The Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention is deeply concerned by the levels of gun violence and the tragic loss of innocent lives in the United States.
We express condolences and offer our prayerful support to families and associates who mourn the painful and irreplaceable loss of their loved ones.
The Gun Violence Archive reports that the shooting at the Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, which claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers, is the 213th mass shooting this year. Education Week reports that the shooting at Robb Elementary is the 27th school shooting this year. Everytown For Gun Safety reports that more than 1,530 people have been killed in mass shootings since 2009.
These figures do not speak of the mental, psychological, and emotional trauma that victims and their families experience. They do not tell the stories of social dislocation and horror. The spiritual harm done to the young and old alike cannot be measured.
As the Robb school shooting happened, the nation was still grappling with the racist attack that killed 10 innocent Americans while they did their supermarket shopping in Buffalo, New York, on May 14.
We at Lott Carey call on federal, state, and local authorities to take the necessary steps to stem the level of violence to save the lives of Americans, including innocent, defenseless children.
We implore political leaders to pass the requisite legislations to ensure that lethal weapons do not end up in the hands of the criminally minded.
We call on churches to take actions to prevent gun violence, to provide pastoral care to those who suffer violence, and to engage in initiatives that will bring about peace and reconciliation.
Such actions may include public awareness campaigns on gun violence, sponsoring regular educational conferences on gun violence and its prevention, and liturgies and sermons reflecting the love of the One who rejected violence and vengeance.
We propose that church sanctuaries and other resources be made available as places of refuge and hope for those who suffer violence, and that pastors and congregations offer the Prince of Peace as the Christian alternative to violence and power.
As one nation, under God, the United States is obliged to protect the lives of its citizens and residents, and to value human lives over guns.
Rev. Emmett Dunn Executive Secretary-Treasurer Lott Carey
Women disciples of Jesus and leaders in the church continue to declare that Christ is Risen! We invite you to hear voices of faithful and fruitful women pastoral leaders talk about flourishing in ministry through Lott Carey’s Pilgrimages of Striving and Thriving Podcast. These 30-minute conversations will inform and inspire you in your walk with the risen Christ.
Lott Carey has committed to support communities affected by severe flooding in South Africa.
Hundreds of lives were lost, tens of thousands of persons have been displaced, and entire communities were devastated by the floods that affected the country April 11 and 12.
Devastated areas include parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
Baptist Convention of South Africa General Secretary Dr. Thembelani Jentile told Lott Carey it was “with heavy heart that we inform you of the dark cloud that has befallen our country.”
At the time of writing, he said “443 are confirmed deceased and 48 people are missing or unaccounted for, especially in informal settlements.”
In addition, he said “4,000 homes have been completely destroyed; over 8,300 homes have been partially damaged; 40,000 people have been displaced; more than 600 schools and sixty-six (66) public health care facilities have been damaged.”
Dr. Jentile “pleads for your prayers for the safety of the people of South Africa, particularly the most vulnerable in KwaZulu-Natal. Kindly pray for the families of the deceased, displaced and the missing.”
“I am saddened by the news of yet another natural disaster that has taken the lives of so many,” said Lott Carey Executive Secretary-Treasurer Rev. Emmett Dunn. “Having visited these communities a few years ago, I am acutely aware of the economic challenges brought on by many years of Apartheid rule. No doubt, they will need our assistance.”
He said, “The Baptist Convention of South Africa, a longstanding Lott Carey partner, is sounding the Macedonian Call…Let us respond as we have always done, with prayers and financial assistance.”
Rev. Dunn appeals “to churches, institutions, organizations and persons of goodwill to join Lott Carey in bringing relief, comfort, and hope to those in need.”
Donations may be made at https://lottcarey.org/donate.
For additional information, email lottcarey@lottcarey.org.
Lott Carey is excited to share the release of a new episode of the podcast series, Pilgrimages of Striving and Thriving, drawing from the wisdom of Black pastors.
“Pilgrimages of Striving of Thriving” explores how Black pastoral leaders in the United States flourish in their various ministerial contexts.
The podcast series is set to deliver 36 interview-based episodes, each highlighting a prominent Black pastoral leader. Production on the series, produced jointly by Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society and Good Faith Media, began last fall shortly after it was announced in August.
A new 30-minute episode will be released each Wednesday on all major podcasting platforms and also at LottCarey.org. A trailer for the series is available here.
Our most recent episode features Reverend Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley, Associate Dean at Duke Divinity School and Professor of Theology & Christian Ministry.
Subsequent episodes over the next few months feature the following, among others:
Dr. Gina M. Stewart, Senior Pastor, Christ Missionary Baptist Church – Memphis, Tennessee
Dr. Alyn E. Waller, Senior Pastor, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dr. Roz Nichols, Organizing pastor of Freedom’s Chapel Christian Church in Memphis, Tennessee
Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Sr., Pastor Emeritus, the historic Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, California
Dr. William Curtis, Senior Pastor of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Dr. Cynthia Turner, Pastor of Dayspring Community Church in Lanham, Maryland
Dr. Micah L. McCreary, President of New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Brunswick, New Jersey
Dr. Teresa Snorton, Presiding Bishop of The Fifth Episcopal District of The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Birmingham, Alabama
Dr. Ralph Douglas West, Founder and senior pastor, The Church Without Walls in Houston, Texas
Dr. Elaine Flake, Co-pastor of the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York
Dr. James E. Victor, Jr., Pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Arlington, Virginia
The Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society has committed to support victims of Hurricane Ida that landed on the United States Gulf Coast in late August.
Reaching peak intensity of 150 mph (240 km/h), Ida caused considerable damage and destruction in the states of Louisiana and Mississippi.
Significant damage was recorded in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Much of the city lost electricity due to downed transmission lines. Approximately one million people in Louisiana were left without power. Thousands lost their homes and are seeking shelter.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said the damage was “catastrophic” and that officials believed the death toll “could rise considerably.”
Heavy rain and tornados associated with the hurricane caused loss of life and widespread destruction in the MidAtlantic and Northeast regions, including in Maryland and New York City.
Lott Carey, through its partnerships with churches and others, will provide much needed assistance, especially food, water, and shelter.
“Lott Carey was a lifeline to persons affected by Hurricane Katrina 16 years ago,” said Lott Carey Executive Secretary-Treasurer Emmett Dunn.
“We did the same for those affected by other hurricanes in the United States and elsewhere. We will minister to victims of Hurricane Ida in the same vein, expressing the love and compassion of Christ on the behalf of God’s people.”
Hurricane Katrina overwhelmed New Orleans and other cities in 2005. Lott Carey and its partners ran mobile kitchens and sent relief supplies. It offered job skills training, education assistance, as well as home construction to help hurricane victims get back on their feet.
“I appeal to churches, institutions, organizations and persons of goodwill to join Lott Carey in bringing relief, comfort, and hope to those in need,” said Rev. Dunn.
Donations may be made at https://lottcarey.org/donate. For additional information, email lottcarey@lottcarey.org. Established in 1897, Lott Carey has networks in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America.
Based in the Washington DC Metro Area, Lott Carey provides financial support and technical assistance in leadership development, education, training, healthcare, advocacy, disaster relief, and other services.
9/7/21
Rev. Eron Henry Communications and Media Manager
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