We are all familiar with the "Golden Rule," where Jesus said, "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them..." (Matt.7:12a NKJV). Let me give it an application by restating it this way, "As others have done good to you, return good to them." That does not violate the message of love whatsoever. Hopefully, it will inspire us as Haywood Baptists to respond to a need.
When flooding hit Haywood County last year, with devastating consequences, people responded with compassion--sending in money and help to us. Now, it is our turn to give back. Flooding has been even more catastrophic in Kentucky. Will we not help after others have helped us? Our NC Baptists On Mission folks are already on the scene, organizing work opportunities, and have a site where the church can give. I am attaching a link at the end of this article.
Also, are you not glad someone told you about Jesus? It may have been parents, a Sunday School teacher, a Vacation Bible School worker, a pastor, or a friend. All I know is that if you are saved, it is because someone cared enough to share the Gospel with you! It made the difference between Heaven and Hell. There are unreached people groups all around the world that need our witness. They have no idea about Jesus and His saving grace. But, we do not have to go across the ocean to find scripturally ignorant and spiritually indifferent people. Vermont and the region of New England might be called an unreached people group. We are beginning to make some inroads, however. We can celebrate the progress and learn more about seizing the opportunity when a Haywood County missionary named Tim Owens comes down from his work in Vermont to share with us next week. He is speaking at The Orchard Church (twice on Sunday morning), at Allen's Creek (Sunday night), the Pastor's Conference on Monday morning, the Associational Quarterly Meeting on Tuesday night at 7 hosted by Encouraging Word Baptist Church, Maggie Valley First (Wednesday evening), and Fruitland Baptist Bible College Chapel on Thursday morning. I hope you will come and get information that leads to motivation, resulting in participation. People need the Lord!
Yours in Love,
Dennis Thurman, AMS
https://baptistsonmission.org/Mission-Projects/By-Mission-Type/Disaster-Relief/Kentucky-Flooding
