HOUSTON HEALING LOTT CAREY HERALD WINTER 2017 LC

Transcription

1 WINTER 2017 LC LOTT CAREY HERALD WISE women revel in service, witness and friendship during South Africa and Zimbabwe missions. Page 31. HOUSTON HEALING

2 CONTENTS 4 Lott Carey churches and partners extend the Great Commission to help Houston and Beaumont heal The Church at Bethel s Family offers food, water and empowerment. The New Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church stresses hope and preparation Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church opens department store to serve needy. Magnolia Missionary Baptist Church rises from extensive storm damage to serve community. Antioch Missionary Baptist Church: Blessed to bless others. CONVENTION EXECUTIVE OFFICERS President Pastor Alyn E. Waller First Vice President Pastor Gregory J. Jackson Second Vice President Pastor Gina M. Stewart Chairman, Board of Directors Pastor John M. Alexander, Jr. Chairman Emeritus Pastor Emeritus Norman W. Smith, Sr. Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley WOMEN IN SERVICE EVERYWHERE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS President Ms. Carol W. Mohamed First Vice President Ms. Rosette T. Graham Second Vice President Mrs. LaKeeyna Cooper MEN ON MISSIONS LEADERSHIP TEAM Team Leader Mr. Tony Taylor Team Leader-Short-Term Missions Mr. Jersey Joe Wilson Team Leader-Special Projects Mr. Charles Monterio Team Leader-Recruitment Mr. Gregory Gabriel INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP Team Leader Pastor Robert James Publisher & Editor Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley Managing Editor Mike Tucker Design Director Dash Parham Copy Editor Tonga Peterson Contributing Editor Kathi L. Reid Editorial Assistant Christopher Tucker Published by Lott Carey 8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 1245 Landover, MD Phone: Current and back issues of the Lott Carey Herald are available online at LottCarey.org 2

3 Through the storms, Lott Carey and its partners a constant source of comfort and healing The Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society was formed in 1897 to ensure a Christian witness in Africa for African American Baptists with intentionality and integrity. Although Lott Carey expanded to Haiti in the 1910s, Russia in the 1920s, and India in the 1930s, its missional engagement was primarily outside of the United States for 102 years. Then came Floyd in Hurricane Floyd was one of those monster storms that destroyed nearly everything in its wake. It devastated Princeville, North Carolina, an Edgecombe County town that was first incorporated by ex-slaves. Although Princeville was hit with a so-called once-in-500-year flood back then, flawed levee engineering left 80 percent of Princeville flooded once again in 2016 after Hurricane Matthew. The magnitude of Floyd was made worse by the marginalization of residents of Princeville by the federal government and other organizations involved in disaster relief. The federal government forced residents to apply for assistance in neighboring counties. That was a major problem for many people. Flooded cars made transportation nearly impossible. And taking time off work to travel to another county was often too risky for people who were working poor and who needed to try to recover economically. The situation prompted Lott Carey to partner with the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina to help the residents who had lost so much. We worked together to employ advocates to help people access the resources that where available to them. Advocates drove people to offices to apply for resources, helped them complete required paperwork and fought alongside them for resources they deserved during their time of distress. Lott Carey s next major venture into disaster services in the United States came in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Our partnership with the Louisiana Home By Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley Executive Secretary-Treasurer Clean-up effort in Atlantic City, N.J., after Sandy wreaked havoc. Dorms at Fountain Pines in Colfax, La., to provide shelter during emergencies. Devastation in New Orleans, La., after Katrina and Rita. and Foreign Mission Baptist State Convention was where we sharpened our tools and developed a strong capacity to respond. Across the years, we have been able to partner with many church networks and not-for-profit communities to help people prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. Our disaster services support in places like Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica and Mozambique taught us about the need to engage communities through churches to prioritize helping families rise again. We learned the value of holistic recovery approaches that included spiritual care, mental health counseling, social work support, child development services and grants to churches and church networks to support the crafting of new ministry models. The development of the Fountain Pines Baptist Campground in Colfax, Louisiana, is one example of a fresh approach to ministry. In the wake of Katrina and Rita, we worked with pastors to reimagine ministry after the ground beneath them had figuratively and literally shifted. A network of churches agreed to combine grants and purchase what is now a 26-acre site that is a Christian campground but can be used as a disaster services command center when needed and accommodate up to 300 displaced people. This edition of the Lott Carey Herald offers a glimpse of how churches have responded in the aftermath of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season with a focus on Southeast Texas. The generosity of churches and people in the Lott Carey family has helped us to respond swiftly with cash and mobilizing in-kind gifts ranging from building materials and cleaning supplies to mattresses and box springs. As we enter 2018, you will find us continuing to work with local partners on recovery projects as we continue helping people rise again. Cover photo by Mike Tucker shows Pastor Steve Smith and members praying in front of a new Mount Calvary property that is being renovated to expand storage capacity. 3

4 PEACE. HOUSTON TEXAS he tempest raged but shelter and help was provided as Lott Carey churches and partners extend the Great Commission into a manifesto of expanded missions work. Saving souls remains paramount but Hurricane Harvey, which made landfall August 25, has meant expanding ministries that cater to everyday needs food, water, clothing and getting people back to their homes. These are the actions of peace. 4

5 BE STILL. Lott Carey churches and partners were joined by people from around the country to heal metro Houston after Harvey. Photos: Mike Tucker By Mike Tucker Hurricane Harvey dropped an ocean on Southeast Texas, bringing death, floods and homelessness. Many lost everything. But the deadly storm has also prompted a torrent of civic pride and volunteerism. Strangers helped strangers; families pulled together, and churches have expanded their missions outreach to care for the needy and help restore some of what was lost. Lott Carey churches and partners in Houston and Beaumont, whose faith and works continue to heal the region, share inspiring stories of love and courage. The numbers didn t scare away the brave women and men determined to rescue Southeast Texas. Not the 40 inches of rain that fell on some areas. Not the thousands of homes damaged or destroyed by the devastating floodwaters. Not the 30,000 people left homeless or forced to relocate temporarily. And not the 17,000 rescues that had to be performed. Hurricane Harvey, one of the most damaging storms in U.S. history, was responsible for at least 76 deaths and caused more than $70 billion in losses. Yet hundreds of people from near and far came to help those in need. Lott Carey Herald visited three churches in Houston and two in Beaumont, one of which was involved in a home restoration in nearby Port Arthur, in mid-october The goal was to determine how Lott Carey churches and partners fared post-harvey. Bottom-line: The churches still have a job to do, and they re doing it with food, clothing and whatever else is needed. And they re accomplishing a never-ending mission with a positive spirit, one fueled by peoples needs and an all-in reading of the Great Commission to care for body and soul. Some sanctuaries were spared from floodwaters, others touched just a bit, others inundated. But each found a way to serve their community. Pastors and parishioners worked as hearts across the region and nation opened, as pictures streamed on television and over the Internet. Truckloads of supplies arrived and continue to come. What Continued on Page 6 5

6 Photo: Courtesy, New Mount Calvary Feeding people became a key goal as flooding ruined home supplies. PEACE. BE STILL Continued from Page 5 they did, are doing and will do with these blessings create a thrilling mosaic of God s promises realized. In early October, Lott Carey sent a team of pastors to witness first-hand the work of Texas churches deeply involved in the recovery effort after Hurricane Harvey devastated a swath of the Lone Star State. The team s mission was not only to encourage and pray with those ministers and church members on the front lines of the relief effort in Houston, Beaumont and Port Arthur, Texas. The team was also there to learn from the experiences in Texas and determine what practices might work best when the next disaster strikes. The visiting pastoral team included Dr. Alyn Waller, Lott Carey Convention president and pastor of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia. Pa.; Dr. Gregory Moss, former Lott Carey President; Pastor Rosalyn Nichols of Freedom s Chapel Christian Church in Memphis, Tenn.; Rev. Quan Stewart of St. John Missionary Baptist Church of Bolivia, N.C.; and Pastor Patrick J. Walker of The New Macedonia Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. In addition, Lott Carey sent cash, deployed personnel, secured supplies for distribution ministries, leveraged relationships for additional direct-giving to churches doing relief ministries and promoted direct material giving to benefit people, according to Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley, executive secretary-treasurer of Lott Carey. Stewart was most impressed by the resilience and progressive spirit within and among the pastors and communities. While these brothers and sisters attempted to allow us to walk in their shoes, they spoke of their faith and hope of the resurrection of their communities, he said. Yet the impact of Hurricane Harvey on the most vulnerable communities of the Golden Triangle of Texas could be felt for years to come. The trillions of gallons of water that were dumped on the region uprooted families, eroded neighborhoods and overwhelmed resources. Many of the homes destroyed had no flood insurance, leaving many homeowners without the financial means to rebuild. But Nichols said the sense of optimism was palpable as the team met with church leaders, church workers and the people they were helping. I saw camaraderie, community, selflessness, sacrificial giving organization and systems, repurposing to meet the need, she said. I saw inter-generational support, small churches and larger churches doing effective mission work and faith and faith-based organizations working together. Nichols noted that like many urban areas across the United States, Houston, Beaumont and Port Arthur were plagued by many intractable social problems long before Harvey, including homelessness, inequity, gentrification, landlord abuse, poverty and the politics of poverty. The hurricane, in some cases, only amplified the brokenness and desperation felt by people long before the storm descended. But Lott Carey partner churches in the region swung into action. Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston served primarily as a distribution center for its surrounding area, providing thousands with clothing, food, water and other essential cleaning and building supplies. Bethel s Family which has a tremendous operation and missional outreach on a daily basis, according to Moss also served as a distribution center. In Beaumont, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church was one of the main distribution centers. And the Lott Carey team was there to assess how its network of churches across the country could come alongside the Texas churches to assist and be impactful, Moss said. Among the greatest needs at that time: Workers to relieve those who had been working since the storm and needed to return to jobs and other daily activities. Cleaning supplies and germicides to address mold issues. Building supplies and workers to assist contractors in home repair and restoration. Housing aid for those families displaced from their homes because of the storm. Stewart suggested establishing relationships with flooring, lumber and other construction services to negotiate lower prices for those that must rebuild. The pastoral team also visited Port Arthur, Texas, home to one the largest oil refinery in the United States. Port Arthur, like Beaumont, received significant damage. Rev. Kurt Washington at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church shared with the team how close the water had come but miraculously had not impacted his church leaving it available to serve the community. The church served as a distribution hub for several churches in the area. Another Lott Carey partner church in Port Arthur did not fare as well. Rev. Dwight Benoit at Magnolia Missionary Baptist Church gave the visiting team a tour of the church he pastors, which was badly damaged by the storm. At the time of our visit, he and his members were removing walls and spraying for mold, Stewart said. Upon our entry, we could still smell the growth of mold and the high usage of chemicals to reduce the growth of mold. But Benoit emphasized the greatest need is money to support families reconstructing their lives. Nichols concluded: As devastating as the storm was, clearly the faith communities that we visited were each doing a phenomenal job ministering to the needs of their communities work they had been doing prior to and were prepared to continue doing well beyond the effects of the storm. 6

7 HOUSTONTEXAS WE SAW THE HAND OF GOD WORKING IN OUR LIVES Dr. August is proud that his church is selfsufficient and can carry out needed missions without dealing with government bureaucracy. Photos by Mike Tucker Dr. Walter August Jr., was in his office dealing with a magazine interview when his mobile phone rang. He glanced down, looked up and said: I ve got to get this, it s my mama. August later confided that no matter where he is or who he s with, calls from family his mother, his wife, Ruby, or one of his three sons are answered. He sees it as a sign of respect and duty attributes he employs as pastor of The Church at Bethel s Family and Founder and Chairman of Bethel s Place, an organization focused on community empowerment through education and economic advancement. The pastor said the church experienced light damage from floodwaters and began to detail how the storm rallied people. His interview with Mike Tucker of Lott Carey Herald: Continued on Page 8 7

8 BETHEL Continued from Page 7 Pastor, you were talking about how tragedies and mishaps bring out the best in humans. There s not a person in Houston that was not impacted by this storm. Businesses were impacted, churches were impacted and it didn t matter whether you were educated or illiterate, whether you were on welfare or a millionaire. You got people coming from out of state and getting into the boats and going into places to rescue people. They didn t ask what s your name or who s your family. They saw a need and the best of humanity came to the top and people just started serving people and helping people. We saw the hand of God working in our lives. Tell me about the Sunday you gave the whole congregation marching orders. I told the church, Listen, we ve got a lot of people in areas but they can t get out. I want you all to get in your own cars after church and circle this building. We will load your car with food, water, clothing. You go find a community and bless the people. So, you preached that Sunday? Yes, sir. All my messages dealt with dealing with the storm messages of hope and encouragement. And getting people out there working. By all means. This was a time to go out and do what God says do. Aside from the feeding program, and education and spiritual activities related to Harvey, your church places an emphasis on missions. We are a missions church. We ve been to Kenya many times; Angola many times, and South Africa. Missions is what we do Haiti, Belize, Jamaica, El Salvador. We don t beg. We don t crawl. We don t succumb to what others do and we don t have to have our Anglo agency to take us by the hand to take us to our people in Africa and say, Let me take you on missions. No. We organize it. We program it. We partner and we do everything from here. In the last eight years, over a thousand people from this church have been on international missions. We don t do a lot of advertisement about what we do. We just put our head down and go to work. That work ethic applies to your work here 8 Bethel s volunteers say providing food and water is Christianity in action. in this part of Houston, which is diverse with some residents needing your services and supplies before Harvey. Cars are lined around the church for distribution of food and clothing. The Great Commission must be fulfilled; it s not optional. Our Jerusalem is to fund the Southwest community in Houston. So, because we re here nobody in this community should go to bed hungry, nobody. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we serve hot lunches to the community. Feeding people seems to be in the church s DNA. We wanted to make sure from the inception of our church, 23 1/2 years ago, we fed people. We never lost that. This building here has 55,000 square feet of space. Instead of building a sanctuary for a few million dollars, we said, No, we ll put a double gymnasium in here and we ll put chairs out and we ll use it for Sunday and we can use it for other times. We ll put the food pantry in so people can still get food. We put a dental office in here and a dentist with her own practice right downstairs. We are partners with Houston Community College and provide GED classes. We ve partnered with Belhaven University Photos by Mike Tucker so people can go to college right here at this campus. Do you believe that line of cars waiting for food and supplies indicates there s trouble? The line reminds us that Houston is a big place and not everybody is doing well. People are getting laid off every single day. There s no more affirmative action. Everything right now is streamlined and people use storms, difficult times, changes of administration to let people go. Your approach to service sounds radical when you say, We re not going to judge people when they come to us. We re not going to ask for official citizenship papers. You say you need help, we re going to help you. It s because of my mama, who had to raise nine kids. We never owned a house. We moved about eight times. But God used people to help us. How could I grow up and forget where I came from? I m not ever going to do that. The church s philanthropy is independent and you don t have to kowtow to the powers that be for support. Yet you have the

9 Pastor August enjoying the day with volunteers and greeting those coming to the church for help. attention of large corporate donors. It s because they do their homework and know serving the community is what we do. I also shared in an to Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley that whatever Lott Carey decides to do here in Houston, through our organization, Bethel s Family doesn t need one dime of that money. That s for the churches and communities we re trying to help. We re fine, this church. But you could be even better if you accept more money. Not necessarily. I learned to be a good steward, that s why we re here. We have a church that don t mind taking care of our business. This campus is worth about $15 million. It s all through tithes and offering. We don t have federal dollars coming to pay for nothing here. Does that make you feel free? I humble myself under God Almighty and He has promised me in His word, He d never forsake us. All I have to do is get up every morning and work extremely hard. The Book of Proverbs says, All hard work will lead to profit. I m not a pastor who works three or four hours a week. I m in this office 50, 60 hours a week. The staff and congregation work. We all work, and we re going to labor hard because this is what we should be doing. When I get to the pulpit, that s God s work. My work is when I m not on the pulpit. I m an advocate for the people who don t have a voice and don t have the resources that they need. I pray, God, use me to help them. What if the someone claiming to need food or clothing is lying? How many elected officials get paid and do nothing? Okay. (Laughter.) I don t know this individual s situation so I cannot judge. You d rather err on the side of... I ll always err on the side of grace. Always. Here s the deal: People might come here every single day but I don t know if they may have gone to help someone who can t get here. Jesus, himself, might drive up in a car or walk up here. So, being proactive is the goal? We re not hoarders. We believe we are like the mighty Mississippi... we flow. We re not a reservoir. So, this church is not going to stockpile money and just sit on it. Because when you stockpile money, it stinks. Money is only an instrument. Faith without works is dead? If God gives you something, God wants you to do something with it. God is not in the business of giving you something just for the sake of giving it to you. Your church like many others support an extended mission because of Harvey. What are the next steps to help people recover from the hurricane. First and foremost, they need mental support because I saw a storm develop after the storm had passed. Psychological depression, emotional issues and that can leave you in a bad place. They need the ministry of presence to let them know they re not alone. Anything else? We need to get people back to a sense of normalcy, so as far home repairs, sheet rock and those kinds of things, we ll get that done. And? Education. People must do their own homework because many were surprised that their homes flooded. They weren t told when they purchased that their houses were in a reservoir retention area. Photo: Credit 9

10 HOUSTONTEXAS HARVEY DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER REFLECTS CHURCH S MISSION It is a very rewarding work; a work that seems to satisfy the soul as you help people who are in a bad place in their lives, bad situation with loss of home and cars and, in many cases, all of their belongings. To be on the frontline of aiding people brings us back to our Christian duty. I believe that s the work of the church; we can never forget those in need. Dr. Ronald S. Smith Sr., Pastor The New Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Continued on Page 12 10

11 New Mount Calvary s team included, from left: members LaFonda Thomas, Van Smith, Iris Nelson and Pastor Ronald S. Smith, also seen below. Photos by Mike Tucker 11

12 Trio remembers how Harvey renewed faith amid the storm New Mount Calvary s Harvey Disaster Recovery Center included site coordinator Van Smith, the pastor s brother, and volunteers LaFonda Thomas and Iris Nelson, who are all church members. The trio took a few moments to reminisce about the hurricane and how it brought out the best in people and to talk about the long road ahead to full recovery. Now that basics such as food, water and clothing are being supplied, Lott Carey Herald asked the three, What s next? NEW MOUNT CALVARY Continued from Page 10 Iris: Helping those who have lost everything furniture, bedding, refrigerators, appliances. We want to help them get back into their homes. A lot of work needs to be done. For some, we re looking at the beginning of the year before they can move back into their own residences. LaFonda: My soul felt heavy when I saw the devastation, but all of a sudden it came to me that I need to volunteer, get up and do something for somebody. I was looking at the TV... People, walking through the water with their babies, with nothing but the clothes on their back. When Van called for help a couple of days later I told him I would do everything and anything I could. Iris: LaFonda needed help herself. She had a house with a couple of feet of water and I m thinking, Wow. But she still found time every day and I mean from 10:00 to 6:00, 7:00 in the evening to come and make sure that we supply the people in the community. Even her daughter, who was undergoing chemotherapy, helped us issue the things people needed to survive. Van: Stuff is still coming in on 18-wheelers. We stock it, take inventory, set up tables to distribute water and other necessities. If people were hungry, the kitchen was operating at full capacity. It was just awesome, the work that was done. LaFonda: When you see people suffering, you want to do something to help. It s only human to feel like that. Iris: People still need their houses repaired; bedding and refrigeration. We supply them with a lot of the small things, but now they need people to help them rebuild so they can come back home. Van: They need to get back in their home, and it s going to be rough because some people lost everything. Some families are all living in one house now; parents who can t bring their children home because apartments were lost. It s a terrible thing. What they need now is to get their independence back. Iris: To those who have not gotten involved I say, We are a church because we care about one another. Van is wearing a shirt right now saying we re Houston Strong and it makes you feel good to help. Black and white, it didn t matter what color. We ve got to learn to pull together. That s what God wants of us, to help our neighbor. Van: I went home exhausted every day. ButI slept well and got up every morning and did the same thing. And I d do it again. Iris LaFonda Van Photos by Mike Tucker 12

13 In photos supplied by New Mount Calvary volunteers take a break to pose, unload supplies from truck; Pastor Smith taking in continuing storage challenges. 13

14 Helpers came from around the country to help Houston make it through. HOW YOU CAN HELP! DONATIONS FOR HURRICANE RECOVERY Thank you for supporting victims of Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Maria. Lott Carey is helping families rise again by purchasing building supplies and home goods, repairing homes, providing financial assistance, pastoral care, and a range of services designed to help families and churches recover from disasters. We work through partner churches and organizations to disperse funds, send supplies and mobilize teams to rebuild vulnerable communities in Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Send financial support to purchase materials to repair homes, provide financial assistance, pastoral grants and other services to: Lott Carey c/o Hurricane Relief 8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 1245 Landover, MD Register your team to serve in Beaumont, Port Arthur or Houston, TX or Lake Charles, LA, by contacting: Sis. Pauline Hurst - Texas & Louisiana locations The Hope Complex bjmaxonjr@yahoo.com Photo: Mike Tucker Pastor Smith and member Iris Nelson inspect mattress donations being prepared for distribution. DONATIONS FOR FLINT WATER CRISIS Do not overlook Flint! There is still a need for water donations, teams and financial support for the Flint Refresh nutrition intervention project. Send financial support: Lott Carey c/o Flint Refresh 8201 Corporate Drive Suite 1245 Landover, MD Coordinate shipments or mobilize a team, please contact: Deacon Bill Quarles firsttrinitymbc@gmail.com 14 Sis. Felicia Young - Beaumont, Texas Antioch Baptist Church feliciay@antiochbmt.org

15 121st Annual Session of the Lott Carey Convention ATLANTA, GEORGIA August 12-16, 2018 Registration opens February 15, 2018 Lott Carey Spring Missions Conference March 22-23, Old Centreville Road, Centreville, VA Registration opens January 22, th Annual Lott Carey Youth Seminar UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE PRINCESS ANNE, MD June 23-28, 2018 Registration opens February 15,

16 Wheeler s rescue efforts included creating a department store that allowed those affected by Harvey to shop for whatever they or their families needed. HOUSTONTEXAS WHEELER SUCCESSFULLY EMPLOYS DEPARTMENT STORE CONCEPT 16

17 It s a scene that could be found in any retail store in America: adult shoppers holding up blouses, sweaters and shoes for closer inspection; others matching accessories to clothing and clothing to their bodies for the right fit; and children eager to read the books and toys available. But this scene was not at Target, Kmart or Macy s. It was at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, which turned its gymnasium into a department store, offering an array of clothing and supplies for a community backhanded by Hurricane Harvey. The effort is part of its #HelpingHoustonHeal campaign. The church damage did not compare to the damage experienced by those persons in and around the Third Ward, over in the Fifth Ward, the Heights, The Woodlands. All those persons were affected tremendously, said Endra Cosby Endra Cosby, the church s facilities and maintenance manager. Cosby, younger brother of Wheeler s senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Marcus Cosby, shared an oft-repeated phrase that the storm brought out the best in people, including the Wheeler faithful serving as shoppers aides and staffing the various stations. This is my ministry, said church member Vivian Grimes as she tidied her clothing area. It s a feeling that gives me joy. Every morning, I get up looking for ways to give to people. Member Brian Gathright managed the books and toys area, where kids took hopeful glances at the merchandise. They really love books, he said, and it makes me proud. When shoppers gathered what they needed, they checked out and were given food and bottled water as part of the experience. The tab: zero dollars. We have a great problem, said Cosby. Every time we need something, the next day... we got a truck pulling in with it. It literally is a great problem to have. --Text and Photos by Mike Tucker Continued on Page 18 Pastor Cosby reflects the feelings of the lyrics on the screen during a service. 17

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19 Lott Carey Photo Wheeler offered a variety of clothing options along with books and toys for children. Personal assistants escorted shoppers and helped them make choices while other volunteers kept stations supplied and orderly. Continued on Page 20 19

20 HOUSTONTEXAS Harvey, The Defiant Devastator Houston, we have a dilemma, Hurricane Harvey has begun to simmer. A Poem by Thelma Davis Interaction between clients and volunteer in the place, produced peace, hope, love and grace. Violent winds and thunderous rains scream, The Lord in His Holy Temple is supreme, keep silent. Depression-dominated TV news, while tear-filled thankful eyes sing the blues. Schools, businesses, and even churches were closed, the one place to find strength untold. Transportation came to a standstill, as flood waters threatened and avowed to kill. Man s best friends became a threat to life, when homeowners stayed their plight. Floodwaters covered everything, in some areas only rooftops could be seen. We like our treasures can become rubble on the streets, if we give in to defeat. Volunteering, now a full-time job, with hearts leading them to do more than sob. Work stations so broad, greeters, leaders, stockers, shoppers, loaders, handlers, checkers, all on one accord. Retirees, doctors, lawyers, housewives, we stand, there was something to do, for every hand. FEMA, Distribution Centers, and Shelters are all new terms, many people had to learn. Two sides of the same coin, Founder and Present Pastor answered and always join. Unlike the wilderness children questioning God s presence, we embrace His essence. We offer Christianity on high, through the spirit of giving and receiving salvation is nigh. The church is the one, who s blessed to be a blessing to all who come. Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, became a beacon of light, for those who searched. In the wake of our disaster, other areas suffer, lame but unbowed, we helped them recover. Thank you is not enough, to express nationally, the gratitude for all the things sent to us. Eyes have not seen, ears have not heard, The Houston Astros are the best in the world. The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away, blessed be the Name of the Lord. Harvey, your arms were too short to box with God, and all the people said, Amen! Poet Thelma Davis, a retired physical education teacher, is a member of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. 20

21 Pastor Benoit s voice broke during the interview as he described the devastation to his church. But he said through faith and determination Magnolia was still able to serve the community. BEAUMONTTEXAS DAMAGED BY HARVEY, HISTORIC CHURCH STANDS ITS GROUND AND HELPS COMMUNITY By Mike Tucker This holiday season will be remembered for many reasons in Beaumont, Texas, but perhaps most of all for the way this community was changed forever by the ferocity of Hurricane Harvey and the generosity of the response in its aftermath. We ve been through Hurricane Karl in the 80s, we ve been through Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike, said Rev. Dwight Benoit of Magnolia Missionary Baptist Church. But this hurricane affected us in a different way. Thanksgiving would never be the same this year nor Christmas and all of those other efforts. Months after the waters receded, donations continue to come in from around the country to help the 127-year-old church fulfill its mission of helping its neighbors. I m very surprised that most of our help and support has been from brothers and sisters from across the nation more so than those near and dear to us, he said. Magnolia s whole church complex two sanctuaries, an educational building and Continued on Page 25 Photo: Courtesy, Magnolia 21

22 BEAUMONTTEXAS WE NEVER KNEW HOW WE WERE GOING TO DO IT BUT GOD KEPT MAKING A WAY By Dr. John R. Adolph Harvey brought a horror we ve never seen. The area where we live on the Gulf Coast is familiar with hurricanes. What we re unfamiliar with are earthquakes and snow and traumatic activity. We know hurricanes. In my 22 years of being here, we ve seen several, Category 1s to Category 5s; we ve seen the gambit. We re used to storm surge not rainfall. What made Harvey so horrible was a high-pressure system on top of Harvey and there was another system below, which meant Harvey just dumped water for days and days. In fact, on one Sunday, I got to church about an hour early. It was raining but nothing horrible. The streets were passable. But within 45 minutes the feeder road that leads to this church was not passable. Damage to our church was minimal because it s in a high place. But the lower-lying areas were hit hard Port Arthur, Port Acres... Operation: Relief to Restoration The day after the rain subsided, I asked my staff to help me meet needs in this community. We knew right away we had a spiritual and moral responsibility to help. That was never a question; we knew we were going to do something. We just had to organize and mobilize and there were so many question marks about where we would get supplies. But God turned those question marks into exclamation points. We never ran out of drinking water. We had plenty of food to distribute. We never knew how we were going to do it but God kept making a way. We Photos: Mike Tucker Pastor Adolph said as the community s needs grew, God just kept sending person after person, group after group, truck after truck. watched it happen: God just kept sending person after person, group after group, truck after truck. Ninety percent of the loads were unexpected. We went from disaster relief to disaster restoration; from water and food to necessities such as debit cards to helping Continued on Page 24 22

23 Volunteers, including a team from John Knox Presbyterian Church in North Olmsted, Ohio, take a well-deserved break at the home of Emanuel and Jessie Preston of Port Arthur. The couple, in blue and dark green T-shirts, are recovering from Harvey s flooding. We didn t know what to expect We ve never seen anything like this before. We didn t know what to expect. After the hurricane hit, we had conference calls. We had text messages going back and forth about what to do, and pastor called a staff meeting. All he said was, We re going to help people and we ll do it for 30 days because we never had to do it any longer before. It was overwhelming. We had a lot going on and just trying to figure out the different pieces. As the 30 days began to close, we were thinking we re going back to normal. That did not happen at all. It was 60 days and we were still going strong. My job is to make transitions according to the people s needs. Fortunately, we have been blessed with people from across the country California to New York who donated supplies and manpower, and resources, and we ve been able to take care of the community. Because of relationships Pastor Adolph has built over the years, people just wanted to help us. And during the distribution days we somehow ended up on CNN news. People saw what we were doing, they liked what we were doing and they decided to come to us. Felicia Young, Site Coordinator Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Beaumont, Texas 23

24 PORT ARTHURTEXAS Emanuel and Jessie Preston of Port Arthur during clean-up of their Port Arthur home. The picture from their home shows the watery destruction of Harvey. ANTIOCH Continued from Page 22 people clean up from the flood. Quick Response My first day of rain and flooding, I got a text from a friend, a staffer at a Washington, D.C., church: Hey, I see you all on television. How are you? I said, Bad, helpless. She mobilized staff right away. The check from the church was converted into gift cards immediately. Told my congregation, I need $50,000 to help us get back on our feet and the church readily agreed. When the money became available, I went to other companies, 24 entities and organizations, foundations, and enterprises to match it. (A large grocery chain) matched it dollar for dollar. And we didn t understand how we were getting provisions, but trucks came in the middle of the night and from regular citizens. We even had people with confederate tattoos. It was the most humbling thing ever. We learned a valuable lesson that our location helped a lot. Sitting on this freeway was a big blessing. All those who helped were sent by God. We re even sheltering volunteers who are coming from across the country; probably a couple of dozen over the next three months. Photo: Mike Tucker Next Needs We need materials to rebuild homes sheetrock, carpeting, flooring, and human resources. Everything it would take to rebuild a house along with human resources to help make that happen. Only 10 percent of our residents have flood insurance; 7.6 percent of those people with insurance are going to be covered. I got this news from my Jefferson County commissioner the other day. Dr. John R. Adolph is Pastor of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas.

25 BEAUMONTTEXAS The scenes around Magnolia and neighborhoods reflect hard work and commitment. The whole water system collapsed, the pastor said. Photos: Courtesy, Magnolia MAGNOLIA Continued from Page 21 fellowship hall were filled with up to six feet of water. But Benoit said the church was committed to becoming a distribution center to help church members and others who were affected by the storm. While workers started pumping the waters out of his church buildings, Benoit teamed up with Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, about six blocks away, to set up a distribution hub to hand out water, MREs, food, clothing and other necessities to those in need. We set up on their parking lot, Benoit said. Jefferson County Commissioner Everette Bo Alfred was the one who really opened the door for us to start receiving all these supplies and things started coming in from somewhere, he added. Benoit said he could not get back into his 300-member church until the third week of September. But that did not hinder the drive to help others. We d get these items that were given to us and we would put them in an 18-foot or 15-foot U-Haul, go down the street, take it to people who could not come to distribution points to receive them. Benoit said 88 homes in the community were flooded and 33 of them were irreparable. One of the most daunting tasks was trying to find places to stay for families that evacuated before the storm but came back to discover they no longer had a home. For some, it was a matter of helping them get rebuilding supplies such as sheetrock and insulation. For others, the situation is more complicated. We re dealing with the city right now that would love, in the north end area of the city, to have families to move because this is considered the floodplain area, Benoit said. But we re dealing with families who don t want to give up homes and properties that perhaps they ve inherited. It s all these elders have had for all their lives this piece of property. What made the storm particularly devastating in Beaumont is that the hurricane lingered on the Southeast Coast for a couple of days, causing a lot of flooding. They released the dams and right here in Beaumont, the whole water system collapsed, he said. The city s Continued on Page 26 25

26 MAGNOLIA Continued from Page 25 Volunteers provided essential services from purchasing to delivery to distribution. Photos: Courtesy, Magnolia water pumps failed because there was not enough gas to keep them operating, he said. We were nine days without water. When pictures of the devastation in Beaumont aired on national television, I had people from Kentucky who picked that up, and they somehow, some way, got my number and called and sent boxes of shoes because they knew we needed supplies. And then individuals helped us do the work there. It just spread. It went like a wildfire, Benoit said. Benoit said the church s relationship with elected officials in the community has been beneficial, too. He asked for and was able to get free tetanus shots for people who had gone through the hurricane. I had the fire department, the sheriff department, the police department to help us here in our church to gut out all of the drywall, carpets, and pews, he said. The sheriff s department even allowed some of the inmates to help because we re actively involved in our community, Benoit said. Lott Carey stepped up, too, and helped when others never lifted a hand, he said. Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley sent money from Lott Carey that helped us help our communities. When Lott Carey President Alyn Waller came, we took him to the communities to show where the money that they sent met needs and helped people through the crisis. It just blessed my soul to know that people care like they have. They put legs on their prayers, hands to their words of help, and they felt the pain and helped us pick up our burden and move forward. Pastor Benoit and Magnolia Missionary Baptist still face challenges spawned by Hurricane Harvey. But he is encouraged that, through it all, souls are being won for Christ. He said he recently baptized three people. The preaching of the Gospel, the sharing of Christ and transforming lives is what disaster is designed to do, because we ve been so de-focused on the purpose of the church, he said. He also has advice for other pastors and churches: set up disaster management and relief efforts, if none are already in place. It is not a question of whether disaster will strike, but when, he said. Take inventory of what you have at your local church. If you don t have insurance, put something aside and stop depending on anniversaries and weekly salaries and all those efforts. This is missions and ministry, and if we can better prepare ourselves, we should. 26

27 HOUSTONTEXAS The Lott Carey-American Red Cross Partnership Strengthens Connections The breadth and depth of Harvey s destruction required enterprise across Southeast Texas for rescue operations, shelter logistics, and food, water and clothing distribution. Together, whether strangers or neighbors, government or private sector, things got done. The Lott Carey-National Baptist Convention of America Disaster Network partnership with the American Red Cross is an example and a reminder that joining resources and sharing knowledge is a powerful tool in getting people back on their feet after a major storm. Lott Carey Herald visited the Texas Gulf Coast Region of the American Red Cross to tour facilities and talk to Paula Jemison, Regional Preparedness Manager, Disaster Cycle Services. Kathi L. Reid is program manager, Haiti & Disaster Services for Lott Carey. Kathi L. Reid Paula Jemison What kind of work did you do during your deployment? Kathi: I worked with two other volunteers from Lott Carey NBCA Disaster Network Marvet Samuels (Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, Philadelphia) the Lott Carey Operations Contact from the Eastern PA Region and Alyson Gordon (Trinity Baptist Church, Bronx) a volunteer from the Greater NY Region. We were assigned to the Disaster Relief Operations (DRO) with External Relations/ Customer Engagement Partnership (ER/CEP) to support underserved communities through African American churches. We identified and connected churches within vulnerable areas to support the community as feeding and distribution centers. Photo: Mike Tucker Lott Carey s partnership with the American Red Cross creates stronger community links. Tell me about the key benefits you see because of the partnership. Kathi: The assignment confirmed the need for African American presence at the table Photo: Marvet Samuels during disasters. We need to serve as advocates for our community to make sure that we are not overlooked or underserved. Our presence allowed us to build new relationships with churches and organizations such as the African-American Pastors of Houston. Also, the deployment helped Lott Carey leadership to understand the importance of volunteering and how the Red Cross DRO functions. Additionally, the deployment helped confirm the need for the African-American communities to prepare, to build resiliency and to become self-sufficient in times of disasters. Continued on Page 28 27

28 Logistics, a major service area mobilized to help Houston recover from Hurricane Harvey. RED CROSS PARTNERSHIP Continued from Page 27 The American Red Cross is a well-known brand. What makes the organization special? Paula: We deliver on our mission to help alleviate human suffering during the time of disaster. We make sure that we support our community, our neighbors, our friends, our families, our co-workers with a place to stay if they have lost their home during the time of disaster; with food to eat, with clothes. Since American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization, nothing that we do can be done without donor dollars. So, it s the community coming together that helps us deliver on our mission. So that s what I see as being special. Not necessarily that American Red Cross is special, but the relationships that we have. What value do Lott Carey and its partners bring to the relationship? Paula: The benefit is that they re the arms and the eyes and the ears in their communities. They are the ones who we rely on to tell us what the community needs are. Even though we have (thousands of) volunteers across the nation, we can t be everywhere, and American Red Cross will need their community partners such as Lott Carey to help us get resources to the community. They are serving as a conduit. Photo: Mike Tucker Sounds like results are exceeding expectation. Paula: I ve really been amazed at the outpouring of support from the Lott Carey community churches and faith-based organizations. What I m hoping for is building that long-term relationship, where we can sit at the table before an event happens and prepare and pre-position ourselves so that we know who the point of contact will be in that community; and we can identify special needs before a storm hits, before there is a disaster. Being prepared is the best way to make sure that our communities are safe. HOPE MISSIONARY DAY 2018 Saturday, September 29, 2018 (Online registration begins March 15) The Sanctuary 5300 Crain Highway Upper Marlboro, MD Cost: $20 per person, includes continental breakfast, lunch and T-shirt. Call Tonga Peterson at to volunteer or for more information. 28

29 This week-long trip has been momentous extremely busy and enjoyable. We started each day with our daily devotions and breakfast, arriving at First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church each morning at 9:30 and finishing up at 5 p.m. My team included Ryan Arrendell, Bill Emory; Deacon Vernon Hammett, Roshawnda Humphries and Shani Wallace. We distributed water to members and nonmembers of First Trinity and deliveries included Southwestern High School and Gloria s Day Care School. Our distribution totals for the week: 1,187 Cases of Bottled Water (24 bottles to a case). 141 Cases of Gallon Water (6 bottles to a case). 150 Household Kits (hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and baby wipes). We also participated in First Trinity s Back to School giveaway of winter coats and book bags, contributing 94 coats and 70 book bags shipped earlier from Alfred Street. Sixty-eight families also received groceries. It was a blessed week for both churches as they came together to support community residents during the continuing water crisis. FLINTMICHIGAN Short-Term Mission Team Keeps Flint Clean, Hydrated and Hopeful Alfred Street Team Reports Blessings and Smiles Deacon Charles J. Monterio, Sr. Alfred Street Baptist Church Photos: Courtesy, Alfred Street 29

30 CARRIESHAITI Missions Embrace Building and Baptism The photos tell the story of missions work in Haiti at right, baptism candidates from the Mission of Grace, a Lott Carey partner; bottom right a group of 23 missionaries that distributed food, and, bottom left and center home construction by a NBCA-Men on Missions delegation from the National Baptist Convention of America. Lott Carey has launched 47 Short-Term Missions to Haiti, bringing 500 volunteers to the island to build homes and share the Gospel. The teams have included men, women and teens, aged 14 to 80. Team leaders Dr. Micah McCreary, Linda Vanhook, Carolyn Price, Tony Taylor, Kenneth Reeves, Vernon Hammett, Rev. Robin Woodberry, and Earl Carpenter have met the challenge with professionalism and compassion. Training and preparation are the basis for successful short-term missions, said Kathi L. Reid, program manager, Haiti & Disaster Services for Lott Carey. By the time a team steps on Haiti soil, my hope is that each person is flexible, humble, has an open heart and outreached hands ready to serve others. Photos: Vernon Hammett and Rev. William Crawley 30

31 SOUTHAFRICAZIMBABWE GOD S GRACE DID... ABOUND TOWARD US Photos by Elizabeth Moore Happy to arrive at Cape Town International from left: Lottie McKoy, Dr. Dale Johnson, Tonga Peterson and Ether Joe. By Carol White Mohamed WISE Zimbabwe/South Africa Team Leader Our team of nine woman representing Lott Carey s Women in Service Everywhere (W.I.S.E.) set out to fulfill the 2017 shortterm missions assignment in South Africa and Zimbabwe. This team represented eight different churches from five states. All nine women, while capable of leading, nevertheless were committed to accomplishing the work of the team on one accord and in a spirit of God-inspired unity. As a unified team we proceeded on our 13-day journey giving of our time, talent and treasure joyfully. We ministered in an orphanage, at multiple daycare centers, in two recovery and restoration facilities, and at a family support and home care center. We served soup and painted rooms. We conducted multiple Bible studies, participated in street ministry; and each of the two ordained ministers traveling with us preached at more than one location. Yes, we prayed, we listened, we learned, and we served giving tangible gifts that included clothing, hygiene supplies and Bibles. In South Africa, we genuinely enjoyed the opportunities afforded us to serve in Johannesburg, Soweto, Pretoria, Limpopo, and throughout Cape Town s Western Cape. In Zimbabwe, we served in Harare and Gweru. The goal of our missions trip was to share the love of Christ through compassion, evangelism, empowerment, advocacy, and personal testimony. We were also there to continue the cultural exchange between Lott Carey and our missions partners in those countries Continued on Page 32 31

32 SHORT-TERM MISSIONS Continued from Page 31 and to build up and support and assess the need of the ministries in those countries. All that we did or gave paled in comparison to the bounty the caring and gracious ministry we received. Our hosts in each location were presidents, directors, superintendents, pastors executives of understaffed Christian ministries. Even so, they and their staff members put their own daily obligations on hold to be gracious to Team WISE. Our primary hosts were Reverend Paul Msiza, president of Baptist World Alliance, in the Johannesburg, South Africa region; Dr. Henry and Mrs. Hermina Mugabe in Harare and Gweru, Zimbabwe; and Dr. Jacobus and Rev. Erica Nomdoe in the Cape Town, South Africa region. Beyond coordinating enriching ministry experiences for us, each host engaged their staff, family, and friends, including other busy pastors, to enhance the hospitality we enjoyed. These benefactors included the Baptist Convention of South Africa; Nelly Matjeke, Jehovah Jireh Ministries; Rev. Debra Mulaudzi, Rock of Salvation Baptist Churches; the Sizanani Care Givers; Rev. Cecil and (Mrs.) Rev. Thull Mashego and their daughter Jean, Balm In Gilead Church; Rev. Munorwei Chirovamavi, Tafara Baptist Church; Deborah and Phillia Ministries of Zimbabwe; the Teen Challenge staff and residents in Pretoria and Western Cape; and Home of Hope staff and residents Western Cape. We set out to be a blessing, but we returned home confessing that God s grace did, in fact, abound toward us! Here are some reflections from the team. SOUTH AFRICA Ministering to children Traveling to Jehovah Jireh Orphanage to share with orphans tugged at my heart, but brought joy to my soul as I sat and listened to the story of how the ministry began, the number of orphans that have crossed the doorstep, along with the success stories of those who have graduated from school and are now giving back to the community in which they once lived. As Dr. Dale Johnson and I were challenged by a couple of the children to engage in a game of Hopscotch, I could not help but think of those years when I too lined the sidewalk outside my home in preparation for this same activity. Our hearts were warmed as the children gathered only to 32 Ian, an actor in a street drama, above, portrays Jesus healing; below, Mahalia Warren enjoys being surrounded by children. see us barely cross the starting block. Jehovah Jireh Orphanage provides housing for 35 children. At Home of Hope in Pretoria, South Africa, I could not help but think of Jesus feeding the 5,000 as the children lined up with bowls in hand for a warm offering of soup. The structure in which we stood feeding these children was once lined with drugs and gang members; the markings were etched on the walls. The following day our team and others returned to the site to cover the profane scribbling. With a paintbrush in hand, each stroke reminded me of how we are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. The Home of Hope is now a dwelling where individuals in the community can find hope and healing, not to mention a warm bowl of soup. The most memorable experience of this journey was facilitating the morning Bible study with the men and women of Teen Challenge and Home of Hope. The subject, Crying Out for Justice, seemed to touch the hearts of all those assembled. To hear the testimonies of young men and young women who have been the victim of sexual abuse, spousal abuse, addictive behaviors and more was reason to give pause. Moreover, to hear men cry out for forgiveness for the wrongdoings that they inflicted upon their mothers was painful. The most simplistic definition of forgiveness is to let go! Consumed by his presence, God moved in an unusual way to bring hope and healing. Without fail, Lott Carey is touching lives with transforming love across the globe! Tonga Peterson Street ministry paves new paths The stories and testimonies of many brothers and sisters throughout our W.I.S.E. mission team journey were moving and uplifting. Our journey enabled us to join hands, shed tears of joy and sometimes sorrow. However, God was faithful to strengthen us to arise, and let his light shine through

33 WISE President Carol Mohamed with children modeling new school backpacks filled with supplies. us to learn and share. The Teen Challenge Program of Enon Tabernacle of Cape Town allowed me to love, walk, minister, and to work side-by-side in restoring lives. Pastor Nomdoe and his staff have taken over a territorial area which was once plagued by gangs. The street ministry of the church includes evangelism in a relevant and powerful way. The Dance and Drama ministries were used to tell the story of the love and sacrifice that Jesus showed to others. To watch one young man, named Ian, portray Jesus being beaten, kicked and dragged through the sandy, rocky soil while his ear and face bled, was a revelation of his testimony of love for the Lord. Ian later told me he was willing to die for Jesus. Dr. Dale L. Johnson Backpacks and breakthroughs The children at the orphanage ranged in age from 6-month-old twins to teenagers. We were there as the older children were coming in from school. As each one came into the room, they greeted us politely and with smiling faces. We distributed backpacks to the children, and they were very grateful to receive them. They have a need for more space, as well as computers to do homework. As we approached the Enon Church in Cape Town, we could hear the authentic praise and worship of the young men and women. Our time with them was very special. The testimonies were heart-breaking but also inspiring as each one shared their story. We prayed with them; we worshipped with them; we cried and we laughed with them. We had one-on-one time with those who desired that type of sharing, and it was evident that God was in the midst of it all because there were breakthroughs. Lottie McKoy Rich lands, enduring presence In my soul, I believe that God gave the African people stewardship over one of the most beautiful, expansive and resource rich lands in the world. I could see God s creative work in the diverse faces of people and the diversity of the dynamic landscapes. What I am most thankful for are the crossroads and intersections of life. I value the special opportunities God provided for Continued on Page 34 THE TEAM Carol Mohamed, President, W.I.S.E. Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church Pittsburgh, Pa. Cynthia Foulks Convent Avenue Baptist Church New York, N.Y. Ether Joe Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Winston-Salem, N.C. Dr. Dale Johnson Faith Christian Center International Charlottesville, Va. Rev. Robin Joynes Founding Director of the Southern Daughters of Faith Network Green Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Smithfield, N.C. Elizabeth Moore Maple Springs Baptist Church Capitol Heights, Md. Tonga Peterson, Lott Carey The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square Landover, Md. Mahalia Warren Maple Springs Baptist Church Capitol Heights, Md. Lottie McKoy Salem Missionary Baptist Church Brooklyn, N.Y. 33

34 Dr. Henry Mugabe, a consultant to the Zimbabwe Theological Seminary, stands at Jehovah s Well, which provides water for a vegetable garden. SHORT-TERM MISSIONS Continued from Page 33 me to individually witness to others and promote his Kingdom. I was happy to speak of the goodness of the Lord and the blessed hope I have. Ether Joe ZIMBABWE Witnessing like Deborah We facilitated and worshipped with members of Deborah, a women-in-ministry group under the direction of Sis. Hermina Mugabe. Our topics were The Woman at The Well and Crying Out for Justice. We were warmly welcomed by the women there; and we sang, we danced, we prayed. The Deborah Women were engaged in the study and participated fully in the discussions with the aid of our interpreter. But since God is the master interpreter we were all on one accord and bonded like sisters. There are many lessons from this trip; but the one thing that stands out is the resiliency, the hope and faith that the people have. They know there is a God and that He will make things right. It is a privilege to serve. Lottie McKoy Speaking the language of the Spirit Travel to the Zimbabwe Theological Seminary in Gweru, Zimbabwe, was equally rewarding. It was the very first time a team 34 from the United States had traveled to Zimbabwe to attend the African American Baptist Churches of Zimbabwe s annual conference. It had never crossed my mind that I would one day be in Zimbabwe, let alone be afforded the opportunity to facilitate one of their Bible study sessions. But with the interpreter at my side, Bible in hand, the Holy Ghost, and my sisters, I was primed and ready to go. As I took the lectern, I remember the sound of foreign mantras resonating in my Spirit as we ushered in the Holy Spirit and danced to the rhythmic beat of a drum. Tonga Peterson Refreshing thirsting souls It was truly a blessing to visit, observe, and witness the ministry of Tafara Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Munorwei Chirovamavi. Tafara provides portable water through Jehovah s Well, a blessing brought about through the ministry outreach of Lott Carey to a community burdened by the scarcity of clean, portable water and access to affordable food. The ministry provides empowerment and encouragement to the least of these through their community health partnership with Health Watch. During our day visit, a Parent/Child & Caregiver Training was conducted by a young graduate student affiliated with Tafara Baptist Church. One of the highlights of the visit was the new chicken farm and seed pantry. Pastor Muno s passion for community, his leadership and strategy is deeply rooted in the transformative work of the Gospel. It was moving to see a ministry doing so much for a community with very lean resources. May the Lord send a blessing of overflow into this community. Rev. Robin Joynes A spiritual homecoming This WISE journey was the most amazing experience of my life. It was my first international missions experience. And the love shared and shown by the people and among the people embodied the spirit God has asked us to live by. I felt I had gone home to visit my maternal family. The joy of my life is always the children. A career educator, I was certainly drawn to them throughout the missions journey. Allergies prohibited me from the indoor painting project and physical work at the Home of Hope in Cape Town, but the children kept me pretty busy. A few children allowed me to photograph them where they found a creative way to climb and take a seat on two 4-foot stationary structures outside the doors of the center. After each photo, the group grew. Their excitement and fascination was endearing. We took pictures until we were exhausted. They spoke no English, and I did not speak their language. But we enjoyed a long hour of communing together. The universal language: the power of God s love. Mahalia Warren

35 Special to Lott Carey Herald PRETORIASOUTHAFRICA Baptist Convention of South Africa: New Challenges on Horizon for the Faithful As it celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, the Baptist Convention of South Africa (BCSA) is grappling with how to remain relevant and draw in a generation that does not seem to care about the traditional church. That was the assessment of Dr. Keith I. Jones, senior pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia. He, along with Rev. Keith Savage, senior servant of First Baptist Church of Manassas, represented Lott Carey at BCSA s annual convention in Pretoria, South Africa, this fall. Both men said they were encouraged to hear of BCSA s great appreciation for Lott Carey and the support that they receive as they seek to spread the gospel throughout that country. Pastors and churches had convened from South Africa to attend BCSA, which includes 174 churches from nine provinces and is a member of the Baptist World Alliance. Under the leadership of National President Rev. Tebogo Mulaudzi, Deputy President Rev. Siphiwe Ndebele, First Deputy President Rev. Thembelani Jentile, and National Treasurer Mohanuoa Mabidilala, the BCSA galvanized men and women, boys and girls to recall and redouble its efforts to capture the hearts and minds of the people. But in the midst of great upheaval, the church seeks relevance, Jones said. They were just like us. Their question, our question, must be: How does the church define itself in the rapidly changing culture? Jones said he saw some of the same struggles in South Africa that churches elsewhere are experiencing. The absence of youth; elders who desire to maintain their positions and traditions but who say that they want the church to be fresh and progressive; and a mega church movement where millennials flock to huge churches that are led by white preachers who probably benefitted from racism and oppression. I also saw the huge demand to care for those who live in the townships and those who are impoverished and struggle from day to day, Jones said. Photo: Courtesy, BCSA BCSA meeting prompted key questions, including, How does the church define itself in the rapidly changing culture? Savage said BCSA issued a renewed call to expand church planting efforts and to reimagine the exciting possibilities of a missional ecclesiology that graces the people of South Africa. He said each BCSA presenter added credibility to the call for strategic expansion of BCSA s mission of becoming a new kind of church that builds bridges to express the true nature of Jesus incarnation through dwelling in the Word; dwelling in the world; welcoming the stranger; caring for people in need; and empowerment of local church leadership. Jones acknowledged that he went to South Africa with a romantic view of a gallant people who battled the evil of a racist government and who, with singleness of thought and solidarity of effort, destroyed that cruel and demeaning institution of apartheid and were now moving toward self-determination and the glory of freedom from oppression. While he said he experienced some of that, he also saw a nation and government that was trying to get it right in the middle of its own political struggles and corruption. What struck him most was the day-to-day struggle of people who were doing their best just to survive. I recognized, afresh, the call to avoid spiritual sound bites and religious pabulum, sermonic utterances that impress but that have little impact on how we live, Jones said. The survival of the South African Baptist Convention; our survival, will result from our daring to answer the questions that people are actually asking. 35

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