is how I met Mary. She taught me what it means to be a servant when it's hard to obey, when there seems to be no hope except God's promise. Mary took the words, "For nothing will be impossible with God," and believed them. Whenever I struggle with obedience, I think of this young girl who began a servant's journey with the words: "I am the servant, the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be! Let it come! I am His servant." The tall angel touched the corner of his eye for a moment, then stepped down and took his seat. Gabriel had learned faithfulness and servanthood from an even greater servant than himself — a young virgin from Nazareth named Mary. May our spirits be renewed in this childlike faithfulness as we once again celebrate the birth of a king, our king, Savior of the world. Merry Christmas! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Copyright Ralph F. Wilson (joyfulheart.com). All rights reserved. Used by permission. Dr. Ralph F. Wilson is the Director of Joyful Heart Renewal Ministries, Loomis, CA. #DECEMBER16

FENTON, MI – The mist gathered as I scuttled about the church property issuing instructions for the afternoon’s happenings. The Potter’s Wheel was hosting, “That Halloween Thing,“ an outreach event for the local community, complete with bounce houses and overflowing with an assortment of sugary confections. I was the right hand gal to Mrs. Angell Burnett, pastor’s wife, mother, grandma and event coordinator extraordinaire. She could entertain any group armed with nothing more than shoelaces and chewing gum, and God saw fit to utilize this gift in Fenton. Our church plant is nearing its sixth year and though our numbers are humble, the spirit and church body participation was full of enthusiasm. I spun in circles realizing that it was just about “go time” and I had yet to don my costume. Verifying the last details, I shivered in my hooded sweater. I scowled up at the sky and sighed. We begged God for beautiful weather and were greeted with a chilly rain all morning. Finally, the rain had stopped, but as I hurried to transform into a Jellicle Cat, I silently pouted to God about the chill that still hung in the air. Convening back at the church, Pastor Marc gathered the workers for prayer, pizza, and a pep talk. He imbued energy that left the assembly completely unaware of the frigid weather they were to endure for the afternoon. As the event officially began I busied myself, filling in and offering help where ever there was a need. I scanned the scene, and was struck with the blessing I was seeing. The pitiful weather had me so distracted that I failed to take in the way God had already shown up. Pastor Marc Burnett was wandering the property, high fiving monsters and being spooked by post-apocalyptic scavengers. He would enter easily into dialogue with guests and leave them surprised to know that the man greeting tem was in fact the pastor of the church. Our members were busy and oblivious to the cold as they championed tasks like serving coffee to parents or giving a teddy bear to a victorious child. The Rock Church had sent support in the way of finances and members. The bounty of candy and parking lot attendants were a result of these believers living out Acts chapter 2. Furthermore, the Genesee Baptist Association equipped us with a grant furnishing advertising, bounce houses, and food for the event. To know that someone believes in you is one thing, to see it come to fruition is a wholly other. As the day wore on and I made sure my team had been given a break or at least a hot dog, people from the community continued to arrive. We have had “trunk or treat” events in the past which essentially fell to an assembly line that issued patrons on and off the property like a fast food restaurant. “That Halloween Thing” brought an atmosphere that encouraged parents to linger and children to explore. We are not seeking mere numbers or community status, but because Jesus is the Risen Savior we are asking for souls. We counted approximately 150 to 200 people on our property that day; new faces, familiar faces, and church family. We always want more because Christ’s offering hasn’t a maximum capacity. Still we know that Jesus would move for just one soul, and so we consider it a privilege that we were able to connect with those who came. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Savanna Lynn Burnett, Hospitality Ministry Team Leader at The Potter’s Wheel of Fenton, Michigan #DECEMBER16

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI – Ministry to Deaf Iraqi Refugees - There are 24 students enrolled in the second session of the English/American Sign Language Class. They are eager to learn and were so excited to be able to write their name and address. Students are learning 2 languages and 10-12 are participating in a Bible Study Class two nights a month. Sign language interpreting provides opportunity for them to learn spiritual things since most of them could not go to church in Iraq because of persecution. Partners - The Michigan Deaf Ministry is happy to partner with Michigan individual and churches on mission projects. They can schedule the Memorial Signing Choir to come to your church. If you have deaf members they can help. Contact Phyllis Harbaugh for details. Phyllis will pray with churches and show opportunities to join in on God’s plan. Blankets For The Cancer Center - Ladies from the Deaf ministry have made more than 100 tie blankets for the Beaumont Hospital Cancer Center. Precious stories come back telling how the blankets not only warm the bodies, but warm the hearts of those who receive them. We are blessed to have a small part in brightening someone’s day! Support - Please pray about being a part of God’s work among the Deaf in 2017 by partnering in prayer, encouragement ministry through cards, letters and emails, and through financial support. Some of our needs in 2017: Flannel for tie blankets (Made for Beaumont Cancer Center) Birthday Gifts (Given out monthly) Christmas gifts (Given out in December) Gas Cards (Providing transportation for those who do not drive) Monthly Deaf Fellowship Dinner (Meal provided for the Deaf Community) Chaldean Iraqi Refugees Classes (Supplies for Classes, Interpreter Services & Assistants) New computer for missionary (approximate cost is $800) Memorial Deaf Ministries( MDM) Opportunity for DVC LiveStream Network. The mission goal of DVC.tv is to communicate the gospel to the Deaf community in their language, American Sign Language (ASL) by providing visual communications of Bible Stories, Sermons, Deaf worship services, children’s lessons in sign language, Bible Studies, Dramas, and music in American Sign Language. They are praying that the DVC LiveStream will be used by God’s appointed servants for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry and for the edifying of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11-12) Memorial Baptist Church (MBC) has an opportunity to have a TV channel that will broadcast services live or taped. While DVC Network focuses on Deaf churches and Deaf ministries, MBC could livestream or tape hearing services as well. MBC would have its own channel available through dvc.tv 24 hours a day/7 days a week. It broadcasts around the world. The estimated cost is $4000 for equipment (cameras, lighting, set-up for channel, encoder, etc.) plus a monthly charge of $50 (Standard usage) or $100 (Heavy usage) and any additional monthly cost to upgrade the internet server. Check out DVC.TV website ministry to learn more. Donate - Send donations to Memorial Deaf Ministries, 12651 Clinton River Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313. Make checks payable to “Memorial Deaf Ministries” and indicate “Missionary Support” on the memo line. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Phyllis Harbaugh is the director for MSC Missionary to the Deaf, a ministry of Memorial Baptist Church, 41679 Tetley, Sterling Heights, MI 48313. #DECEMBER16

MOBILE, AL (BP) – "As the Father sent me so send I you" (John 20:21). Sent is a word straight from the lips of Jesus. He was the model of what being "sent" means. He was sent on a particular mission: "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Then He sent His followers. All of His followers. Not just a select few. Jesus was willing to incur losses to be sent to a lost and dying world. "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich" (2 Cor. 8:9). He let go of what was His. He gave away comfort, status and prestige—moved toward obscurity, poverty and even humiliation. Being sent and being willing to sacrifice and endure losses is normative in both experience and example of Jesus and is also consistent with New Testament narrative. "Sent" is familiar language to our tribe at the North American Mission Board (NAMB). Since church planting is vital part of our strategy to reach North America. We use the term “Send Cities” to describe 32 cities which reflect the greatest spiritual need and most potential influence throughout North America. NAMB’s strategy is to intentionally send people to these under-served, under-reached cities. Recently, I was in one of our Send Cities with planter’s wives. We spent one day together in the Word, getting connected and having ministry conversations. There were only two indigenous wives in the room. The remaining dozen or so had been “sent” there. I asked that group of women “What is the greatest personal cost to you and your family in coming to this city to plant a church?” No one said a word. I waited. Still no one spoke. Clearly, they had significant personal costs in their move to this city where crime is high, weather is challenging, traffic is terrible and cost of living significant. Yet they were not comfortable in voicing their sacrifices. I sensed they did not want to appear whiny or negative—I understand that. Yet, like other losses in life, never talking about them in our mission context is not entirely healthy. While we may shy away from this topic, oddly enough, Jesus did not. "As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, 'I will follow You wherever You go.' And Jesus said to him, 'The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.' And He said to another, 'Follow Me.' But he said, 'Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.' But He said to him, 'Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.' Another also said, ' will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.' But Jesus said to him, 'No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God' "( Luke 9:56-62). He was clearly up front with the concept that following Him would require losses and sacrifice. He did not candy coat this issue. Jesus goes on to say: "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me" (Matthew 10:37-38). Jesus sets the bar high with potential losses when he discusses our families. Following after Him means loving Him more than family. Following “after me” may mean leaving that family in pursuit of Him and His calling. "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross DAILY and follow me. For whoever loses his life for MY sake will find it" (Luke 9: 23-24). Besides “follow me,” this is the most often repeated phrase of Jesus in the New Testament. "Deny self" means "to forget oneself, lose sight of oneself and one's own interest" -Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. To put other’s spiritual needs ahead of our own needs and interests is the essence of true discipleship, according to Jesus. In doing this we will be called to deny ourselves. Jesus modeled it. Then He called us to do the same. “To be a follower of the Crucified means, sooner or later, a personal encounter with the cross. And the cross always entails loss,” writes Elisabeth Elliot in These Strange Ashes. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kathy lives in Mobile, AL with her husband Ed Litton, pastor of Redemption Church. Both lost former spouses in car accidents, and God uniquely gave them new love and life together in 2009. Kathy enjoyed 26 years of life and ministry alongside Rick Ferguson. She has 3 children and 9 grandchildren. Presently, Kathy serves at NAMB as National Consultant for Ministry to Pastor’s Wives. #DECEMBER16

FENTON, MI – It is hard for me to believe that another year has come and gone. This has been one of the greatest years of our lives as Sabrina and I have had the opportunity to get to know and fall more deeply in love with the people and places of Michigan. We have had the privilege of traveling thousands of miles, preaching in a myriad of churches and attending numerous meeting and events. As a result, we have come to realize some of the finest people on the face of this globe reside right here in the mitten and U.P. of Michigan. To say we are blessed to serve here is an understatement. I am thrilled to tell you that we are seeing the goals that were set forth in previous months being reached and accomplished. This is happening because of the great leadership within our state and the superb staff you have called to serve along side me. I so love and thank God for these men and women. Since “day one” we have had an unquenchable burden to impact the lostness of this state with the Gospel of Jesus. We know that this will be accomplished as we start strong and stable reproducing churches, strengthen and bring to good health our existing churches and help provide motivation and means by which these churches can send their members into a very needy state, nation and world to share that Good News. I have been asked on several occasions why we would put such emphasis on starting and sending when so many of our existing churches need strengthening. Of course, we need to strengthen churches and as a result the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) is putting a great deal of effort and funding into doing just that. This year we’ve had multiple trainings and encouraging events for pastors and leaders around the state. We just experienced a very successful CEC where 400 people were trained in various areas of church ministry. This year we’ve had Pastor Appreciation Meals, Prayer Boot Camp, Evangelism Training, and Galatians 6:6 Marriage Enrichment to name a few. Yet experience and statistics show that churches involved in helping plant other churches and in mobilizing for missions are discovering that these efforts in turn strengthen and provide healthy internal conditions and improved financial bottom lines. It is my vision and desire to see every Southern Baptist Church (SBC) here in Michigan actively involved in partnering with other churches to start new works here and beyond our borders. I have a passion to see our churches so engaged in mission efforts that every member has an opportunity to say that they have impacted the life of someone else with the Gospel. Evangelism must be at the heart and center of all we do. We must have a passion for and be prepared to share the Gospel with anyone at anytime. I have a vision that Michigan Baptists will be known throughout our Zion as the state that loves to give and does so generously. It is my belief that we are never more like Jesus than when we are giving. We must give, not just for that which benefits our family or tribe, but give to and for those from which we may never see any personal benefit. It is my belief that all of our churches can work together to “punch holes in the darkness” of Michigan. African American churches, Anglo churches, Asian churches, Hispanic churches, Urban churches and any other Southern Baptist church can join hearts and hands to do this and more. When we look across this great nation we sense and see a great deal of unrest. The Church must rise and shine in the midst of this. The day of “us and them” is over. Cultural and ethnic differences will remain, but unity in Christ must reign! We are a very diverse state but it is my conviction that this diversity must be reflected in our churches and our mission. Will you join with me and the rest of the BSCM staff, as we pray and work in order for this vision to come to fruition? Together we can start more, strengthen more, and send more than ever before. Together we can do more. 2016 has been a great year. 2017 will be even better! 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. #DECEMBER16

RICHMOND, VA – Well over one hundred years ago, a single missionary named Lottie Moon, serving in China, began writing letters challenging the church back here to send and support more workers to go there. After her death on the field, her challenge was heeded in the formalization of an offering in her name. In 1918, Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) named the annual Christmas offering for international missions after her. Even if you’re not a Southern Baptist who has given to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, her life is a reminder of why we must give to send and support missionaries serving among unreached peoples in unreached places. Edmonia Moon, Lottie’s sister, was appointed as a Southern Baptist missionary to Tengchow, China, in 1872. The following year, Lottie was appointed and joined her sister there. Lottie served 39 years as a missionary, mostly in China’s Shantung province. She taught in a girls’ school and often made trips into China’s interior to share the good news with women and girls. Lottie Moon was passionate about people knowing Christ and she didn’t hesitate to speak her mind. Today’s China is a world of rapid change. It’s home to 1.4 billion individuals – one-fifth of the world’s population. Village dwellers flock to trendy megacities with exploding populations. And China holds its own in the world’s economy. It’s very different from the vast farmland Lottie Moon entered in the 1800s. But one thing hasn’t changed: China’s need for a Savior. When she set sail for China, Lottie was 32 years old. She had turned down a marriage proposal and left her job, home and family to follow God’s lead. Her path wasn’t typical for an educated woman from a wealthy Southern family. God had gripped her with the Chinese peoples’ need for a Savior. People feared and rejected her, but she refused to leave. The aroma of fresh-baked cookies drew people to her house. She adopted traditional Chinese dress, and she learned China’s language and customs. Lottie didn’t just serve the people of China; she identified with them. Many eventually accepted her. And some accepted her Savior. Lottie wrote letters home detailing China’s hunger for truth and the struggle of so few missionaries taking the gospel to the 472 million Chinese in her day. She also shared the urgent need for more workers and for Southern Baptists to support them through prayer and giving. She once wrote home to the Foreign Mission Board, “Please say to the [new] missionaries they are coming to a life of hardship, responsibility and constant self-denial.” Disease, turmoil and lack of co-workers threatened to undo Lottie’s work. But she gave herself completely to God, helping lay the foundation of what would become the modern Chinese church, one of the fastest-growing Christian movements in the world. Lottie Moon died at 72 — ill and in declining health after decades ministering to her beloved Chinese. But her legacy lives on. And today, when gifts aren’t growing as quickly as the number of workers God is calling to the field, her call for sacrificial giving rings with more urgency than ever. For more information about the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering visit imb.org/lmco or contact the BSCM www.bscm.org. Office: (810) 714-1907. #DECEMBER16

LONDON (BP) – "There's no lack of church buildings in London, but the average congregation is fewer than 20 people," missionary James Roberts noted. Roberts is part of an International Mission Board team in London strategizing a comprehensive missions approach to reach this city of 8.6 million. More than 50 non-indigenous communities, each with 10,000 people or more, have been identified in London, making it truly a global city. More than 300 languages are spoken in London, and 37 percent of the city's population was born outside the U.K., one-fourth of whom have moved to London in the last five years. A city that once served as fertile ground for great Christian preaching and churches, London has grown fallow over the last 50 years. In 1963, 3.2 percent of London's population claimed to have no affiliation with religion. In 2015, that number had soared to 44.7 percent. The Anglican Church alone saw a 33 percent drop during this span. Recognizing global migration patterns from rural to urban settings, IMB has named London -- along with Dubai, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur and a major city in South Asia (unnamed for security purposes) -- as focal points in piloting a Global Cities Initiative. The five GCI cities were selected based on their potential for global influence as well as their vast numbers of unengaged, unreached people groups. The goal is that as members of the people groups are transformed by the Gospel while living in the cities, they will return to their homelands as indigenous missionaries. In London, the GCI initiative involves using the city's 280-plus underground tube stops as key points for missional communities. The team's "God-sized vision" includes having a missional community near every stop. The plan is in the initial stages of mapping the areas and conducting demographic research to aid in future evangelism and discipleship. "We want to engage people groups; we want to see London reached," said Roberts, the IMB's senior city manager, adding that their strategy includes the "goal of starting new groups, doing evangelism and training leaders, with the hope of starting new churches." IMB President David Platt's vision of "limitless missionaries" requires "multiple pathways" for engaging lostness all over the world. In addition to career missionaries, IMB is looking for Christian students, business professionals and retirees willing to move overseas to aid mission teams in one of the five GCI cities. These life stages, combined with numerous opportunities for education and employment, serve as platforms for either short-term or long-term missions engagement. "Our hope for students and business professionals who come with GCI is not only will they help engage with us in what we're doing in the city, but they will start ministry in their areas of influence," Roberts said. Retirees, for example, can be "incredible because they have resources, time and a ton of wisdom. They've been walking with God longer than most of us, and they have a different perspective. We can release them into the city and engage them in all different kinds of ways." IMB also wants partner churches in the United States that will select a city and mobilize its members who might be interested in connecting with a CGI team. The mission board has access consultants in each city to help business professionals discover potential job openings and an abundance of opportunities for Gospel engagement. For more information on the Global Cities Initiative, visit imb.org/gci. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Keith Collier is managing editor of the Southern Baptist TEXAN (www.texanonline.net), newsjournal of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. #DECEMBER16

SEVIERVILLE, TN (BP) – Following the recent election of a new U.S. president, Southern Baptist Convention leader Steve Gaines challenged American Christians to once again ask, "What can I do for my country?" In his Nov. 13 message to Tennessee Baptists, Gaines shared a well-known quote from John F. Kennedy's inaugural address in January of 1961: "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country?" An estimated 1,600 Tennessee Baptists from across the state gathered Nov. 13 at the Sevierville Convention Center for a worship service on the opening night of their annual gathering. Gaines, SBC president and pastor of Memphis-area Bellevue Baptist Church, cited 10 things that Christians can do: 1. Pray for your country Gaines observed there are some people in the U.S. who say they should not pray for the country's success. "There is nothing wrong and everything right for Christians who live in the United States of America to pray for God to bless our country," Gaines said. He urged Christians to pray for the president, president-elect and others in leadership whether or not one agrees with their views. 2. Prioritize your family No country will be stronger than the families who live in that country, said Gaines, emphasizing the importance of strong, godly families. 3. Work for a living Gaines noted that God did not create men and women to be lazy. "Unless you are physically or mentally challenged, you are supposed to work," he said. Gaines said the church or government does not owe anything to people who are able but choose not to work due to laziness. 4. Be involved in the local church "The United States needs more Bible-believing, Jesus-exalting churches," Gaines said. He added that Christians are the "conscience and heart" of the country. 5. Love your fellow man "Christians are commanded to love everyone, not just other Christians," he said. He said Christians "are to love even those who are engaged in open sin; we just don't love the sin." Additionally, Christians are commanded to love people of all skin color and ethnicity. "All lives matter to God. Jesus died for all people," he said. 6. Minister to "the least of these" Find a need and meet it and find a hurt and heal it, Gaines urged. "We must care for those who are in need." 7. Take care of your finances Gaines challenged the crowd to tithe, avoid debt, and save for future needs. How Christians use the money entrusted to them by God says a lot, he said. "Your checkbook tells where your heart really is. … God gives you that money to be a steward. You don't own anything," he said. "Until you learn how to deal with money, God can't bless you or your church." 8. Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with lost people "One of the best things you can do is to win lost souls for Jesus Christ," he said. 9. Make disciples "Once you've won someone to Jesus you don't throw them in a corner. You take care of them, love them, and disciple them," Gaines said. 10. Know you are saved, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and live a holy life Gaines noted there are people who made a decision for Christ 30 years ago yet today never go to church or pray. "Where there is no fruit, there is no root," he said. He challenged Christians to make sure they know they are saved and then be filled with the Holy Spirit and live holy lives. America is in trouble, Gaines said in closing. The answer, he said, "is right here in this room," referring to Christians and local churches. "We have to wake up and focus on God. We have to be salt and light," he said. "We have to love our country enough to stand up for our Lord Jesus Christ." Gaines closed the service by leading those in attendance in the pledge of allegiance to the American flag and the "Star Spangled Banner." ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lonnie Wilkey is editor of the Baptist and Reflector (www.baptistandreflector.org), newsjournal of the Tennessee Baptist Convention. #DECEMBER16

HUDSON, MA (BP) – "We've all got to set aside our differences for the sake of the Gospel." The words spoken by Terry Dorsett, executive director of the Baptist Convention of New England, at the BCNE annual meeting reflected New England Baptists' diversity: Forty percent of the convention's 376 churches worship in a language other than English. "Embracing the Future by Celebrating Our Ethnic Diversity" was the theme of the BCNE's 34th annual meeting, Nov. 4-5 at Grace Baptist Church in Hudson, Mass. More than 200 messengers, representing 105 churches and all seven New England associations, were present, along with 44 visitors. David Um, senior pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Cambridge, Mass., preached the annual sermon, using the text of Galatians 3:26-28 to speak about finding unity in Christ despite our diversity. Sharing personal stories of experiencing discrimination as a Korean-American, Um urged listeners to find their identity in Christ, which will lead to humility and harmony in the church. "Let's show the world that when we live out the Word of God in our life, true healing, true ethnic diversity can happen," Um said. "And through that let's declare the glory of God, the power of Jesus Christ and the wonder of His blood." Messengers passed resolutions expressing appreciation for the host church and retiring associational director Rafael Hernandez as well as two resolutions calling for prayer in light of turbulent political and social conditions. One of the resolutions, titled "Resolution on Prayer for Elected Officials," encouraged New England Baptists to "pray earnestly for our current elected officials, as well as those who will be elected in the November election" in light of America's "evidence of moral decline" and "political leaders who have demonstrated a deficiency of biblical values." In addition, a "Resolution on Praying for Young People and Law Enforcement Officials" -- citing "increased violence due to many different reasons," such as young people and law enforcement officials who "have been injured or lost their lives in this violence" and "complex" and emotional causes and solutions -- called on New England Baptists to pray for the following things: Safety of both young people and law enforcement officials. Peace in our society that only the Gospel can bring. Wisdom and safety of community leaders, politicians, faith leaders and law enforcement officials in dealing with each situation. Families of both young people and law enforcement officials who have been injured or lost their lives in these violent acts. Messengers approved a 2017 budget of $2,840,950. This budget increase of more than 18 percent is due to increased designated giving from various sources. In 2017, the BCNE anticipates income of $840,000 through Cooperative Program giving from the convention's churches. This year the BCNE has pledged that all New England CP giving will be used for ministry and missions, rather than administration expenses. A total of $134,400, which represents 16 percent of New England CP giving, has been allotted for SBC Cooperative Program ministries outside of New England, an increase from 15 percent last year. The convention also celebrated God's provision, as churches and individuals gave nearly $121,000 toward the convention's Embracing the Future campaign, leaving just over $100,000 left to raise. Embracing the Future is a special initiative to provide a one-time influx of funds to five ministries critical to the future of Southern Baptist ministry in New England and help the convention eliminate a lingering debt. Gary Rowe, chairman of deacons at Island Pond Baptist Church in Hampstead, N.H., was unanimously re-elected as the convention's president while Joe Souza, pastor of Celebration Church in Charlestown, Mass., was unanimously chosen as vice president. Sandra Coehlo, leadership development director at the BCNE and volunteer staff member at Church of the Vine in Carver, Mass., will continue to serve as clerk. Next year's annual meeting will be Nov. 3-4 at Grace Church in Avon, Mass. Fady Ghobrial, assistant pastor at the Arabic Baptist Church Boston of Newton, Mass., will preach the annual sermon on the meeting's theme, "Embracing the Future Through Reaching the Next Generation," with Grace Church providing the music. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kimber Ross is the communications coordinator for the Baptist Convention of New England. #DECEMBER16