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  • The providence of God in your life

    by Coye Bouyer LANSING, MI – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). How often in times of trials have believers turned to Paul’s reassuring words that God has not deserted us but is at work in the circumstances surrounding us. Paul, having already encouraged his audience with the fact that the Spirit intercedes on their behalf (vv.26-27), now further encourages them with words they must hear and understand so that they will always know. Furthermore, when Paul writes the words, “We know” he is indicating that what he knew then, has ramifications of what you and I can know today. This is also why he uses the plural and inclusive word ‘we.’ For what applied to Paul and his listeners and readers then, still applies to you and I today. So, what is it that we can always know? Paul wants us to know that because you love God, He is at work in each and every circumstance of your life; Paul wants to assure every believer that God is managing all actions, activities and affairs in such a way that their outcome always benefits YOU! Now, the “good” for which Paul speaks is not necessarily what we may think is always best nor does the ‘good’ Paul speaks always feel good in the moment. However, Paul is declaring that even in the most challenging of circumstances God is working out His plan. The verb (“works”) and the participial phrase (“those who love him”) are in the present tense. Not only has God been at work, but Paul is saying, He is presently and continually at work on behalf of those who love and are loved by Him. You see, often we think that because Christ died in the past securing our salvation for the future, God simply sits back and watches what is taking place here on earth. Like sitting in a theatre, it is understood that God is watching the movie scenes of your life as it plays out on the screen. But Paul is saying God is not simply sitting back watching what is taking place; rather He is actively involved watching over what is taking place. Paul is saying that God is moving and maneuvering, putting pieces and people in certain places as He positions the events or activity and actions of men from His position up in Heaven for the purposes of His Plans and your good down here on earth. Church, we live in a world full of sin as chaos has become the order of today. Whether you want to talk about the cataclysmic catastrophes of hurricanes like Ida, forest fires up the coast in California, or the chaos in the past few weeks with America’s decision to withdraw from Afghanistan. And if that were not enough, we are still dealing with the ramifications of a WORLD-WIDE Pandemic in which some are trying to recover while others are now finding themselves forced to deal with sickness and even death all over again. But Paul reminds us that God is even working through all of this to bring about His plan and our good. Paul’s words are not only encouraging, but they are also needed, as they remind us all of this one simple truth and that is, ‘GOD HAS A PLAN!’ And His plan is not only good, but it will be good for you and I. God Bless You! 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. #OCTOBER21

  • Past, present, and future

    by Mick Schatz ROSCOMMON, MI – God’s faithfulness never ends. Even in the midst of the COVID pandemic, Bambi has encountered new growth and opportunities that will greatly benefit us as we move into the future. Serving here at Bambi for the last four and a half years has truly been a privilege I never expected in my life. It’s been an exciting and challenging journey so far, and I anticipate God continuing to do amazing things here at Bambi Lake. That is why I remain passionate and excited about its past, present, and future. PAST At every camp or retreat we host; I encounter stories of how Bambi Lake has impacted a life for eternity. I hear testimonies of individuals who were saved here as a child, now serve in a church or full-time ministry. Most often those individuals are now bringing their family, student group, or church to Bambi Lake. I watch as friends reunite and share memories of first meeting each other at a camp or retreat 15 or 20 years ago. I listen to students tell of the first time they heard the voice of God speak to them in the quietness and calm sitting by the lake. Numerous are the tales of cramming a few hundred into Hubbs chapel, but it did not matter because worship was the priority of the day. Being uncomfortable was not an issue because God was in the house, and His presence was imminent! That will preach! Many, many lives have been transformed by the power of the gospel here at Bambi Lake. What a heritage, what a legacy. PRESENT It has been said the best gift we can give ourselves and those around us is to be present. With such an amazing heritage to learn from and stand on, by the grace of God, Bambi Lake now has the responsibility to be present. We cannot be satisfied and rest on the accomplishments of our past – however great – we must be present. We must be engaged in raising up new leaders, and fiercely empowering young and old alike to share the Good News of salvation. I am excited to say that this is a reality at Bambi Lake. At every camp and every retreat new stories are emerging. New chapters are being written in the lives of those who are discovering freedom, healing, joy, and forgiveness in Christ. Bambi Lake is discovering new ways to encounter the culture with the love of Christ. We are implementing new programs and opportunities for the Body of Christ to be encouraged and empowered for the Kingdom. Bambi Lake is striving to be a lighthouse in our community, state, nation, and world! Bambi Lake is Present! FUTURE With a legacy of life change and a mandate to be present, I am ecstatic about the future of Bambi Lake. We should all be! As great as the past has been, I believe the future is going to be even more amazing. Not just because of new camps, retreats, or new activities, but because of people like you. Yes, people just like you who are reading this article. God’s people. Christian Michiganders who love God and worship together with other believers at churches filled with worship because the presence of God is evident. How you ask? By praying for Bambi Lake and taking advantage of opportunities to participate. I believe, like many of you, God has great plans and designs for Bambi Lake. His presence is being felt and experienced here in new and refreshing ways. The cool part? He is inviting you and me to come. So, come join the ride. Come be refreshed. Come find rest. Come be present and see God move - God’s faithfulness never ends! 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. #OCTOBER21

  • Back to school and back to work; Punching Holes in the Darkness podcast

    by Staff PLYMOUTH, MI – After a year and a half, many school children are going back to the in-person classroom. For churches, they are struggling with how to reopen their children’s ministries. Just because a church declares their children ministries back, does not mean that parents will necessarily agree. So how do churches reestablish their outreach to children in a way that feels inviting, comforting, and safe. A recent episode of the Punching Holes in the Darkness podcast, addressed that very issue. Baptist State Convention of Michigan’s (BSCM) Director of Evangelism, Mike Durbin, had a conversation with Karen Villalpando on the challenges facing churches. Karen is the Child Care Administrator at Memorial Baptist Church in Sterling Heights. Her church’s children’s ministry has remained open since the beginning of the pandemic, and she shares some advice on how they have been able to do that in a safe and healthy manner. Punching Holes in the Darkness is a podcast of the BSCM. The podcast gives a voice to Michigan Baptists whether they are pastors or lay leaders. It deals with topics that are relevant to churches in the Upper Peninsula and in the urban centers of Michigan. Here’s a link to the most recent episode: bscm.org/podcast/episode/d2660c25/back-to-school-and-back-to-work #OCTOBER21

  • Global Hunger Sunday is October 10th

    by Send Relief Staff The loss of one’s home or livelihood often parlays into losing food security and health. The physical ramifications can be devastating for men, women and children of all ages. However, what is potentially even more debilitating is the loss of dignity. When heavy rains washed out access roads to certain towns in Mozambique, the people had no way to get food or other necessary supplies. Additionally, the region has been plagued by violent attacks that have created many widows and single mothers, who are particularly vulnerable when it comes to food insecurity. With the help of generous supporters like you, Send Relief administered a Global Hunger Relief emergency food distribution to 320 families in need. Of these, 150 were widows with 597 children. Each food recipient also received the good news of the gospel, to which they responded with gratitude. Perhaps the most poignant and lasting effect of this food relief arose about two weeks after the feeding. A local administrator contacted the volunteer team leader, requesting a meeting. During the original food distribution, several government officials had been in attendance. They noted that this particular outreach effort was different, reporting that the people were treated with dignity. The administrator went on to share that there was something else that distinguished this project. When asked what that was, the team leader shared that they had not only shared food with these people, but they had shared the hope that is only found in Jesus Christ. There are many relief organizations around the world doing good work and meeting physical needs. But when you support Global Hunger Relief through Send Relief, you are a part of something different—something special. You are giving hope. You are sharing truth. You are treating others as Jesus would—with dignity and respect. Be a part of this special ministry today and let the hope of Christ transform the world as only He can. #OCTOBER21

  • Six advances in church planting

    by Dr. Tony L. Lynn PLYMOUTH, MI – I hope your late spring, summer, and early autumn has gone as well as mine. Once again in my role, daily, I get to see the Lord do amazing things that make me smile, even laugh, with joy during my morning quiet times. Here are six advances that have taken place during the past five months. Because you pray, provide support, and participate these advances are happening because of what you do through your local church; so, thank you for what you do for the Lord. Ryan Cabildo in Wayne Church planter, Ryan Cabildo, passed NAMB assessment and is in the early stage of launching Lanterns Church in Wayne, Michigan. His sending church is Mile City Church, Plymouth. Cabildo is creating a launch team while refining the preparations that go into starting a new church. I love it that Cabildo is launching where he spent most of his lifetime. He is a creative with a warm heart who always has time to listen to those in need. Zac and Emily Zielinski in Flint Church planter, Zac Zielinski, and his wife Emily passed NAMB assessment and are in the early stage of launching a church plant in Flint, Michigan among university students while serving as a campus pastor in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Their sending church is Grumlaw Church, Grand Blanc & Hartland, Michigan. They are inviting people to join their launch team. I remember the moment when I knew Zac had been overcome with the calling to plant a new church. He attended the Send Network Gathering at Mile City Church back on March 17. At the close of the final part of that inspiring day, Zac was exiting the day’s events and I felt compelled to stop and ask, “What has this day meant to you?” Zac responded, “I think God is calling me to plant a church.” Little did I know that Zac and Emily were already pressing into the calling with the counsel of their pastor, Shea Prisk. Henry and Lily Zual in Kentwood Church planter, Henry Zual, and his wife Lily passed NAMB assessment and have planted Chin Mission Baptist Church in Kentwood, Michigan. His sending church is Falam Christian Church of Indianapolis, Indiana. The people on this church plant are from Myanmar (Burma) where warlike conditions threaten the lives of their family members and friends, daily. Twice with no success during these past two years, Burmese pastors in Michigan invited me to take mission trips to Myanmar to share the Good News of Christ and to develop believers. Pray fervently for our brothers and sisters who face a sorrow we do not understand. On a brighter note, a former missionary with the International Mission Board, who speaks the language of the Burma people, is on staff in a North American church and has agreed to come visit the three Burmese congregations we have in Michigan. I cannot wait until I see the faces of the Burmese people in Michigan shine with smiles because someone who learned their language 15 years ago is here to help us help them. Nathan and Alison Sharpe in Adrian Church planter, Nathan Sharpe, and his wife Alison passed NAMB assessment and launched Catalyst Church, Adrian, Michigan on Sunday, September 12, within a community they believe is underserved and in need of more witnesses for Jesus Christ. Their sending church is Redemption Church, Grandville, Michigan. Nathan and Alison already share a lot of life with their community. Nathan is a well-loved coach and teacher in a nearby school. The church plant is the result of a collaboration between wise people who had building and property, but needed spiritual leadership. After spending launch Sunday with the congregation, I can sense the unity among the people and the pursuit to see people become devoted followers of Christ. David and Stefanie Livingston in Ann Arbor Church planter, David Livingston, and his wife Stefanie passed NAMB assessment and are conducting autumn vision tours while creating a core team for a new church plant among the students at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Their sending church is Doxa Church, Madison, Wisconsin. I already participated in one of the early vision tours and found I was surrounded by young adults on the threshold of post-university careers who were putting their careers on hold to devote the next 2-3 years of their personal lives to launching a new church in Ann Arbor. I know it sounds crazy, but I have already witnessed a success using this strategy in East Lansing. Austin and Lesley Wadlow in East Lansing Church planter, Austin Wadlow, and his wife Lesley along with people of The Commons Church, East Lansing, a two-year old church, are celebrating remarkable growth and inspiring professions of faith in Christ. One September Sunday was dedicated to hearing about life changes and witnessing the baptisms of those who have trusted in Christ. The young church plant created a second Sunday morning service with a total morning attendance of 455 people; however, what is equally as important is that almost everyone has registered to join discipleship groups which is a primary focus of the church’s purpose. This church plant is exploding with growth on 7 acres with a 20,000 square foot building that was gifted to them for $1 because the senior citizens of that existing church wanted to share their lifelong legacy with the vibrant ministry of The Commons Church. As you can see, I serve the Lord, the BSCM, and the Send Network with joy because my days are filled watching the testimony of God’s love for the peoples of Michigan. I am always available to talk if you want to find your place in planting churches everywhere for everyone. 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. #OCTOBER21

  • First-Person: Compare and despair

    by Todd Gray LOUISVILLE, KY (BP) – Do you compare yourself to other pastors or leaders? If so, who is the object of your comparison? The person who comes to mind may reveal whether your battle with comparison is a struggle with pride or insecurity. Prideful people tend to compare themselves to others they view as lesser than themselves while insecure leaders tend to obsess over people perceived by them to be better than themselves. The problem is that neither practice is helpful, and both can be debilitating. Why is self-comparison a mental war that must be overcome? 1. Because of the unfairness of comparison Every God-called leader is a mixed bag of strengths to utilize and weaknesses to overcome. Only Jesus has it all together in perfect proportion. The rest of us are lacking in many significant ways. Comparing yourself to someone who has a much higher IQ than you, or a more charming personality, or who is blessed with good looks is not fair to you. Judging yourself as better than someone who doesn’t have your gifts or opportunities is unfair to them. 2. Because of the failure of comparison You were made by God for the glory of God, and He made you in a unique way. He also is shaping you through your own unique experiences. There really is only one of you. Paul exhorts believers in Romans 12:3, “For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.” Comparing yourself to another pastor or leader fails to honor what God is doing in your life and in the life of the object of your comparison. When you look at other leaders and judge yourself as more or less valuable than they are, you are denying the planned design of the Creator who made you in a unique manner and for a noble purpose. You will not be judged by God as to whether you were like so-and-so, but instead by whether you were faithful with the gifts and assignments He entrusted to you. 3. Because of the fruit of comparison If you compare yourself with another pastor or Christian leader and you determine you are better than they, then you will bear the fruit of haughtiness and will be unable to learn from those you believe to be lesser than yourself. If you compare yourself to ministry superstars and decide you have little value, then you will avoid being around others from whom you have much to learn. Comparing yourself to other leaders, more or less gifted and successful than yourself, is a waste of time. Try this instead. Celebrate other leaders instead of comparing yourself to them. Learn from other leaders instead of evaluating them. Thank God for other leaders instead of being jealous or overly critical of them. Give it a shot this week. Find someone you perceive to be better, or worse, than yourself and schedule a time to meet with them. Buy them lunch or coffee, bring a notebook (or phone) along with a list of good questions. Take great notes and see what you can learn from another pastor or leader made in the image of God. Both of you will leave that meeting encouraged and better off for the ministry ahead. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Todd Gray is the executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. #OCTOBER21

  • Back To School Bash

    by Stan Parker LANSING, MI – At the end of every summer, children in our local community are beginning their race toward educational success… a full mile away from the starting line. When a family is living paycheck to paycheck, children learn to make do with what they have - even if that means returning to school without the supplies they need. It’s not just about paper, pens, or backpacks - it’s about giving the gift of opportunity in school, and life, that many children will not receive otherwise. Seeking to serve the needs of the whole person - mind, body and spirit, our "Back to School Bash" took place on September 11th, 2021. The aim of this event was to provide these children with just that. It was a resounding success! Faith Fellowship joined forces with the Eastside Community Action Center, and the Ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in a community outreach with a mobile clinic and food. We also distributed backpacks that we had purchased and filled with school supplies. It was a great example of everybody working together to help serve the community (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), and proof that a grass-roots initiative has the power to transform lives by reaching and uplifting the most vulnerable. We were able to help ease the burden for so many local families by showing the love of Jesus Christ. We provided some spiritual tracts with an invitation to connect with Jesus Christ. A total of 75 backpacks to students from 9 different public schools, and even the community college. To some it may seem just a backpack, but we know that real social change happens when we go outside our own walls and equip tomorrow's leaders with what they need to succeed for mind, body and Spirit ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr Stan Parker, Pastor of Faith Fellowship Baptist Church Lansing, current President of the Michigan African American Fellowship, and married to Charlotte. #OCTOBER21

  • Catching up with Campers On Mission

    by Cindy Truesdale ROSCOMMON, MI – We are praising God for bringing us through so much in the month of August. Rick had a total knee replacement surgery on August 9th as planned. On August 16th, I was admitted to the hospital for four days with a blockage in the heart. Thankfully, a stent was implanted, and I too am on the mend. We both have a couple of other issues that need attending to, so we appreciate your prayers in these days. Thank you all for bearing with us as we have had to have a few weeks off to take care of ourselves. As we continue to heal, we are even more excited to get to our “little piece of heaven on earth” at Bambi Lake Baptist Camp in October and keep on mission with MI COM. Bambi Lake Repairs Monday, October 18 - Saturday morning, October 23, 2021 We will have a list of chores and maintenance jobs ready for everyone to jump in to help Bambi Lake Camp make repairs and close for the winter. Our workday will begin at 9:00 a.m. and we end around 3:00 p.m. For MI COM Members who come to work, camping fees are waived and meals are provided. Please note that we will not be making the big breakfasts as before, but will have continental style foods available. Bambi Lake Camp provides lunch and dinner for registered workers. MI COM Auction To raise money for MI COM expenses, we will be holding an auction for various items. In fact, we ask that you bring any items you would like to donate to the auction. The items can be used but functional, dorky but fun, anything you can’t sell in your garage sale. What you think is worthless or maybe $1, the bidding war might raise it to $25 or $200. Who knows what valuable things you need to get rid of? Pad your wallet and be ready to bid, too. 2022 COM National Rally June 7-9, 2022 North Florida Fairgrounds Tallahassee FL This will be the Golden 50th Anniversary of COM. “Renew in 2022” will be the theme. Mark your calendars, start saving your money for travel, and be ready to register when it’s available. More information will follow as we get it. Ladies Sewing Event Update A wonderful group of ladies came to Heritage Baptist Church in Grand Blanc on August 2nd to sew for the day. We accomplished several projects. We made pillows and personal bags for foster and refugee children and made burp pads for the little babies. We look for new ideas of simple, but usable projects to add to our future. Also, we accept donations of material to help cut costs. Thanks to Barb Richmond for donating 2 crates full of material! We always have a great time chatting and laughing as we work, as well as a nice luncheon. If you missed this opportunity, stay tuned for the next one. If you don’t sew, we will teach you or find other things you can do to help, like stuffing bears or pillows. Great is His Faithfulness by Brandi Dyke As we walk with the Lord in servanthood, we face an incredible journey of triumph, victory, and perseverance through faith in Christ Jesus. However, within these trials, we face adversity, disappointments, and opposition that often surfaces confusion. When our circumstances shift into a realm of unknown, we are habitually tempted to formulate an understanding that is, for us, unfathomable; thus, leaving us not only mentally exhausted, but mentally, physically, and spiritually burdened by our doubts and fears. This is nothing less than an entrapment from the Enemy. While it is difficult to know whether our sufferings are from the Lord or the Enemy, and this may consequently cause us to doubt His love, we can trust in knowing that He works all things out for our good. Furthermore, as we allow our trials to draw us closer into our relationship with the Lord, as opposed to push us away, He will faithfully bring us through anything that comes up against us. Therefore, we can rest in knowing that He will see us through the ever-changing seasons of this life, and that He will use everything that we endure to sharpen us in His purpose for our lives. Brandi & Jon Dyke MI COM Members Since 10/31/20 For more information about our journey and our mission for the Lord, please follow us at www.movingbyfaith.home.blog. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rick and Cindy Truesdail have been married for 29 years. Together they have 5 children and 14 grandchildren. During their early years together, they worked as leaders of a Single Adult Ministry. Rick is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a licensed SBC minister. He served as Associate Pastor with a Spanish-speaking church in Flint for 10 years and Cindy served as the Pastoral Assistant. They are active members at Heritage Baptist Church, Grand Blanc, and Presidents of Campers on Mission in their retirement. #OCTOBER21

  • Long road to Hurricane Ida recovery continues for Louisiana, SBDR, Send Relief

    by Brandon Elrod HAMMOND, LA – A week before Hurricane Ida hit southeastern Louisiana, William Bekemeier had just endured a heart attack. After he rode out the storm and felt the shock of a tree landing on his family’s house, he didn’t have the strength or stamina to clear the tree from his yard. He also didn’t have the funds to pay for the work to be done. Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) volunteers from Arkansas arrived and were able to remove the tree from his house and clear his yard. “I wasn’t able to get out and do the clean-up myself,” Bekemeier said. “Thankfully, they showed up and started doing the clean-up for me, which was definitely a Godsend. I didn’t have the money or the energy to do it. They’ve been a big help.” In the week since Hurricane Ida made landfall on Sunday, August 30, hundreds of SBDR volunteers have spread across 12 sites in Louisiana, preparing meals, chain sawing trees, removing debris and securing temporary roofing. Volunteers with SBDR have already provided more than 26,000 work hours and prepared more than 175,000 meals as of Tuesday, Sept. 7. “This means so much to us for people to come out and help everybody because we still have a lot of people without water and lights and food,” said Gracie Colona, a resident of Loranger, La. “It has touched us from the bottom of our heart for these people to come here and help us in Louisiana, and I want to thank you.” Colona and her friend, Pam Hamilton, drove from Loranger to check up on Hamilton’s cousin in Independence, La. “We came in to try and help and to drive up and him tell us yesterday, ‘They already cleaned up my trees,’” Hamilton said. “We were like, ‘Praise you, Jesus.’ There are so many other things, so many things [to do]. We were all so grateful that you guys are showing up and doing this from another state…It touched him so much that you gave him a Bible.” Jimmy Blackford, a volunteer from First Baptist Church Marion, Ark., traveled to Louisiana with Arkansas Baptists as a part of a chainsaw team that removes downed trees that have fallen into hurricane survivors’ yards or on their houses. The services these SBDR teams provide can save residents thousands of dollars, and it is provided for free by the volunteers. “We’re here showing the love of Christ. That’s what we’re here for. These people, some of them don’t even know what to do,” said Blackford. “It gets kind of rough. They need to have somebody come by and help them, and we’re here to do that. We also share the gospel where we can.” With SBDR volunteers arriving from North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Mississippi, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana, it has taken a cooperative effort from Southern Baptists to get sites up and running at the same time. “Hurricane Ida is one of these storms that’s overwhelming—the magnitude and the extent of destruction and damaged and the number of people hurting, the number of churches and homes that have been damage,” said Stan Statham, director of SBDR for Louisiana Baptists. An SBDR team with Texas Baptist Men cooked meals at Ascension Baptist Church in Gonzales, La., and they helped the church deliver those meals to a nearby neighborhood in need. The church had been struggling to make inroads to that community before they were able to use the meals to make connections with the residents. “Each one of the state conventions disaster relief teams adopted a region of southeast Louisiana to do ministry,” Statham said. “Our director of missions and associations across our state have been a big support. Send Relief, the North American Mission Board, provided more than 100,000 meals to help kitchens start providing food.” A second tractor trailer from Send Relief, the compassion ministry of Southern Baptists, delivered more recovery supplies—temporary roofing and flood recovery supplies among other resources—to southeast Louisiana on Monday (Sept. 5). Also included on the trailer was a donation of generators and box fans from The Home Depot for Children’s Hospital New Orleans that the home improvement retailer asked Send Relief to deliver to support the hospital. A Kentucky SBDR team arrived in Houma, La., over the Labor Day weekend and began surveying the storm damage wrought by Ida. Just 60 miles inland from where the hurricane made landfall near Port Fourchon, La., Houma experienced severe damage. “This is certainly one of those storms where it takes everybody working together,” Statham said. “To know, from Louisiana’s standpoint, that we have so many people who are willing to commit resources and people, it’s a humbling thing to know and something that we praise God for.” Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with more details about recent Southern Baptist Disaster Relief activity. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Brandon Elrod writes for the North American Mission Board. #OCTOBER21

  • State Mission Offering: “Strong medicine for my wounded spirit”

    by Staff PLYMOUTH, MI – The Frances Brown State Mission Offering will again be used to help pastors struggling with health and financial issues because of Covid. But this year, the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) has decided to add churches to the eligible list of receiving funds. BSCM Executive Director, Tim Patterson says. “The pandemic isn’t over and churches are struggling with the impact of Covid just like pastors are.” Over the past year, Michigan Baptists have been able to give thousands of dollars to pastors and their families in need through the state mission offering. Those needs included helping to cover medical bills to those struck with Covid, or supporting pastors who either lost income when the offerings at their church decreased, or were laid off from other jobs. Patterson says, “One of the great joys of being executive director is to be able to hand a check to a person who is in great need and see the change on his face.” The BSCM has received many letters of thanks for the support that Michigan Baptists have given through the State Mission Offering. One note read: “The gift from the missions fund was like strong medicine for my wounded spirit.” Another said, “the BSCM has put love for pastors into a tangible offering that really blessed me and my wife.” The state mission offering in the coming year will be used to provide continued support to Michigan churches and pastors. Patterson adds, “let's give to the state mission offering where it really will make a difference.” The Frances Brown State Mission Offering is September 12-19. Church leaders who are interested in promoting the offering in their church can go to bscm.org/smo for resources. And here is a quick video designed to be in worship settings and online to promote the video to your church. Pastors or church who need the help of the offering can request it here. bscm.org/pastorrelief. #SEPTEMBER21

  • The world at our doorstep

    WYOMING, MI – Our busy Summer was kicked off with two weeks of neighborhood Middle and High School teens' ministry, a combined effort with Bridge Street Ministries, and Campus Life. It was demanding, tiring and amazing. We spent days reading the Bible while serving in our neighborhood, camping, eating, playing games and talking a lot about Jesus. In my particular group of six young men, four were working with English as a second language (from four different languages). This brought me pretty quickly to the realization that just reading the English Bible presented a challenge. As any ordinary person would, they were reluctant to express not understanding particular words, but as we developed trust, the atmosphere changed. After reading a passage I would just say "ok, words", and they would ask the meaning of different words in the passages, which took our study to another level. After doing this a number of times, the young men started seriously engaging with God's word, and asking questions. Some great discussions ensued. The picture below captured one of these moments. On the last evening, after explaining the gospel, one of the teens made a decision to follow Jesus. This teen happens to live on the end of my street, so we have ongoing contact with him and his family. Please be praying for our neighborhood teens as CrossWinds West Side continues to minister to them. A new threshold We are currently teaching a series called BLESS. It is a way to remember our strategy to bring the gospel to our city. Begin with prayer Listen Eat Serve Share After a couple of years of practicing BLESS in this neighborhood, we are having lots of opportunities to share. Now, neighborhood teens arrive in our backyard as a group, hanging out on our deck. We sit, eat and have great conversations. One neighbor I have known for over three years, told me the other night he was thinking about knocking on my door to talk about a traumatic experience he had at work, where a customer overdosed in front of him. He just said, "can I have a hug" and he cried. It's not something a lot of men my age say to one another. God is really working in his life. Pray as seek to get to the last letter in BLESS with our neighbors Thanks for taking a minute Because of the financial limitations of the communities that CrossWinds serves, we very much appreciate those who are able to participate in our kingdom work. For you giving partners, Thanks again for taking the time. #SEPTEMBER21

  • Entrepreneur. Investor. College student?

    by Roy Hayhurst DALLAS, TX – They may not sound like they go together, but for 19-year-old Matthew Noss, they are absolutely intertwined. The college freshman not only launched his own lawn care business — he picked up his first client at age 14 when his mom would drive him to the house to mow the yard. Now tending some 30 yards and employing up to 14 people, when he’s not on a job site, he’s networking with a roofing contractor, local real estate agents and learning the importance of referrals to business success. Whether it’s cleaning gutters or spreading ice melt on walkways and driveways after a Kentucky ice storm, Noss is learning the rewards of hard work. He’s also learning the discipline of investing. As he’s working hard and earning money, he’s also begun investing $1,000 per month out of his earnings through an investment account at GuideStone®. “My dad said you’re getting older and making some money, so it’s time to start investing,” Noss said. “I’ve always heard that in investing, it pays to start early.” So early, in fact, that Noss is the youngest investment account holder at GuideStone. Noss’ introduction to GuideStone came in 2011 when his father, Dr. Wesley Noss, an associate pastor at Buck Run Baptist Church in Frankfort, Kentucky, joined the GuideStone Board of Trustees. “Through the years my dad served on the GuideStone Board, I became acquainted with financial information and education,” the younger Noss said. “It feels good to have the ability to do something like this, and GuideStone is the perfect place to start.” Individuals can invest with GuideStone Funds® directly with GuideStone, as Noss has, or through independent financial advisers who access the Funds through investment platforms. (Learn more about our options for individual investors.) For Noss, it was the connection to GuideStone’s heritage and history — like GuideStone’s commitment to pastors through Mission:Dignity® — and shared values that drew the younger Noss to putting his investments with GuideStone. “I invest in GuideStone because of the integrity of the organization, the consistent positive returns on my investment and the fact that their funds are socially-screened,” Noss said. GuideStone Funds do not invest in any company that is publicly recognized as being in the alcohol, tobacco, gambling, pornography or abortion industries or any company whose products, services or activities are publicly recognized as being incompatible with the moral and ethical posture of GuideStone. Additionally, GuideStone strives to be an engaged shareholder, advocating for the values the Funds’ investors live. That is done through targeted outreach that encourages the adoption of Christ-like business practices and seeks to influence the way companies interact with their employees, customers and communities. An additional component Noss cited was GuideStone’s commitment to impact investing. Upon learning about the new Global Impact Fund, Noss immediately invested in it, as well. GuideStone Chief Investment Officer David Spika explained that the Fund is meant to be the next step in GuideStone’s model, which continues to include its faith-based funds and advocacy efforts. “We are putting our values into practice by making strategic investments in organizations that seek to create positive impact — and in doing so, we are serving the underserved while promoting the growth of God’s Kingdom,” Spika said. (For more information on the Global Impact Fund, visit the website.) Spika also echoed Dr. Noss’ advice to his son, advice Spika said is important for every investor to consider. “Invest as early as you can, invest as much as you can while living within your means, and stay invested are the three pieces of guidance I provide my own children,” Spika said. “The earlier you start investing, whether as a 19-year-old, which is simply incredible, or as a 25-year-old or even in your 30s, the longer you have to put money aside and watch it grow. “And even if you didn’t — or couldn’t — start as early as you should have, the next best time to start is right now.” That was guidance Matthew Noss took to heart as well. “Since I started young, I don’t have as many expenses as I’ll have when I’m older,” said Noss, who has paid his cell phone and car insurance bills since he was 16. “By establishing this habit now, I’ll hopefully carry it through my life.” Noss is preparing for a career in finance — he is currently studying at the Bluegrass Community and Technology College. The coursework allows him to focus on school 1-2 days each week and work the rest of the week. “I am a people person, and this business is all about connections,” Noss said. “My office is wherever I am working that day.” His advice for his peers — and their parents — is to start now, wherever they can. “You should treat investing like any other item in your budget; it’s just as important as those other items,” Noss said. “I’m learning that consistency and hard work pay off.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Roy Hayhurst is director of denominational and public relations services for GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Mutual fund investing involves risk, including the possible loss of money. There can be no guarantee that any strategy (risk management or otherwise) will be successful. All investing involves risk, including potential loss of principal. Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against loss. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the GuideStone Funds before investing. A prospectus with this and other information about the Funds may be obtained by calling 1-844-GS-FUNDS (1-844-473-8637) or downloading one at GuideStoneFunds.com/Funds. It should be read carefully before investing. #SEPTEMBER21

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