Statement on the Suspension of USAID Services

Statement on the Suspension of USAID Services

The Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention expresses profound concern over President Donald J. Trump’s recent decision to suspend the operations of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) worldwide. This action threatens to reverse decades of progress in global health, education, and poverty alleviation, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.

The Global Impact of USAID
For more than six decades, USAID has been instrumental in implementing humanitarian and development programs across approximately 120 countries. Its initiatives have addressed critical issues such as health, education, clean water, and economic development. Notably:

  • Health: USAID’s immunization programs have saved over 3 million lives annually. The agency has also been pivotal in combating HIV/AIDS through prevention education and training programs.
  • Family Planning: More than 50 million couples worldwide have accessed family planning services as a direct result of USAID’s initiatives.
  • Maternal and Child Health: Since 2008, USAID’s efforts in 25 priority countries have contributed to saving the lives of 4.6 million children and 200,000 women.

Consequences of the Suspension
The suspension of USAID’s operations is anticipated to have dire consequences:

  • Health Crises: The halt in funding has already led to the closure of field hospitals in regions like Syria, leaving millions without essential medical aid.
  • Educational Disruptions: In countries such as South Africa, Ghana, Mali, and Sudan, the freeze on aid has disrupted health services and education programs, adversely affecting vulnerable populations.
  • Humanitarian Aid: Critical support for Venezuelan refugees in Colombia and other humanitarian efforts in South America are now in jeopardy due to the cessation of USAID activities.

Challenges for Humanitarian Organizations
The suspension presents significant challenges for organizations like Lott Carey, which has been responding to human needs for 127 years and is currently active in 13 countries, providing assistance in education, healthcare, advocacy, and capacity building. The abrupt withdrawal of USAID support places an immense burden on our resources and capacity to fill the void left behind.

While we remain steadfast in our commitment to serve, the scale of USAID’s operations is unparalleled. The suspension not only undermines ongoing projects but also threatens the lives of countless individuals who rely on these essential services.

A Call to Action
We urge the administration to reconsider this decision and recognize the invaluable role that USAID plays in fostering global stability and humanitarian aid. We also call upon the international community, partner organizations, and concerned citizens to advocate for the restoration of these critical services to prevent further suffering among the world’s most vulnerable populations.

In these challenging times, Lott Carey reaffirms its dedication to its mission and will continue to work tirelessly to support those in need, despite the obstacles presented by this suspension.

Emmett L. Dunn
Executive Secretary-Treasurer/CEO

Statement on the Suspension of USAID Services-PDF
Spring Missions Conference 2025

Spring Missions Conference 2025

Date: March 20-21, 2025
Theme: Mission transforms the world for God through benevolence, inspired by Luke 10:25-37.
Host Church: Trinity Baptist Church, Columbus, Ohio
Host Pastor: Dr. Victor M. Davis
Registration Fee: $135
Hotel Information & Reservation: Embassy Suites – Columbus, OH

Join us for the Lott Carey Spring Missions Conference 2025, a transformative event dedicated to exploring how mission work can change the world through acts of benevolence. Drawing inspiration from the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, this conference will delve into the life transforming impact of compassion and service in our communities, churches and beyond.

Hosted by Trinity Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio, under the leadership of Dr. Victor M. Davis, this event promises to be a time of spiritual renewal, learning, and fellowship. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with inspiring speakers, participate in workshops, and connect with like-minded individuals committed to making a difference.

The registration fee for the conference is $135, which includes access to all sessions, materials and meals. For those traveling from out of town, accommodation is available at the Embassy Suites in Columbus, OH.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a movement that seeks to transform the world through the power of God’s love and benevolence. We look forward to seeing you there!

Lott Carey to Lead Delegation to Baptist World Congress in Australia

Lott Carey to Lead Delegation to Baptist World Congress in Australia

The Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention is excited to announce that it will lead a delegation to the Baptist World Congress, a global gathering of Baptist churches and members, scheduled for July 9-12, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia.

Hosted by the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), the Baptist World Congress is a landmark event held every five years, bringing together thousands of Baptists from around the globe for worship, fellowship, learning, and collaborative action. This year’s congress will focus on the themes of unity, mission, and responding to the challenges and opportunities facing the global Baptist family.

Lott Carey invites anyone interested in participating in this extraordinary event to join its delegation. Delegates will have the unique opportunity to connect with Baptists from more than 125 countries, experience vibrant worship, attend thought-provoking workshops, and engage in meaningful discussions on faith, service, and global impact.

Individuals or groups interested in joining the Lott Carey delegation are encouraged to contact the Lott Carey office for more information, including details about costs, travel, and accommodations.

Join us for this unforgettable experience as we unite with Baptists worldwide to celebrate faith, foster relationships, and work together for a brighter future.

Contact Information:
Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention
Phone: 301-429-3300
Email: Lottcarey@lottcarey.org
Website: Lottcarey.org

Urgent Appeal for California Wildfires donations

Urgent Appeal for California Wildfires donations

Lott Carey is urgently appealing for donations and assistance in response to the devastating wildfires currently affecting communities in Southern California, including the Los Angeles area. The fires, including the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, and Hurst Fire, have caused the loss of at least 16 lives as well as widespread destruction, displacing thousands of residents and threatening countless homes and businesses.

The January 2025 Southern California wildfires have been fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, making containment efforts extremely challenging. The fires have already scorched thousands of acres, leading to significant loss of property and posing severe health risks due to the smoke and poor air quality.

How You Can Help

Lott Carey is committed to providing immediate relief and long-term support to those affected by these fires. We are calling on our community, churches, and partners to join us in this critical effort. Your generous donations will help provide essential supplies such as:

  • Emergency shelter and housing
  • Food and water
  • Medical supplies and healthcare services
  • Clothing and personal hygiene items

Your contributions can make a significant difference in the lives of those impacted by these devastating fires. Please consider donating through our secure online donation page or by sending a check to:

Lott Carey
8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 1245
Landover, MD 20785

In addition to financial support, we ask for your prayers for the families who have lost loved ones, their homes, the brave firefighters battling the blazes, and the first responders providing aid. Your prayers are a source of strength and hope during this challenging time.

Together, we can help rebuild lives and restore hope in the aftermath of these wildfires. Thank you for your compassion and generosity.

For additional information, please email us at lottcarey@lottcarey.org.

Mission Trip to Jamaica in 2025

Mission Trip to Jamaica in 2025

The Lott Carey Global missional community is organizing a Vacation Bible School (VBS) mission trip to Jamaica for young adults between the ages of 18 and 40.

This trip will span from July 26 to August 2, 2025, and will cost $2,250. The cost includes roundtrip airfare from the U.S. to Jamaica, hotel accommodations in double occupancy rooms, all meals including breakfast and dinner daily, ground transportation within Jamaica, and traveler’s insurance.

The itinerary begins with travel from the U.S. to Jamaica, followed by an afternoon of fellowship and mission orientation. The second day is dedicated to worship and mission preparation in Jamaica. From the third to the sixth day, participants will engage in VBS and recreational ministries in the mornings, with afternoons set aside for mission preparation, free time, and fellowship. The seventh day offers a cultural immersion experience along with tourism activities. Finally, on the eighth day, the team will return to the U.S. from Jamaica.

To join the mission trip, participants need to pay a non-refundable deposit of $350 by January 10, 2025. Following this, five monthly payments of $300 are due on the 15th of each month, starting February 15, 2025, with the final payment due by July 15, 2025. The application process requires submitting the Lott Carey application form, a copy of the first page of the applicant’s passport, and a pastor’s recommendation.

Applications are due by January 10, 2025. Monthly team meetings will be held to prepare participants, and there will be a Jamaica Information Conference Call on January 9, 2025, at 7 PM EST.

For more details, contact the team leader, Rev. Trevor Beauford, at 704-258-9410 or Trevorbeauford@gmail.com.

A week of lasting impact

A week of lasting impact

The 127th Lott Carey Annual Session, held from August 12-15 in Memphis, TN, brought together a diverse group of attendees, with 958 people registered, including 913 in-person and 45 virtual participants.

Mission service projects were a key component of the Annual Session, with strong attendance reported. The Bread of Life Initiative provided meals to the unhoused and those facing housing insecurity. Volunteers engaged in food preparation, setting up serving stations, ministering to individuals, and serving meals with compassion.

Those who went to the Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry packed emergency food boxes, sorted food pallets, and ensured the packing area was clean and organized. They also conducted a distribution event, breaking down pallets, bagging items, greeting families, assisting with paperwork, and placing items in vehicles.

Participants sorted and packed donated food items and repackaged bulk products into smaller, distributable sizes at the Mid-South Food Bank Volunteer Hub.

At the Purdue Center of Hope, volunteers taught Bible study, led children’s activities, supported women’s development programs, engaged in clean-up activities, moderate repairs, and administrative tasks such as file shredding.

During the Sound the Alarm Event, in partnership with the American Red Cross, volunteers installed smoke alarms, created escape plans, and shared fire safety information with homeowners near Christ Missionary Baptist Church, whose senior pastor is Lott Carey’s immediate past president, Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart.

Lott Carey also partnered with the Red Cross in its 2024 blood drive, collecting 32 units of blood, potentially saving 92 lives, with 25 whole blood units and seven power red units, achieving 106 percent of the target. The drive highlighted the importance of blood donations for individuals with sickle cell disease, particularly encouraging African American donors to participate.

These mission events made a deep impression and left a lasting impact on the city of Memphis and those who attended or participated.