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by Mike Ebert RUIDOSO, NM (BP) – As Southern Baptist volunteers sift through the remains of home sites in the aftermath of recent wildfires that claimed two lives and destroyed more than 200 homes, they can’t tell much about what the house looked like or who lived there, but the complete and thorough destruction tells a story of its own. “The wind that was pushing this fire was gusting up to 80-90 miles an hour,” said Ed Greene, who is leading efforts in the area for the Baptist Convention of New Mexico. “Sometimes people only had minutes to get out. One of our volunteers lives here. He and his wife came home and their house was on fire. They had to evacuate with only the clothes on their backs.” Now Greene and his volunteers use heavy machinery, shovels, wheelbarrows and buckets to haul away what’s left. At the request of a homeowner, they carefully sift through specific parts of the homesite, trying to find a family heirloom or a significant piece of jewelry that might have survived. “Mainly it’s just a pile of debris – concrete block, wood, metal, ash,” Greene said. Ruidoso is located 180 miles southeast of Albuquerque in the Sierra Blanca mountains. Some of the homes impacted serve as mountain getaway vacation homes and are only inhabited for part of the year. But most are the only residences owners had. “Most lost everything they had,” Greene said. “There was no time to salvage anything. There are some distraught people.” The McBride fire that ravaged much of Ruidoso is now 95 percent contained. It is one of at least five blazes that have already been burning in the state this spring torching thousands of acres. High winds and abnormally high temperatures have created dangerous conditions and made the work of firefighters all the more difficult. Simultaneous fires in Colorado and Arizona have caused similar destruction. New Mexico’s volunteers serving with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) began service to residents of the area by removing downed trees that had been toppled by the high winds that are driving these fires. Teams completed 43 chainsaw jobs, praying with homeowners and distributing Bibles along the way. So far, they have seen 11 people make professions of faith as a result of their ministry. More than 2,300 volunteer work hours have already been served. SBDR volunteers from Texas and Arizona are serving alongside New Mexico Baptists and teams from Oklahoma and Missouri will be arriving soon. First Baptist Church Ruidoso is hosting the teams and serving as a base of operations. Send Relief, the Southern Baptist compassion ministry arm, sent a shipment of fire relief materials including N-95 facemasks and Tyvek suits. “These are devastating fires, but our Southern Baptist partners specialize in bringing hope to situations like this,” said Coy Webb, Send Relief’s crisis response director. “It’s looking like another long fire season, so these volunteers in the West will need all the prayers and support we can give.” Greene said, like with most SBDR responses, the Ruidoso project has been filled with examples of God’s provision and Southern Baptist partnership. The day before the project started, Greene’s team had no skid steers to aid in the effort. The small construction vehicles are essential for a variety of tasks. The team asked members of First Baptist Ruidoso to pray at their Wednesday night prayer service. Within 36, hours five skid steers were on site and ready to go. Greene has also been encouraged to see Southern Baptist cooperation in action. “One of the hallmarks of Southern Baptists is that we are a cooperative bunch,” Greene said. “This is a classic example.” Donations can be made by visiting Send Relief’s crisis response site. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mike Ebert writes for the North American Mission Board. #MAY22

by Scott Barkley and Brandon Porter NASHVILLE, TN (BP) – The SBC Executive Committee met in a special-called meeting Thursday to vote on moving the 2023 annual meeting from Charlotte to New Orleans and receive an update on the cost of the investigation into allegations of mishandling sexual abuse claims. Erik Cummings, chair of the EC’s Events and Strategic Planning Committee, introduced EC vice president for communications Jonathan Howe and Bill Townes, former EC chief financial officer now assisting on a contract basis, to explain how recent growth in annual meeting attendance necessitated the switch from Charlotte to New Orleans. Howe explained that it was “simply a matter of math” leading to the decision and that when Charlotte was originally selected, it reflected the annual meeting attendance at that time. Annual meeting locations scheduled through 2028 are in line with current attendance projections, he noted. Charlotte was confirmed as the 2023 host city by messengers to the 2016 SBC Annual Meeting in St. Louis. Since that meeting, attendance at the annual event has grown, which means the 280,000-square-foot Charlotte Convention Center is not large enough to host the event, which is expected to draw more than 15,000 attendees. Space requirements for hosting an SBC annual meeting now exceed 400,000 square feet. Making the decision more than a year out saved costs that could have occurred had the decision come closer to the annual meeting, said Townes. As it stands, costs to fulfill contracts and obligations to Charlotte as well as secure new contracts in New Orleans “may range from $150,000-$230,000”, according to Townes. Howe noted that remaining in Charlotte could have cost the Convention more than $900,000 in lost revenues and sponsorships due to space constraints. After a brief discussion, EC members voted unanimously to approve the move. In a response to the decision of the EC, Todd Unzicker told Baptist Press in a written statement, “We have been in frequent conversations with our national leaders over the past several weeks to try to find a workable solution that would enable our state to host next year’s meeting. I can assure N.C. Baptists that we left no stone unturned in these efforts. However, our national convention has specific criteria in its constitution regarding the selection of host cities and changes to times and locations.” The SBC Constitution says, “The Executive Committee may change the time and place of meeting if the entertaining city withdraws its invitation or is unable to fulfill its commitments. Unzicker said North Carolina Baptists have been excited to host the 2023 Annual Meeting, “However, we understand the challenges presented by the ever-growing number of attendees that led to today’s vote by the SBC Executive Committee to change the location of the 2023 meeting.” Financial update The majority of the nearly two-hour meeting concerned the cost of the Guidepost investigation. Townes, in particular, wanted to offer clarification on the financial resources available in the EC’s reserve funds. The most recent financial report available for the February 2022 EC meeting, he pointed out, came from September 2021. Townes said it is true there was $12.2 million in unrestricted reserves, but just under $5 million is connected to EC property, equipment and board-designated funds. The actual figure of resources available, including contingency and operation reserves, for the costs of the investigation was closer to $7.3 million, according to Townes. EC members were informed that since Oct. 1, a total of $1,661,530 has been paid toward Guidepost Solutions and $17,478 toward Task Force travel and meetings. In September, the EC voted to allocate up to $1.6 million toward the work by Guidepost Solutions. In February, they voted to increase the funds allocated to $2 million for the investigation or the “coverage of any other direct expenses without further approval.” Legal fees directly related to supporting the work of the Sex Abuse Task Force since then have totaled less than one-third of the $2 million originally approved by the EC in February. The legal firms of Bradley; Arant, Boult and Cumming; Guenther, Jordan and Price; Blank Rome; and Locke Lord have provided services to the EC as it has supported the investigation. The most recent EC financial report, dated March 31, showed total contingency and operating reserves of nearly $5.2 million. Other business The committee also received a legal update from Gene Besen of the Bradley Law Firm, a personnel update from interim President/CEO Willie McLaurin and Slade discussed items that will be addressed at the next regularly scheduled meeting on June 13 in Anaheim prior to the SBC Annual Meeting. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Scott Barkley is national correspondent for Baptist Press. Brandon Porter is associate vice president for convention news for the SBC Executive Committee. #MAY22

by Tim Steele ROSEVILLE, MI – Has your pastor ever gone to Israel? Unfortunately, since only 7% of Evangelical Christians have been to Israel, most pastors haven’t. Some have called the Holy Land the fifth Gospel because you can understand so much more about the stories of the Bible when you visit the places where they occurred. When pastors speak about Jerusalem, Capernaum, or the Sea of Galilee, they share what they have learned from the pages of the Bible, atlases, and commentaries. It wasn’t until I traveled to Israel did I realize how much more I could understand by visiting the Holy Land and seeing the places where Jesus walked and taught. I knew about the Holy Land from a shallow, superficial perspective. When I went to Israel, the experience transformed me. My faith was made more tangible by walking the same steps Jesus walked on and standing in the places where the Bible and history occurred. I now see the Holy Land with a much deeper and extensive view. When I read and reflect on Scripture and think about the places I visited in the Holy Land, my mind generates vivid details of the smells, sounds, and geography. Now I can attach actual places, scenery, and archaeological discoveries to passages to make the scriptures easier to remember. Here are three reasons to send your pastor to the Holy Land: 1. Your pastor’s Israel trip will teach him what his biblical seminary didn’t. Eighty-four percent agree with the statement: “If I bought fifty books on Bible lands, they couldn’t contribute what my trip to Israel has given me.” Seventy-five percent agree: “Geography has increased my ability to remember biblical events and the life lessons they teach.” 2. It will make him a better preacher. Eighty-six percent agree: “When I include Bible lands in my communication of the Bible, my listeners tell me they understand much better what I am teaching.” Ninety-three percent of Bible teachers who have journeyed to Israel say they now use biblical geography to help illustrate their teaching. 3. Your pastor’s Israel’s trip will deepen in his walk with God as a spiritual leader. Ninety-nine percent agree: “Experiencing the land of the Bible firsthand has strengthened my spiritual life.” In short, pastors who travel to Israel enjoy: A better memory of biblical events A more precise understanding of the text A more accurate direction to its application A more effective level of communication How you can send your pastor to Israel? A trip to Israel will enhance your pastor’s ministry, and you have the privilege of making it happen. How? 1. Approach your church leadership. Tell your church leaders that you would like to lead a movement to raise your pastor’s Israel trip funds. Explain how you would like to raise the money, either a fundraiser or a love offering. If necessary, perhaps the church budget can make up the difference. 2. Invite the congregation to participate (but keep it a secret). Here’s how: Send a letter or an email to the church, and invite them to participate in your pastor’s trip of a lifetime. Explain that they have the chance to show appreciation to your pastor and help enhance his ministry. Describe how you’d like to collect contributions. For example, you could note that only 74 adults can cover the cost of sending your pastor and his wife to Israel if each member gives $100. Remind everyone: “It’s a surprise!” and tell them to mark the surprise presentation date on their calendars. 3. Present your pastor’s Israel trip as a gift one Sunday morning. Plan to announce the surprise as a gift for “Pastor Appreciation Sunday” or another occasion. Discover a reason to celebrate your pastor and his wife! This gesture will draw you closer to your shepherd. He will be as thankful for this act of kindness as the pilgrimage itself. And here is another idea; if you can afford it, why don’t you go with your pastor. Nothing your pastor would enjoy more than going to Israel and sharing this wonderful experience with a church member. Is it safe to go to Israel? Yes. Tourism is a big deal in Israel, and the country goes to great lengths to make tourists safe. As a result, we feel safer in Israel than any other country we’ve visited. And no. International travel is never perfectly safe. The State Department has travel restrictions on the Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights, and the West Bank. The Gaza Strip and the Golan Heights are easy to avoid, but you need to go into the West Bank to see Bethlehem. However, when you go to the Church of the Nativity, you will be going with hundreds of other visitors that day. Exercise the same safety precautions we use in the U.S.A. And, of course, ask God for a safe trip. To hear more about this opportunity, listen to the most recent episode of “Punching Holes in the Darkness” where Tim Patterson and Tim Steele unpack the many advantages of sending your pastor on this once in a lifetime trip. For more details, call Tim Steele at (586)337-4653 or email at timothysteele@mac.com. Here is a brochure of this amazing trip: bit.ly/Israeltrip2022 ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tim is the founding and Discipleship Pastor of Cross Waves Church. Tim received a BA in Biblical Studies from Welch College. He has also received a Masters of Theology and a Masters of Divinity from Liberty University. He and his wife Terri have two adult children and one granddaughter. #APRIL22

by Sharon Hessling BOLD retreat is a multigenerational retreat based on Titus 2 which tells us to teach one another and encourage one another. The first BOLD retreat was held in 2018. Mothers, daughters, granddaughters, friends, fellow church members from ages 6 to 90 gather to grow together and learn from one another. The breakout sessions allow participants to learn or share a skill. The worship is a time of inspiration, testimony, and praise. The fellowship is always a time of refreshing at beautiful Bambi Lake. The theme for this year’s BOLD retreat is “Stand Firm”. With all the craziness going on in our world, we certainly need to be encouraged to stand firm in our faith! I have known our featured speaker, Dottie Babcock, for years and had the privilege of serving with her in Sierra Leone. Dottie is a Michigan native although you may not know it by her current Tennessee accent. She will be a lot of fun and has been working prayerfully on what Biblical insights the Lord will bring us on standing up strong. Breakout sessions for this year are shaping up and, at this point, include: “A Minute to Win It”, Card making, Cookie Decorating, Creative Movement, Getting More Out of Your Android Phone, Making and Using a Prayer Journal, Making Your Home Welcoming (Wreath making), Self-Care, Tea and Hospitality. The dates for BOLD retreat are April 22 and 23. The cost is $99. There is an early bird discount if you register by April 1, it will be $89. CLICK HERE to register, or call Bambi Lake at 989-275-5844. I hope to see you there to be encouraged and grow together! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sharon served as an IMB missionary on the continent of Africa for 25 years. In retirement she is known as "the pie lady" and enjoys spending time with her husband, 3 grown children, and her 10 grandchildren. #APRIL22

by Kevin Finkenbinder DEWITT, MI – Each area of my life is impacted by the reality of Easter. Obviously, without Jesus living, dying, and rising from the dead, we would not know that God gave us the gift of salvation, and would not be able to effectively follow Him. As I look at my life, my identity is multifaceted. First and foremost, I am a follower of Christ, then, in decreasing order of importance I am the husband of Amy, the father of 3 kids (Isaiah – 12, Asa – 10, Hannah – 6), the pastor of First Baptist Church of DeWitt, MI, and a computer programmer for Michigan State University Libraries. My marriage and family are centered around Easter, as we inevitably fail to love each other, it is God’s grace that restores us and our relationship. And working at MSU is not because of a love for the Spartans (Go Green), nor because of the paycheck (although it allows me to feed my family), God has placed me at MSU to be a light in the darkness, allowing students, staff, faculty and others to see that God has given new life through Jesus Christ. Right now, the most beautiful example of the resurrection is watching God work in our church. When I came a couple years ago, the church was struggling to survive financially and otherwise. Our church is now much healthier, not because of a stewardship campaign or an outreach emphasis. It is because as a church we have been seeking to apply God’s grace and the reality of the resurrection to all that we do. As we learn of God’s word and love for us, we naturally grow closer to Him and imitate His will in reaching the world. Seeking to love God who died and rose for us has changed (and is continuing to change) our church. My favorite Easter memory is from childhood. Being that it was 45 years ago, my mind has probably conflated events, but I remember the children’s ministers at Christian Center in Colorado Springs leading us to sing, “I’m in the Lord’s Army” and then asking us if we wanted to fight with or against God. It was at that time I prayed to ask Jesus to save me. As I remember it, later that same day I went into the adjacent park for an Easter egg hunt. I don’t remember actually getting any eggs, but I do remember asking Jesus into my life. Even if that didn’t actually take place on Easter, it was still Easter for my life. Over the years, the Easter verse that has moved me most has shifted and changed as God works in different areas of my life. Right now, I am overwhelmed by Romans 5:7-11. Even as a young child, I had been an enemy of God, and I will never be a righteous man. Yet, Christ died for me, not only to save me from His wrath, but to give me life and reconciliation. Life in a neutral stance to God would have been infinite grace, but far beyond that He gave me reconciliation, joining me into His family and calling me His friend. At this, I am overwhelmed and speechless. “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” Romans 5:7-11 ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kevin Finkenbinder is pastor at First Baptist Church of DeWitt, MI. He has been married to Amy since 2008 and together they celebrate their 2 handsome boys (Isaiah and Asa) and their beautiful girl (Hannah). As a bi-vocational pastor, Kevin has also worked at MSU in website programming and digital development since 2013. #APRIL22

by Karen Blanchard SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI – The words “called” and “purpose” are buzzwords in our culture today. People are constantly searching to find their calling and purpose in life. I hear women say all the time, “What is my calling?” and “Do I have a purpose on this earth, and what is it?” Unfortunately, we tend to look in the wrong places to find the answers to these questions. From childhood, we are conditioned that our self-worth is found in what we do, and from a young age we are asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” As we get older and meet people for the first time, one of the first things we are asked is, “What do you do?” We are taught that what we do is who we are; consequently, our identity can be easily mistaken for what we achieve, produce, or offer. This is a very dangerous view of our self-worth. Many people experienced this when the pandemic hit. We were all sent home from our workplace during the lockdown. Even though we had technology to help, for some, everything changed. People really struggled not being able to do their jobs in the way they always had done them. There was a lot of anxiety and depression tied to this because people didn’t know how to cope without being able to do the thing that always defined them. What we “do” shouldn’t be our identity. That is our vocation. Our vocation is the way we make a living for ourselves. Sometimes our vocation is also our calling. However, before we can ever step into the calling God has on our lives, we first must know who God has called us to be. In other words, it’s “who” before “do.” The way we view ourselves and our calling matters so that when we look to our calling and purpose to define us, we take on a very self-centered view. We often ask God, “What is my calling?” “What is the purpose of my life?” Our calling and purpose aren’t things we must find. When we know who we are in Christ, we won’t have to look to our vocation or what we “do” to fulfill that need. However, on the other side of that, once we know who we are in Christ, we can step into our calling with confidence knowing if God has called us to it, he will equip us for it. I love this quote on calling by Rebekah Lyons: “Our calling is where our burdens and our passions collide.” You step into your calling when you try to make a difference where your burdens and passions collide. This could be your vocation, but most of the time it won’t be. What burdens your heart? What do you wish you could change? What passions and desires has God planted in your life? What gifts has he given you? If you struggle with knowing your calling and purpose in life, you aren’t alone. I have struggled in the past with these same questions. I want you to know that you can live a life of significance and walk in the calling God has for you. On May 21st at 6pm, BSCM Women’s Ministry will be hosting an event titled Called: Living the Life God Created You to Live. This event will be at Lakepointe Church in Shelby Township. I was asked to share about what God has taught me in this area. Two verses we are going to look at are… I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. – Ephesians 4:1 He has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. – 2 Timothy 1:9 I hope you will make plans to join us as we talk about our calling and how we can have confidence knowing we are right where God has called us to be. We will also hear from a few women who are confidently walking in the calling they feel God has revealed to them. You don’t want to miss this time of worship, inspiration, and fellowship! Date: Saturday, May 21, 2022 Time: Evening / 6PM Start Location: Lakepointe Church, 53245 Van Dyke, Shelby Twp., MI FREE EVENT / Registration: https://form.jotform.com/212824586212151 Event Speaker: Karen Blanchard Worship: Lakepointe Worship Team Details: Ladies Evening of Worship & Inspiration Event Director: Tricia Werry 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! #APRIL22

by Rachel LaBelle ROSCOMMON, MI – Kids have a lot going on in their world these days. School, extracurricular activities, family and friend concerns, screens, and a thousand other things that have their attention. At camp, we get a short window to replace the busyness of their daily lives and invite them to a safe place where they can focus on Christ. Some would argue that camp creates a mountaintop high and nothing more, but the long-term impact of camp cannot be denied. Through camp, countless children have accepted Christ as their Savior. Whether they hear the Gospel for the first time—or in a new way that finally makes it all click—there is no denying that Christ-centered camps have a giant impact on our youth. Kids walk away with a deeper knowledge of Christ, form lifelong Christian friendships, and gain new experiences that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. For a few days in the summer, we get to be the loudest voice pouring into them and preparing them to be a light in their world. Fusion is a new camp for kids who have completed 2nd-6th grade. The camp is designed to take kids out of their normal routine and place them in a safe and exciting environment where Christ is central, and every moment is intentional. Whether campers are in worship, Bible study, swimming, or playing games, everything is designed with the intention to draw kids closer to others and Christ. At Fusion, we play hard, we worship hard, we pursue God with everything we have, and we open our hearts to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This year’s camp theme is, “Only a Holy God.” During daily worship and small group discussions, campers will learn about God’s character. Campers will see that God created all things, sovereignly rules over His creation, and ultimately wins over Satan, sin, and death. Throughout their time at camp, kids will participate in worship, recreation, and Bible study— all at an age-appropriate level. Fusion Camp will provide the staff necessary to run camp; however, churches are expected to provide one sponsor per gender. Sponsors should expect to: Take responsibility for their kids’ general well-being and monitor their kids outside of scheduled programming Lead nightly church debrief time (questions to spark discussion will be provided, but you are not required to use them) Be present and encourage their kids as they participate in activities Fusion will be at Bambi Lake, June 26-28, 2022. The cost is $150/camper and $120/sponsor, early bird pricing ends May 1st. You can register using the QR code or website below. Space is limited-sign up early! https://bambilake.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1146411 Have more questions? We’d be happy to talk! Contact us at: Fusioncamp@theresurrection.church Rachel LaBelle: 616-283-1661 Kristina Borza: 586-438-4383 ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rachel LaBelle has a heart for camp ministry and has served at different camps in a variety of capacities over the years. Resurrection Church; Lincoln Park, MI. #APRIL22

by Tim Patterson PLYMOUTH, MI – In my 68 years of traversing this terra firma I have come to know and understand many things about our world and the inhabitants thereof. This Easter season brings to mind three facts of life that I have come to understand and believe to be absolutely true. The first fact that I know to be an undeniable truth is that we are all sinners. Yes, all of us. I know this to be true because the Word of God states clearly and emphatically that the whole of mankind, past, present and future are rotten to the core. We were born sinful little creatures and will eventually die as such. The Word tells us in Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. And in Romans 3:10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one. Over and over again, our Father reveals the dark and doomed nature of our souls. I not only know this from scripture, but observation of the human race reveals this as well. I came to the realization long ago that even those sweet and wonderful gifts that God gives us called children are born with sinful natures. Children do not need to be taught to lie, cheat or steal, it comes naturally. All of us sin. From the least to the greatest. The fact is we sin. The second fact that I have come to understand is that we are all going to die. No one gets out of this life alive. Try as we may, we cannot cheat death. Hebrews 9:27 “It is appointed unto man, once to die….” . Also, God’s Word tells us in Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned. The western world is obsessed with youthfulness and the maintenance thereof. Advertizing, clothing, music, trends, fads and faces all focus on and give the highest priority to youthfulness. I believe this is just the result of our aging humanities attempt to prolong the inevitable. No matter how much plastic surgery is done. No matter how committed one is to a healthy diet and lifestyle, we ALL are going to die. Some are even trying to cheat death by having their deceased bodies frozen and stored hoping that in the future science will discover a means to regenerate them and heal them of the disease that brought about their demise. This practice is called cryogenic suspension. The following is taken from the website of a prominent Cryonics provider. “Cryonics is the practice of preserving life by pausing the dying process using subfreezing temperatures with the intent of restoring good health with medical technology in the future. Cryonics is currently the best-known method for pausing the dying process in a way that allows for potentially restoring good health with medical technology in the future. Cryonics is an ambulance to the future. When today's medicine gives up, cryonics takes over.” The amazing part of this is that people believe this is a viable option and are paying big bucks to have this done. The expense to have one’s body cryogenically suspended can cost up to $200,000.00 and at present there are about 500 bodies in the United States that are frozen in this manner. My question is, how can they guarantee that these companies will not just run with the money to some warm sunny island in the South Seas, and forget to pay the electric bill? Sounds like someone trying to sell you the Statue of Liberty. A few years ago, a letter appeared in the national news that was sent to a deceased person by the Indiana Department of Social Services. It read as follows: "Your food stamps will be stopped in March because we received notice that you passed away. May God bless you. You may reapply if there is a change in your circumstances." My friend, you cannot change your circumstances. If you are made into a people popsicle, the thawing process will not be pretty. The third fact of life that I am absolutely sure of is that we will all live forever. That’s right! We are immortal and eternal beings. Though we may physically die, we will continue to live spiritually. But the real question is: “Where will we be in eternity?” There are only two possibilities: Heaven or Hell. One option has already been decided when the first man and woman rebelled against God and sinned. They in turn passed that sin on to all of humanity and we have continued in that same sinful pattern. Remember the above-mentioned passage in Romans? “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” Easter answers the great questions that arise from these facts of life. It is found in the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. The following passages from God’s Word reveal the answers. “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:1-6 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. I Corinthians 15:51-58 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. I Thessalonians 14:13-18 This Easter may you find great faith and assurance in these FACTS. 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. #APRIL22

by Tony Lynn PLYMOUTH, MI – I see resurrection power every day of my life in the Send Network and in the state convention. The resurrection is about One life given so that many others may receive eternal live, and I get to experience that multiplication of life, Every. Single. Day. In my role with the Send Network of the North American Mission Board (NAMB) and the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM), I see individuals and congregations sacrifice a lot to bring eternal life to those living in Michigan. That is one reason why celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ on April 17 is one of this year’s sacred days for me. Let me add some depth to my feelings describing a typical day. On Sunday, March 20, a new church plant, during their “Vision Casting Sunday,” was joined by previous church planters and an-up-and-coming church planter. Everyone was connected to the Send Network. I was there along with my wife. I can testify to the actions as well as the emotions accompanying the day. It started out very well that sunny morning in March. As I slipped out of my truck, the driver in the next vehicle slipped out of his SUV. I greeted him and asked, “Is this your first time at Convergent Church?” He replied, “Yes” and offered that he was a friend of Dan Dameron, one of the church’s leaders. I replied, “Let’s go find Dan and I will introduce you to the other members of the team. You’re in the right place looking at a good church. I hope you’ll like it.” We entered and started mingling with everyone. Josh Tovey, a veteran church planter with RedemptionMI.org in the Greater Grand Rapids area, was there to support Jamison Bebiak, one of our newest church planters with ConvergentOwosso.com. Tovey was also given the task of teaching that Sunday morning, unveiling a message from Romans 8 on adoption and becoming heirs of the Lord in glory and suffering. Bebiak is one of four church planters that has been given the chance at a healthy church start through a residency or training time connected with Redemption Church and Josh Tovey. For the sake of this story, you can think of Tovey as a father-figure to the other men in this story. Though Tovey has a young look and an enjoyable sense of humor, everyone senses his wisdom when it comes to church planting. Other men, like Bebiak, impacted by the life-giving ministry of Redemption Church are Seth Springs, Nathan Sharpe, and the newest one approaching assessment is named Charles. The loyalty these men have with one another is mind-boggling. Nothing will ever break the bond of love and concern these men have for each other. When we snapped a picture of these men in the middle of M-21, a highway that splits the north and south of Owosso, as a symbol of taking the city for Christ, I could sense a stronger, lasting bond between these men that does not exist among the men and women who recently played elimination basketball games during March Madness. These men aren’t competitors, they’re one team serving Christ. It was startling to hear Josh Tovey convey the idea, from Romans 8, that following the Lord’s calling is not a guarantee that everything will be easy or agreeable. He was not painting a bleak picture; Tovey was covering the blank canvas of a future with reality. Tovey, through very personal disclosure, explained the previous years of surgery, treatments, and waiting as his wife, Stephanie, battled a stubborn cancer while they planted Redemption Church. Her cancer returned four times. Each time the cancer raised itself to steal life and hope from the Tovey family, and each time they fought back with the power of the resurrection. My favorite moment that weekend was when the worship space went silent upon seeing an image that Tovey shared. The silence was followed by gasps throughout the worship space when Tovey showed the image of the three children Stephanie and he adopted exactly three years ago to the day he was preaching that March Sunday morning message. Tovey asked, “Could it be that our years of suffering and battling cancer prepared us to adopt these three siblings who had suffered early in their lives?” He added, “Now that these three are adopted, despite all that they previously suffered they will forever be part of the Tovey family and they will inherit all that they can from us. We will be there to celebrate their successes and to catch them when they fail.” Tovey’s deep, intimate, and personal story illustrated the immeasurable inheritance that awaits all of those who come to know the resurrection power. Years ago, as a pastor, I deliberately replaced any reference to the annual celebration of the resurrection of Christ from the word Easter to the phrase “Resurrection Sunday.” I know there will be jelly beans, baskets, and phony-grass, I’m not an Easter-Grinch; but I want to remind myself when I speak of the annual event that changes everything that I feature the One and the act that changes everything. He is risen! Christ is risen! I love seeing resurrection power every day of my life . . . and I do because it is there. I hope you see it, sense it, and know it. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Tony L. Lynn is the State Director of Missions for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before coming on staff at the BSCM, Tony served as lead pastor for more than six years at Crosspoint Church in Monroe, Michigan. He and his wife, Jamie, also served with the International Mission Board in Africa and in Europe. #APRIL22

by Mike Durbin PLYMOUTH, MI – Legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi, started the first day of the Green Bay Packers training camp in 1961 with a football in his right hand and these words: “Gentlemen, this is a football.” Those 38 professional players knew football. They were at the top of their game, but Lombardi reminded them that no matter how much one excels in speed, technique, or performance, the football is at the center of the game. Easter reminds us that it’s all about the Gospel. The heart of our faith is the resurrected Lord Jesus. His Lordship is forever demonstrated in the resurrection. Darkness could not conceal Him. Demons could not constrain Him. Death could not contain Him. He is the resurrected Lord of Lords and King of Kings! Resurrection Sunday reminds us of the fundamental hope of the Gospel: “He is not here. He Is RISEN!” Through repentance and faith in the resurrected Jesus, we receive forgiveness for our sins and the gift of eternal life. It’s the ultimate “Good News.” We receive it in an instant, but we spend a lifetime living out its truths. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus is the message of hope for a broken world. Jesus commissions us to “make disciples of all nations”. It’s a commission that unites us all as we advance His Kingdom together. Below are resources to help churches take their next step to accelerate Gospel movement: 1. WhosYourOne.com is a resource that 62,220 people are using as of this writing to pray for their loved ones who need Jesus. Multiple “Who’s Your One” resources are available to help churches conduct a prayer emphasis including a free 30-day prayer guide. In it, you will find Scripture-based prayers to pray over someone who needs Jesus. It’s a great tool to equip believers to pray for their loved ones to come to Jesus this Easter season. 2. Equipping God’s people to share the Good News of the Gospel is vital to Kingdom advance. A plethora of training resources are available, but it might be advisable for a church to choose one resource that fits the local context and use it to equip the church. Creating, or recreating, an evangelist culture in the church is challenging. The best resource is one that is used. That being said, we recommend churches consider using “3 Circles: Life Conversation Guide.” A free resource kit is available at: https://www.namb.net/evangelism#free-tools. 3. Evangelism grants up to $1000 are available to assist cooperating BSCM churches to engage their communities with the Gospel. These grants are possible through our partnership with the North American Mission Board and the thousands of churches that give through the Cooperative Program. The purpose is to help churches impact their communities with the Good News. Go to https://www.bscm.org/grants to find out more and submit a grant request. “Inwardly strong, outwardly focused” is a refrain that echoes in my mind as I think about the mission of the Lord’s church to make disciples. It’s the ultimate declaration of outward focus in that its reach is everyone, everywhere, in every generation. Jesus’ commission goes on to say: “Teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.” Here is the picture of His church growing inwardly strong as disciples learn and follow Jesus’ teaching together. It’s always inwardly strong, outwardly focused, and never either-or. Growing deeper in Christ and broader in reach go hand in hand. Hope has a name - Jesus - and everyone needs Him. Happy Easter! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mike Durbin is the State Evangelism Director for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before joining the state convention staff, Mike served as Church Planting Catalyst and Director of Missions in Metro Detroit since 2007. He also has served as a pastor and bi-vocational pastor in Michigan, as well as International Missionary to Brazil. #APRIL22

by Coye Bouyer LANSING, MI – Pastor Mark Batterson (senior pastor of National Community Church in Washington D.C.) tells a story in his book, ‘All In,’ of a band of brave souls who would become known as one-way missionaries. “About a century ago, they purchased single tickets to the mission field without the return half. And instead of suitcases, they packed their few earthly belongings into coffins. As they sailed out of port, they waved good-bye to everyone they loved and everything they knew because they understood they would not be returning home” (pg. 13). In this book, Pastor Mark is challenging Christians of the 21st Century western mindset that Jesus died to save us for heaven and keep us safe while here on earth. For many Christians, we believe that God wants to send us to safe places to do easy things. We are often unwilling to step out of our comfort zones, and say and do things that only God could be responsible for accomplishing. While we like to think that we are willing to go where Jesus says go and do what Jesus says do, in actual reality we are only willing to go as far as we feel safe. In other words, we are often unwilling to live a life of uncertainty. What we don’t realize is that when we are unwilling to live a life of uncertainty, we are not living a life filled with faith. Now don’t miss what I am saying, as this does not mean that we do not have faith (faith in Jesus as Lord and even moments of faith in our lives), but what we are missing is a life that is continuously uncertain, constantly uncomfortable, and consistently being challenged as we experience a life full of circumstances we can say with great conviction, “God did it, for without His hand, this work would not have gotten done.” Too many of us have gotten good with seeing God do one, two or a few big things. But when the disciples followed Jesus, they saw miracle after miracle, healing after healing (the blind man, the man who couldn’t walk and even casting out demons) and supernatural event after supernatural event (turning water into wine or calming the storm). Moreover, John says that there was not enough paper to create a book that could contain all the miracles of Jesus (Jn. 21:25). So did the miracles, healings and supernatural events stop when Jesus left; Of course not, in fact Jesus instructed His disciples that they would do even greater works than what they had seen Him perform. That is if they remained in Him, if they continued to yield themselves to Him and His will. Moreover, if they were willing to let Him, through the power of the Holy Spirit, have complete control of their lives then they would go on a journey similar to the one He had taken them on. If that is true for them then, then it remains true for us today. Jesus did not die to keep us safe, make us comfortable, or so that our lives would be free from sacrifices. Becoming a disciple of Christ is not for the timid or the weak, following Jesus is not always convenient, and living a life of commitment to the Bible will not always mean safety for you or your loved ones. The will of God is not an insurance plan guaranteeing you coverage from life’s unfortunate and painful circumstances. Becoming a disciple is not about convenience rather it is about being inconvenienced. Being a Christian is not about the amount of safety we will receive, but the tremendous sacrifice(s) the Lord will call us to make. The question is simple, are you going to live your Christian life in pursuit of God’s kingdom coming to earth? Will you continue to have one foot in the Word and the other in the world, or for the sake of God’s kingdom will you be ‘All In’ going ‘All Out’ for the ‘All in All?’ For us as Christians, especially within the comforts and conveniences of a western culture that is not plagued with poverty economically, educationally, financially, or spiritually, we unfortunately do not experience the abundance of God’s kingdom in heaven, coming down here to earth. But why is this? Because most of us are really not “All In.” I mean we are all in when it comes to an eternity in heaven, but when it pertains to our life here on earth, we are only partially in. Like, playing the “Hokey Pokey,” we stick a piece or ourselves in, only to take it back out. But when will we, because we have become disciples of Jesus, do as He did and divulge all of ourselves to the full use of God through the Spirit who He has given us. When will we be like those missionaries of a century ago where we are packing only a few things worth holding as we look to go wherever God says, not expecting to return home, but rather to give all of ourselves to the work and mission that so many who have gone before us game themselves too? Today will you decide to Go ALL IN for the Kingdom of God so that just like in the days of Jesus and the Apostles we can once again see Heaven come down to earth. God Bless you my friend(s). ABOUT THE AUTHOR Pastor Coye L. Bouyer is the founding pastor of Kingdom Life Church in Lansing, MI where he has served since March of 2010. Pastor Bouyer recently stepped into the Diversity Ambassador role for the BSCM and firmly believes that he was not only called to Preach the Gospel as part of the process of reconciliation of man to God, but also using any platform as a bridge of reconciliation of man to man, and even more so amongst the brethren. Pastor Bouyer and his lovely wife Keturah (Gen. 25:1) have been married four over 20 years and have four children; Sierra, Seth, Cayla and Coye II. #APRIL22

by Mick Schatz ROSCOMMON, MI – Have you ever been stuck in the quicksand of “what if?” The more you ponder “what if” your mind seems to travel further down the road of endless and sometimes even bazaar possibilities. You feel paralyzed, unable to move and every thought seems to pull you down deeper and deeper until you are drowning in fear. This is, of course, the negative side of “what if” and if we are honest, most of us are usually quick to run to the scary side of “what if” versus the optimistic perspective. It’s how we are wired. It’s a good reaction when it gives us pause and caution, but not so good when it paralyzes us in fear. It’s a good question when it keeps us safe, and stops us from making a regrettable decision. However, it can be very toxic to our spiritual life when it keeps us from obeying God. Personally, I have at times let “what if” keep me from obeying God and experiencing His grace, presence, and power in my life. “What if” has kept me from trusting the prompting of the Holy Spirit to pray for someone, share the gospel, give sacrificially, forgive, love, stand-up and speak out - the list could go on. Like Moses, reacting to instruction from God through the burning bush, I highlight all the reasons I’m not good enough, and all the reasons I’ll fail and look stupid. You see, pride is the real motive behind most of our “what if” dilemmas’. It’s me/you looking at the situation and how it will affect me/you. The goal is to stop defaulting to “what if” and start proclaiming “even if”. “Even if” means looking at God and how He will affect the situation. Just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego responding to King Nebuchadnezzar II in Daniel 3:16-18 (NASB): Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego replied to the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we are not in need of an answer to give you concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire; [a]and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods nor worship the golden statue that you have set up.” What an amazing example of faith, trust, and worship! That’s the reality in which God is calling us to live. I like how Paul says it in Philippians 1:21 (ESV): For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus gave us the ultimate example of “even if” when He was praying to His Father in Matthew 26:39: “And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” Being able to say “even if” when our pride and ego is on the line can be difficult, but in surrender, we experience God’s abundant grace and power to overcome our fear and follow Him along the path He is leading. “Even if” places our focus directly on the source of our strength and refuge and leaves the outcome in His hands - there are no better hands. What if we said, “even if?” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mick Schatz serves on the staff of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. He is the State Director of Spiritual Enrichment and Retreats and lives at Bambi Lake. #APRIL22