by Eron Henry | Apr 23, 2024 | News
At the Lott Carey annual Spring Missions Conference, held on April 18-19 at the Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, NJ, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Rev. Emmett Dunn underscored the mission organization’s steadfast commitment to service and community upliftment.
Rev. Dunn highlighted four pillars that guide Lott Carey’s mission: being intentional, inclusive, incarnational, and impactful. These principles are deeply ingrained in the organization’s actions and initiatives.
Lott Carey’s intentional approach is evident in capacity-building initiatives that empower member churches and global partners. Projects have a tangible impact, from constructing churches to ensuring access to safe drinking water. A notable achievement is support for the education of more than 12,000 students, a testament to the dedication to nurturing future generations.
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of Lott Carey’s philosophy. Rev. Dunn proudly mentioned the relaunch of the annual youth seminar, a platform that fosters young minds. Moreover, the organization has a rich history of recognizing and uplifting women’s roles in preaching, showcasing its commitment to gender equality.
Lott Carey strives to embody the spirit of Jesus in its work. It is an incarnational community that extends resources to heal and support, feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, advocates for the voiceless, builds capacity for underserved communities, and proclaims the gospel. This approach reflects Lott Carey’s deep-rooted belief in serving humanity with compassion and empathy.
The conference was also a platform for sharing stories of Lott Carey’s impactful work. One such narrative involved providing meals to a malnourished child in Liberia, a poignant example of the organization’s life-saving interventions. Furthermore, the shipment of more than 1,000,000 meals in collaboration with Kids Against Hunger to several countries, showcases Lott Carey’s extensive reach and the profound difference it makes in the lives of many.
A touching moment in Rev. Dunn’s presentation was the mention of a personal commitment of $24,000 from Lott Carey’s accountant, who has witnessed firsthand the positive impact of the organization’s work. This generous donation underscores the deep faith and belief in the mission that Lott Carey inspires.
Rev. Dunn concluded his presentation with a personal anecdote about a lighthouse in Monrovia, Liberia, a symbol of guidance and safety. This story served as a metaphor for Lott Carey’s role in the world, guiding those in need toward a brighter future.
by Eron Henry | Apr 22, 2024 | News
Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart, the esteemed president of Lott Carey, delivered the sermon at the closing commissioning service of the 2024 Lott Carey Spring Missions Conference at the Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, New Jersey.
Dr. Stewart’s message was clear and profound: public theology is not only relevant but essential. Drawing from the scriptures of Matthew 5:13-15 and John 1:1-5, she painted a vivid picture of faith’s role in the public square. She used the insights of Rev. Dr. Christophe Ringer, who gave two presentations on public theology at the conference, as a backdrop, declaring that all life is sacred, and every act is an act of worship.
The sacred-secular divide, she argued, is a false dichotomy. Theology, in its truest form, spills out of sanctuaries and into the streets, influencing policy, shaping dialogues, and uplifting communities. Other presenters at the missions conference, Minister Brenda Troy and Rev. Dr. Willie Francois III, were heralded for their practical applications of this concept, demonstrating how public love can be a beacon of hope in a world riddled with despair.
For 127 years, Lott Carey has been a testament to this philosophy, actively engaging in the fight against hunger, championing women’s empowerment, advancing education, and providing disaster relief. These initiatives are not mere acts of charity but a divine mandate, a command to disrupt the status quo and sow seeds of justice and equity.
Dr. Stewart’s sermon culminated in a powerful call to action. She urged the gathering to embrace their unique gifts, to be the light in a world shrouded in darkness. The ministry of Jesus, she reminded them, was never meant to be confined to whispers behind closed doors. It is a dynamic force, capable of transforming societies and realigning them with God’s vision for human flourishing.
As the conference ended, the message was clear: despair is not an option. Instead, we are invited to join a lineage of change-makers who understood the public nature of Jesus’ ministry. Together, we can be divine disruptors, aligning our world with the divine intentions of love, justice, and flourishing for all.
by Eron Henry | Apr 20, 2024 | News
At the Lott Carey Spring Missions Conference, Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soares, Jr. delivered a sermon that resonated with the deep-seated pain and hope in a time when persons and communities are seeking solace and strength. His words, rooted in the biblical passage of Jeremiah 20:7-13, served as a reminder of the enduring power of faith to transform lives and overcome adversity.
The core of Dr. Soares’ message centered on the transformative power of God’s word. He depicted it as a fire, potent enough to consume fear and warm those burdened with weariness. In a world rife with challenges, from the generational pain of the Black community to the trials faced by clergy during the COVID-19 pandemic, he emphasized that God’s word provides the strength and courage to persevere.
Dr. Soares did not shy away from addressing the coldness of our world – a world where resources are abundant, yet basic needs remain unmet, where education is neglected, and women’s rights are curtailed by archaic laws. He spoke of a country that prioritizes foreign aid over domestic needs and churches led by preachers more focused on wealth than on societal issues like gentrification and oppression.
Despite the bleakness of these realities, Dr. Soares offered hope. He presented the word of God as a source of warmth, light, and guidance – an eternal flame that empowers us to help others and spread divine love. It is a beacon that illuminates our path amidst duplicity and lies, reassuring us of our divine heritage and the promise of salvation.
Dr. Soares likened the word of God to a generator during a power outage – not the power itself but a channel for the power of God. It is a word for the weary, a fire in our bones that gives us the strength to fight, work, and show up, even when the world turns cold.
by Eron Henry | Apr 19, 2024 | News
In the first morning worship service at the 2024 Lott Carey Spring Missions Conference, which runs April 18-19, at Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, New Jersey, Rev. Dr. Renita Weems, a venerated author, biblical scholar, and public intellectual, delivered a stirring sermon that delved into the open-ended narrative of the Book of Acts.
Dr. Weems opened her discourse with an exploration of Acts 28, where the Apostle Paul, under house arrest, continues his ministry for two years, unfettered by chains, proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. She voiced a sentiment familiar to many believers – the abrupt ending of Acts feels akin to the anti-climax of a film that rolls credits just as the plot thickens, leaving the audience yearning for resolution.
However, Dr. Weems proposed a thought-provoking perspective: what if the Holy Spirit intended for this lack of closure? She suggested that the story of Jesus’ life and ministry is an ongoing saga, with the “29th chapter” still being penned by the hands of those who follow in the footsteps of the early church.
Highlighting the significance of personal narratives in the tapestry of faith, Dr. Weems referenced the emergence of African denominations and congregations such as the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the First African Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia, the oldest Black Church in North America. These, she argued, are vibrant threads in the “29th chapter,” embodying the continuous work of the Holy Spirit in the world.
Dr. Weems urged the gathering to seize the quill of history and author their own chapters. She challenged listeners to contribute to the chronicles of faith, ensuring that the narrative of Christianity is not solely penned by the “winners” or prevailing powers but is a mosaic of diverse, individual testimonies.
by Eron Henry | Apr 17, 2024 | News
Lott Carey, a global Christian missional community, stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Haiti during this time of unprecedented crisis. For more than a century, we have been committed to supporting the Haitian people through partnerships and aid, and today, our resolve is stronger than ever.
The current situation in Haiti is dire. Gang violence has escalated, leading to a humanitarian disaster that has left millions in need of urgent assistance. The political turmoil following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse has only intensified the instability. The recent gang war has resulted in thousands of deaths and has displaced more than 362,000 people, creating a state of fear and uncertainty.
Violence has spilled from the capital, Port au Prince, into rural areas, disrupting national supply lines and causing prices to skyrocket. This has exacerbated the hunger crisis, with 4.4 million people facing crisis levels of food insecurity. As the 2024 hurricane season draws near, the country, already grappling with poverty, now faces the threat of tropical systems that could bring heavy rain, flooding, and further damage to weakened structures.
In response to these challenges, Lott Carey pledges to continue our support for the Strategic Union of Baptist Churches in Haiti, the Haiti Baptist Convention, Mission of Grace, and other partners in Haiti. We have provided emergency aid, supported education, and sent volunteers to assist in relief efforts. Our commitment to the Haitian people remains steadfast.
We call upon the international community to join us in prayer and support for Haiti. We urge for an end to the conflict and for peace to be restored. It is our fervent hope that through collective efforts, we can help alleviate the suffering and bring about a brighter future for Haiti.
For those who wish to contribute, donations can be made to support our ongoing mission in Haiti. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by this crisis.
Lott Carey is more than an organization; we are a family united in faith and action. We stand with Haiti.
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“When you open schools, you close so many prisons.” – Linotte Joseph, Mission of Grace, Haiti
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