Perspective | Dr. Kevin Smith
“Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” He [Jesus] said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.” Matthew 22:36-40 (CSB)
Dr. Kevin Smith
As we head into the fall season, MD/DE Baptists will have various opportunities to love our neighbors through acts of service, in obedience to the command of Christ. Locally, nationally, and globally, we have the ability (and structure) to address real needs, serve others, and be Acts 1:8 witnesses. I pray that God will give us hearts of compassion, faithful stewardship to share our resources, and many volunteers.
Locally, here in MD/DE, we have the opportunity to show mercy through various SEND Relief efforts – ESL, smoke detector installation, public school partnerships, and many more. Currently, we are highlighting our efforts to serve recent immigrants from the Middle East and North Africa through the Salaam Center in East Baltimore (see https://bcmd.org/?p=22237).
Globally, we can serve victims of hurricanes, flooding, and mudslides through Baptist Global Response (goBGR.org). This allows Southern Baptists to serve and assists those affected by recent natural disasters in the Carribean, Asia, and Africa. Additionally, on an on-going basis, we have an opportunity to address hunger and medical issues in many developing countries.
Nationally, our efforts are focused on recent hurricanes in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida (Hurricanes Harvey and Irma). This recovery effort will be ongoing. It is my prayer that God will raise up many volunteers to serve – retirees, working folk with flexible schedules, and students that will desire to serve next summer. Mobilizing volunteers and resources to respond to disasters is one of the distinct functions of state conventions in Southern Baptist life. May MD/DE Baptists respond to the cry of those affected by these recent events with compassionate hearts, sacrificial giving, and willing-worker hands!
Financially, we support Disaster Relief efforts through our State Missions Offering and designated gifts specified for Disaster Relief. This allows us to purchase and maintain needed equipment, train and mobilize volunteers, and purchase needed items to serve those affected by natural disasters. One hundred percent of donations given to Disaster Relief go to relief efforts. If you need any information, please visit our website, https://bcmd.org/what-we-do/disaster-relief, or contact your convention staff.
This is a great day to be a MD/DE Baptist!
Grace to you,
Brother Kevin