There is a passion burning in the heart of Missouri Baptists of every generation to make a difference in Jesus’ name. We are commissioned to take the gospel to our communities, the nation, and to the ends of the earth. Acting on that commission is a deliberate step of faith we make daily.
One observant Missouri Baptist pastor noted recently that Satan doesn’t need to attack a ministry sitting still; he attacks those making an impact for Christ. Recent attacks on the churches, our cooperative ministries, and Christian businesses make it clear that biblically based values are experiencing resistance that hasn’t existed since the founding of this nation. Some of our personal lives are under siege, and the attack can be such a distraction – or a motivator for determined faith.
In spite of cultural resistance or personal attack, we must do what we are commissioned to do by moving forward in the power of the Holy Spirit. If we attempt to fulfill our commission in our flesh, we wear ourselves out and make little progress toward penetrating our culture with the gospel. I can point to days in my past where too much time was used in activity that amounted to nothing. In contrast, our Lord calls us to move forward, taking grand steps on our knees, acknowledging our complete dependence on Him.
On Oct. 26-28, we gather at the MBC Annual Meeting in Springfield undeterred by recent cultural events, knowing that the Lord is still in charge and His commission for Missouri Baptists remains intact – for this generation and the ones to follow until the day Jesus returns as King. This is the moment for God’s people to engage in drawing near to our Lord and moving out into the marketplace, schoolhouse, and neighborhood with courageous determination to love people in Jesus’ name.
When we gather in Springfield, we are not there simply assembling for a spiritual, motivational pep rally. We have work to do. Yes, we worship and learn together. We also elect godly leaders, determine budget plans and hear amazing reports. On Wednesday morning, we hear a mission challenge from Nik Ripken and a visionary message from SBC President Ronnie Floyd.
Along with all the officers and staff of the MBC, we encourage you to attend each session of the MBC Annual Meeting starting Monday, Oct. 26, and concluding at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 28. If you can come in early, the Pastor’s Conference starts Monday morning and has a great line up of preachers to encourage and strengthen us in our faith. Let’s move forward with the gospel in all humility and grace.
Sharon Update:
Thank you so very much for your recent expressions of love on our behalf. As most of our readers know, Sharon has stage IV, metastatic melanoma.
On top of her cancer, her mom, Jackie Shipman (a pastor’s wife and 28-year breast cancer fighter), went home to be with the Lord on July 31. We are greatly encouraged by your intercession and grateful for those of you who made a contribution in Jackie’s memory to GuideStone’s Mission: Dignity.
Sharon and I just returned from our first visit to the MD Anderson cancer center in Houston. We received good news/bad news. The good news is they couldn’t see any melanoma on the scans. The bad news is there is no treatment to prevent a reoccurrence of the disease, except prayer. There is a 30 percent chance it will not return. Sharon is what they call a resected stage 4-melanoma patient.
The surgery two months ago removed all visible cancer, but the doctors know cells are in her blood stream. Her immune system is supposed to take care of them. So we are working on fortifying her immune system.
We return to MDA in 3 months for new scans. We know God has this on His radar! We trust Him every day to fulfill His purposes! Sharon remains full of courage and faith. We are confident your intercession on her behalf is making a huge difference in her response to this particular challenge.
As we complete four years of service with Missouri Baptists, we grow increasingly confident of God’s call to serve you. Every day we are grateful for this incredible honor to serve with you at this moment in history.