Lead BOLDLY

It has been said that the cries of the world and the call of God may sound the same. I reflected on that while leading a multigenerational team from our church to serve with CBF missionaries Rick and Ellen Burnette in Immokalee, Florida, alongside partners at Mision Peniel and Primera Baptist Church of LaBelle. We served with faithful friends from Mexico, Guatemala, Haiti, and the US. We worked side by side in the community garden, painting, leading children’s ministry, helping distribute food to more than 350 families, as well as sharing meals, laughing, crying, and praying. In all of it, we heard the cries of the world and the call of God.

At the same time, we processed another attempt to silence women.

It was a striking place and space to be as the news carried the recent SBC opinion. That was the world that taught me mission songs, inspired me to earn my Queen Regent in Service in Acteens, and led me to serve with the South Carolina WMU’s summer camp. I mourn for SBC women colleagues facing uncertainty, and I grieve for the girls who will hear the mission stories, do the mission work, and yet be told they can never lead.

The burdens of this land and our world are screaming.

Our loving God is calling, all the children!

May we lead with a love that is so loud, our faith radiant, our hope bold.  May we hear the cries and have love for those who cry.  May we not just hear the call of God, but respect God enough to answer.

One of the many things I learned this week is that plants will thrive when they have companion plants. Certain plants need what another can offer them. Maybe it is that they are a natural insect repellent, but it might be that they do not compete for the same nutrients. We all need companion sisters as we minister, serve, and lead. Thank you to those who do it every day with grace, wisdom, and perseverance. Your seeds are fruitful. Lead BOLDLY.

Rev. Mari Wiles, Pastor, FBC Fayetteville