by Eron Henry | Dec 15, 2024 | News
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.
by Eron Henry | Sep 4, 2024 | News
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.
by Eron Henry | Aug 22, 2024 | News
Lott Carey extends heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart, Christ Missionary Baptist Church, and the city of Memphis for the warm welcome and hospitality during the 127th Lott Carey Annual Session held from August 12-15 at the Renasant Convention Center.
Christ Missionary Baptist Church, the host church whose pastor is Dr. Stewart, provided much love and assistance, including scores of volunteers who served as ushers, greeters, registrants, etc., as well as providing transportation services.
The city of Memphis enabled the more than 900 participants from across the United States and overseas to worship, fellowship, learn, and network in a comfortable setting and ambiance.
Dr. Stewart, who was coming to the end of her three-year term as Lott Carey president, was the consummate host. She pulled out all the stops and for this Lott Carey is deeply grateful. Her commitment and dedication to Lott Carey is unquestioned and we are delighted that her goal of millions for missions was realized. In response, many churches gave generous donations in addition to substantial gifts from Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, and Compassion International.
We note that through her initiative, Dr. Stewart raised $50,000 from pastors and churches in the city of Memphis alone. These funds will go directly to Lott Carey global partners to meet specific needs in Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, and South Africa.
“The event was a resounding success, marked by inspirational worship, rich fellowship, wonderful learning experiences, significant contributions and impactful initiatives,” said Executive Secretary-Treasurer Rev. Emmett Dunn. “Lott Carey is deeply grateful to Dr. Stewart, Christ Missionary Baptist Church, and the city of Memphis for their unwavering support and hospitality during the Annual Session. Their welcome, hospitality and contributions have significantly advanced Lott Carey’s mission and impact globally.”
by Eron Henry | Aug 16, 2024 | News
Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Williams, Senior Pastor of Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem, New York, has been installed as the new president of Lott Carey during the 127th Lott Carey Annual Session held August 12-15 in Memphis, TN.
He succeeds Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart, after serving as first vice president for three years and, before then, as second vice president, also for three years.
Dr. Williams’ involvement with Lott Carey began through his pastoral role at Convent Avenue Baptist Church, which has a long-standing association with the organization. He recalls, “We have an annual Lott Carey Day where the executive secretary-treasurer comes to preach for us every year, a tradition dating back decades.”
He is the fourth pastor of the church and the second to serve as Lott Carey President. Rev. Dr. Mannie L. Wilson, pastor of the church from 1961 until his passing in 1982, previously served as president of Lott Carey.
This engagement led Dr. Williams to attend Lott Carey annual sessions and eventually join the board, progressing through leadership roles to his current position as president.
Born in Akron, OH, Dr. Williams pursued his education in Kansas and began his ministry in Saint Louis, MO, where he was ordained and served his first congregation, Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, for 16 years. He holds a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Eden Theological Seminary. His passion for ministry and mission was significantly influenced by Dr. Ronald Bobo, his ordaining pastor, who instilled in him a strong commitment to foreign missions.
Dr. Williams emphasizes the transformative power of mission work, aligning with Lott Carey’s motto of touching lives with the transforming love of Jesus Christ. He aims to highlight how mission transforms people, communities, and nations. “My tenure will emphasize transformation that happens through mission,” he states.
Balancing his pastoral duties with his new role, Dr. Williams acknowledges the challenges but also sees it as a blessing. He believes in empowering his congregation to carry on ministry work, ensuring that the church’s mission continues even when he is engaged with Lott Carey responsibilities.
Dr. Williams plans to prioritize recruitment of new churches and pastors, individual giving, and expanding Lott Carey’s presence in the South, Midwest, and West in the United States. He is committed to maintaining the organization’s integrity and transparency, ensuring that donations are effectively utilized for mission work.
He hopes to leave a legacy of transformative ministry, benevolent giving, and advocacy for justice. He expresses his gratitude to the Lott Carey family for entrusting him with this responsibility and pledges to serve faithfully, praying for continued support and collaboration.
by Eron Henry | Aug 15, 2024 | News
In his report to the 127th Lott Carey Annual Session held in Memphis, Tennessee, from August 12-15, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Rev. Emmett Dunn highlighted collective efforts in advancing the cause of Christ through global missions.
The construction of wells in Sierra Leone and Nigeria provided clean and accessible water to thousands, significantly improving public health and reducing the burden on women and children who previously had to travel long distances to fetch water. In Kenya, several churches were built, creating spaces for worship and community gathering. These churches serve as centers of community development, offering various programs to support local needs.
Recognizing the challenges faced by economically disadvantaged communities, a program to provide shoes for school children was initiated. This effort enabled hundreds of children to attend school with dignity and comfort, removing a significant barrier to their education. Additionally, essential healthcare services were provided through medical assistance programs in Kenya, addressing critical health needs and offering hope and healing to those with limited access to medical care.
In the United States, the focus was on building capacity among churches through the Thriving Congregation Program, providing resources needed to grow and sustain vibrant ministries. Significant financial resources were provided to churches in Nigeria, India, and Kenya, supporting initiatives like church construction, community development, and outreach programs, thereby strengthening partnerships and expanding global impact.
Rev. Dunn emphasized the critical role of the Christian church in addressing the world’s pressing needs amidst economic disparities, social unrest, political instability, and environmental crises. Global socioeconomic and political climate profoundly impacts communities, with millions living in poverty and lacking access to basic necessities. Political conflicts and instability have displaced millions, creating a refugee crisis that demands compassion and action. Social issues such as racism, gender inequality, and the erosion of traditional values further exacerbate these challenges. In this context, the church must reaffirm its role in engendering hope, justice, and peace, addressing both the spiritual and physical needs of people.
Engaging youth and young adults is crucial to the future of the church. This generation is passionate about social justice, equality, and meaningful change. The church must create spaces where young people can connect their faith with action, providing opportunities for them to lead and participate in mission work. This includes offering mentorship, leadership development, and platforms for youth to express their creativity and passion for the gospel.
To strengthen the mission of Lott Carey globally, it is essential to expand partnerships with local and international organizations that share the mission. Collaborative efforts can amplify impact, pooling resources and expertise to address complex global challenges more effectively.
Prioritizing projects that promote long-term, sustainable development in the communities served, including environmental stewardship, is crucial. Increasing advocacy efforts on issues such as poverty, inequality, and human rights can influence policy and bring about systemic change that aligns with Christian values. Investing in discipleship and theological education to equip believers with a deep understanding of their faith and its implications for mission will help cultivate a mission-minded community rooted in scripture and committed to living out the gospel in every aspect of life.
Rev. Dunn reflected on the importance of actions in defining identity. Actions speak louder than words, reflecting true values and priorities. Consistency between belief and action is crucial for integrity, and actions have a profound impact on the world. Understanding that “what you do is who you are” challenges us to live intentionally, examining actions and aligning them with values. This transformation involves allowing God’s Word and Spirit to shape values and, in turn, actions.
by Eron Henry | Aug 14, 2024 | News
In a significant act of generosity, the Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, has donated $1 million to Lott Carey to support the Ghana Baptist Freedom Initiative. The donation was presented by Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley and Rev. Marcia M. Norfleet, Assistant to the Pastor for Missions, to Lott Carey President Dr. Gina M. Stewart during the 127th Lott Carey Annual Session, held from August 12-15 in Memphis, Tennessee.
The Ghana Baptist Freedom Initiative, in collaboration with the Ghana Baptist Convention, aims to rescue and rehabilitate young girls from the Trokosi system, a traditional practice where girls are enslaved to atone for the sins of their relatives. The initiative, established more than 25 years ago, has successfully rescued hundreds of girls, providing them with education and vocational training to reintegrate into society.
The project, in consultation with the Ghana Baptist Convention, will focus on several key areas. It will support the operation of eight existing schools and build additional schools in areas where the Trokosi system is practiced. These schools aim to educate young girls and introduce them to Christian values, helping them understand the negative impacts of the Trokosi practice. Additionally, the vocational center provides life skills training in basket weaving, sewing, baking, and more. The facility will be rehabilitated to meet current demands, ensuring that rescued girls can become self-sufficient entrepreneurs.
A microfinancing program will offer loans to those who have completed vocational training, enabling them to start or expand their businesses. This financial support aims to lift families out of poverty and improve their standard of living. The Freedom Fund will ensure that resources are available to free more girls from the Trokosi system, with the cost of freeing one person being $500.
The funds donated by Alfred Street Baptist Church will be managed by Lott Carey’s special project account. Distribution will be based on budgetary allotments agreed upon by the Ghana Baptist Convention and Lott Carey.
The project will be overseen by the Office of the Executive Secretary-Treasurer/CEO of Lott Carey, in consultation with the Office of the Executive President (CEO) of the Ghana Baptist Convention. The management plan includes defining project scope, establishing timelines, identifying key roles, and ensuring regular communication and financial transparency.
It is expected to commence in the second half of 2024 and conclude in December 2028.
The funds were received from Alfred Street members who participated in the church’s annual fast, Seek 24. Members donated the cost from which they abstained during the fast, including food, leisure activities, entertainment, etc.
This generous donation from Alfred Street Baptist Church marks a significant step in the fight against the Trokosi system, offering hope and a brighter future to many young girls in Ghana.
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