The global COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted virtually every community in the United States. Of course, some communities are far more vulnerable to the impact of COVID-19 than others. The immigrant community on the southern border of the United States is certainly one of these communities that is vulnerable to the public health and societal impacts … Continue reading
By Marv Knox NUEVO LAREDO, MEXICO—Lorenzo Ortiz, a Texas pastor who operates three immigrant shelters in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, stayed behind when the U.S. and Mexican governments closed the border to all “nonessential” travel at midnight Saturday, March 21. Mutual concern about the transmission of COVID-19 led U.S. and Mexican policymakers to shut down border … Continue reading
By Marv Knox An intriguing and disconcerting message popped up on my telephone screen late last week. “I just got out from the meeting in Juarez … talking about the MPP changes,” wrote Rosalio Sosa, pastor of Iglesia Bautista Tierra de Oro in El Paso and leader of Fellowship Southwest’s efforts to minister to asylum … Continue reading
For congregations to thrive and Christ’s mission among us to flourish, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has entered a season of discovering where God would focus our work together. Take CBF’s online survey about your church and your personal ministry aspirations before Feb. 2. This devotional is part of a series in January that tells stories of “Bold Faith” … Continue reading
By Marv Knox As winter’s frigid blast buffeted the U.S.-Mexico border this week, pastors pleaded for blankets to comfort immigrants seeking asylum in the United States. “Very cold today; 37 degrees,” Carlos Navarro, pastor of Iglesia Bautista West Brownsville wrote in a text on Tuesday. Later, in a phone call, he said churches that provide … Continue reading
By Blake Tommey A colossal nine-by-12-foot canvas hangs in the narthex of Trinity Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, bearing the painted handprints of more than 150 children. For each handprint, there’s a name and one God-given gift that each offers to his or her community—a prompt issued to every child who attended missions sessions at Trinity’s Vacation Bible School in June. … Continue reading
By Greg Warner In her mind, she can hear the words: “Ladies and gentlemen, may I present the Yo-Yo Ma of Uganda.” Jamilah’s ambition is as simple as it is audacious: “I want to be the Yo-Yo Ma of Uganda!” She delivers the pronouncement with her big cheery smile, with only a hint that she … Continue reading
