Dear SBCV brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today’s breaking news is the Supreme Court ruling on the Dobbs case. Since the inception of the partnership of churches known as SBCV, we have prayed, marched, and ministered with the hope of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Today’s decision is an answer to prayer. We praise the Lord for this ruling. While this is a move in the right direction to protect the sanctity of human life, there is more work to be done. Abortion is not eradicated, and the ruling leaves the decision on abortion in the hands of the states. We must keep pressing on.
SBCV comes alongside local churches, therefore, here are a few particular items for your consideration as you lead and gather this weekend.
- Keep sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all people. Keep praying and ministering in a redemptive manner as you have been doing week in and week out. Our mission has not changed, and we live in a world that is in desperate need of hope.
- SBCV is actively engaging in opportunities to minister to people who need hope and help. We are working with the Psalm 139 project on funding to place ultrasound machines in crisis pregnancy centers in Virginia. Second, we are also ramping up our efforts to mobilize churches and Christian families to serve in foster care. More news will be coming soon about a special initiative to increase our focus on foster care and adoption.
- What if your church experiences a demonstration or protest? I do NOT want to cause alarm, but this question has been raised. We have received outreach from the Department of Homeland Security, along with our other state and national SBC partners, to make churches and our ministries aware of a few best practices in the event of a protest: have a team ready to assist with security, safety, and support; consult with and contact local law enforcement as needed; remain calm and communicate with your people; remind all of those in attendance of the love of God, gospel of Christ, mission of the church, and love for people.
- Brothers and sisters, now is the time to be vigilant in our prayers for revival and spiritual awakening. You love your communities and serve them well. I am confident the Lord will lead and guide us in the days ahead. You are not alone. SBCV is here to come alongside you. Finally, to those who think abortion is the answer, I pray that we will be salt and light to them as we seek to be ambassadors of Christ to all people, praying for salvation, transformation, and true hope.
Please reach out to SBCV if we can support, serve if need arises, or if your church experiences a particular situation requiring assistance. Thank you for taking the time to read this quick letter in light of this breaking news. I pray you will have blessed Lord’s Day.
