Throughout the pages of Scripture, God’s people are exhorted to pray. In his letter to the church at Philippi, the Apostle Paul offers this encouragement: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). As Kentucky Baptists begin another summer of mission work together, would you join me in praying for some very specific requests?
First, pray for Kevin Smith and his family as they transition from Kentucky to the Northeast where Kevin will begin serving as executive director for the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware. Also pray for Andrew Dyer, pastor of Corinth Baptist Church in London, as he is promoted from first vice president to president of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.
The biggest mission event in most of our communities this summer will be Vacation Bible School, a time when churches all across the state will be ministering to and sharing the gospel with families. Pray for the thousands of Kentucky Baptists who will be evangelizing and discipling students during VBS. Pray that the Holy Spirit will use VBS to bring the lost to Christ.
Kentucky Changers is also a big part of a missional summer for many of our churches committed to sharing Christ in their Judea. Pray that God will use this missions effort to save the lost and equip students who are serving in Kentucky Changers to live their lives on mission.
I recently had the privilege of spending time with choose Kentucky as a missions destination each year, most doing their work in the summer. As you pray for these volunteer teams, be sure to express gratitude to God for those outside of our state who love the lost in Kentucky. Pray that their witness would be effective and that they will have much joy in their labors.
Finally, pray for our pastors, especially those with school-aged children. In the midst of VBS, mission trips, camps, and other special events on the church’s summer calendar, finding time to spend with their own children who are out of school for summer break can be challenging. Pray that God would give your pastor freedom to enjoy his family this summer.
2016
Paul Chitwood