Since preparing my last pastoral bimonthly blog, there have been several events globally as well as important dates and observances coming up during the months of May and June. Therefore, I want to share a few thoughts on several items in this column. I pray that you will find it of interest and applicable in your own Christian walk. Here are those items on my mind – not in any particular order:

Ukraine: The Russian invasion of Ukraine has captured our attention and brought more unity to the west European alliances, of which our country is a part, than at any point since the end of the Cold War in the 1990’s. The atrocities and genocide that are going on in Ukraine should concern all people who are of our faith and who love freedom and liberty. The spirit and determination of the Ukrainian people, in the face of great odds against them, should inspire us all. The work of our fellow Baptists, including the faithfulness of those Baptists and other Christians in Ukraine, is an example for us to follow. May we continue to pray for Ukraine, as well as for the people of Russia, for the leaders of all the nations involved, and that peace will prevail resulting in the continuation of Ukraine as a democratic country and one where the rights of all people are observed.
Nigeria: We should not forget the plight of Christians and others in Nigeria, and other parts of Africa and the world, who are undergoing great persecution and violence because of their Christian faith by radical Islamists and other extremists and governmental dictates – and the violence is not limited to just Christians although they are the most persecuted by terrorist attacks, kidnapping of young girls and young men, and interference with the right of many to practice their faith in a safe and open manner. May we continue to pray for the church in Nigeria and for any other faiths and groups who are being persecuted and attacked.
Persecuted Church: Persecution against Christians, as well as other faiths in some cases, continues across the world. In Russia, it is the Russian Orthodox Church and the Putin government that limits the freedom of other faiths, including non-Russian Orthodox groups to proselytize. In China, the persecution against the Christian church, as well as against Moslem Uighurs in Xinjiang, is increasing. In India, Hindu nationalists are attacking Christians and Moslem minorities. In Cuba Christian churches, including Baptists, are denied full freedom of religion. In North Korea all religions, including Christianity, are severely restricted and persecuted because Kim Jong Un, the dictator, and his predecessors (his father and grandfather) are considered divine beings. The list goes on where human beings, created in the image of God, are being denied the right to worship their God. And in some cases, they live in fear for their lives.
Pandemic: We are grateful that the pandemic seems to be about over – at least in our state and region. Except for medical offices and hospitals, most COVID-19 protections have been lifted as mandatory and are followed now as voluntary. That is our position at Saloma Baptist Church. We want our people to feel comfortable if they choose to continue wearing masks, and we are continuing to generally restrain from hugging and such. COVID-19 will likely be with us from this point forward – as evidenced by the general state of crisis in China where major cities are completely shut down – much more onerous being taken than anything we have experienced in our country even at the height of COVID-19. We should stay aware of the virus, pray for those families who have lost loved ones to the virus (nearly one million Americans and 130 Taylor Countians at last report). We are emerging from the depths of a once in a century global pandemic, and we should thanks to God for seeing us through to a “new normal.” Things will not be the same – but there are opportunities resulting. Thanks be to God for seeing us through the pandemic.
Our Families and Homes: The months of May and June bring attention to the importance of Christian parenting, families, and homes. May 8 is Mother’s Day followed by Father’s Day on June 19. Both days remind us of the importance of parenting in 2022 and beyond. This is also a time when we celebrate our graduates at various levels – especially those leaving high school and college. They are entering into new periods of life and new adventures, increased independence, and responsibility, making decisions that impact them for the rest of their lives, and hopefully carrying Jesus with them in all situations and circumstances. Join us during these two months to pray specifically for our parents, children and youth, graduates, and all who are impacting the lives of others in the church and community. From the traditional two parent family to those who are single parent households to those grandparents who are raising their grandchildren, we give God praise for your commitment to God and family as we join in praying for and ministering to the family. God bless you.
The Lost/Unchurches/Nones: As in all periods, we should be mindful of, concerned for, engaged with, and compassionate to those who are without Jesus Christ in their lives, for those who do not attend church and perhaps have fallen away from the church, and the increasing numbers of “nones” in our society. The “nones” are “those Americans who do not identify with any religion” (as defined by Pew). According to Pew Research Center in a study in December 2021, about 3 in 10 American adults now self-identify as religiously unaffiliated – a number that has nearly doubled since 2007. In-person attendance has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels in most all congregations – although the numbers that are participating in worship via virtual means has increased the total number of people being reached by many congregations including ours. All of this is to point out that the church in 2022 and beyond faces many challenges while the numbers of unchurched and nonaffiliated increases. We need to pray to God about this and seek opportunities to engage with those who are unchurched and unaffiliated with church. It takes more than just door-to-door solicitation or single invitations to come worship. We must engage with people beyond the four walls of the church facilities, and do as Jesus did, and that is to go where people are, accept them as they are, and share the love of Jesus in word and in deed. May we be in prayer about this in 2022.

These are a few of the important topics and issues that are on my heart as I write this blog. Please join us me prayer and commitment to action on these and other important matters that Saloma Baptist Church faces as do all the churches of the faith. Amen.