From the Executive Director
The title of this Proclaimer edition and theme of the SBC of Virginia’s Annual Homecoming is They Are Not Alone. But who are “they”?
The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 10:14–15, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’”
Paul utilizes the often-used pronoun, “they,” to refer to people who need to hear and respond to the Good News of Jesus Christ and also to refer to the people who proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. Many commentators infer from the context that Paul is specifically referring to his own kindred people Israel, and generally, the text points us to all people who need to hear and those who are sent as ambassadors of Christ.
SBC of Virginia and the churches that comprise this Gospel partnership believe “They Are Not Alone.” Who are the “they” we are referring to as we apply Romans 10:14-15 to our lives, churches, and context?
They are the people suffering from the impact of natural disasters. They are the disaster relief volunteers sent to serve in Jesus’ name.
They are the nations that call our neighbor-hoods home. They are the Christians who attend your churches who pray, care, and share Christ with their neighbors.
They are churches ready for revitalization. They are the pastors and church leaders seeking a Holy Spirit revival and resurgence of ministry.
They are the unreached people of the world. They are the missionaries and mission teams whom your churches are sending to the ends of the earth.
They are new church plants being started in Virginia and DC. They are the church planters and families who are walking by faith and serving obediently.
They are the churches in transition seeking their next pastors. They are the brothers who are being called to serve as pastors and their families who will serve alongside them.
They are the next generation whom Christ is calling and mobilizing for His mission. They are the men and women serving in your churches. They are the children and families you are pointing to Jesus. They are the children you are adopting, they are the hurting you are loving, they are the lost who need Jesus.
Because of the grace of God, the love of the Lord Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit at work through His churches, They Are Not Alone!