Weekly Update – August 19th, 2021
One of the most disheartening developments over the last week involves the plight of the Afghan people. Whatever you think about the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, whether they should have stayed or come home, is not the argument here. The treatment of fellow image of God bearers by a wicked terrorist organization should cause us all to cry out to God for mercy upon these people. Beyond this, it is even more disheartening to know that there are fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering persecution through this hostile takeover from the Taliban.
Even with American forces in Afghanistan, Open Doors says that, “persecution is only very slightly less oppressive than in North Korea.” The danger for Christians is even more real now though. As Open Doors again notes, the options for Christian in Afghanistan is to either flee the country or be killed. As one Afghan believer says, “How we survive daily only God knows… (God) has been kind to dwell with us. But we are tired of all the death around us.”
Therefore, here is how you can pray in light of these dire circumstances. First, pray for the work of God to change the hearts of members in the Taliban. We believe that God can do far more than we could ever ask or think. Second, pray that God would restrain the evil from the Taliban. Third, pray for the financial needs of our Afghan brothers and sisters. Fourth, pray that God would sustain the faith of the Christian who are there, no matter what fear or threat they have upon their lives. Then lastly, pray that the gospel would advance in the midst of suffering and persecution.
Notice how I didn’t mention our American government when it came to prayer. Yes, pray for our country and our involvement in matters around the world, but let us not find our hope in what a president or world leader might do. Let us find our hope in the God who builds his kingdom no matter what the circumstance. For as one Afghan brother said, “We can trust that our Lord is mighty and will care for his children…(for) our hope is not in politics but in Jesus who is the King.”
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Announcements:
Work Day: On Saturday, August 28th from 8:00am-noon, we will have a day to clean and work on minor projects around the church. A light breakfast will be provided.
Child Protection Meeting: On Sunday, August 29th from 5:00-7:30pm, there will be a child protection meeting. This is required for all who work with children. The meeting will be presented by Dawn Hensley from the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home. You can find a preview of this meeting HERE.
Church Fellowship: On Sunday, September 12th, following the morning service, we will have a potluck lunch in the Faith Center Gym. The church will provide ham, bread and drinks and you all will provide the sides. Sign up in the hallway to bring something. This is a great opportunity to invite a friend or to invite a member who hasn’t been to church in a long time.
Ladies Bible Study: Ladies, join us for a Bible study through the book of 2 Corinthians starting on Tuesday, September 14th at 6:30pm. The study will be a video based study led by Sheryl Nelson. There is a sign up sheet in the hallway, or sign up by contacting the church office. You can learn more about this 8 week Bible Study HERE.
Worship Service
Worship Service begins at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. Nursery care for children ages 0-3 years is available during the worship hour.
You can find First Baptist Church’s policy for health guidelines in light of the most recent Jackson County health order HERE.
Livestream
Continue to join us at 10:30am on Sunday mornings.
Facebook live: HERE.
YouTube: HERE.
Guide for Worship can be found HERE.
Join us and invite a friend or family member to watch with you.
Sunday School
Children and Youth Sunday School take place at 9:15am on Sunday mornings.
Pre-K and Kindergarten meet in the nursery suite.
Grades 1st – 5th meet upstairs in U-5.
Grades 6th – 12th meet downstairs in the Youth Room.
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