Greetings and blessings, Friends,

When I was a boy my grandfather used to say to me at the end of the day “All we have is God and family.” Lately I have been thinking a lot about his words and I find myself constantly giving thanks for my family and my extended family. I am so grateful for you, my Centenary family, for always being there for me and my family, and for the love and care you give to others who find themselves in difficult situations.

Words can never express my gratitude for church members who honor God by embracing His world and modeling what it means to be followers of Jesus Christ. Today we find ourselves dealing with a world we could never imagine. Our young men are being snatched from us, often by those sworn to serve and protect. We have indifferent and apathetic leaders on all levels, a rise in hate groups, a deadly worldwide virus, job loss, financial ruin, and the list goes on and on.

What will it take to turn things around?  I don’t have the answers, but I do know that God is still in control. In the African American tradition, we often say “He may not come when we want Him, but He’s always on time,” so, friends, we must stay the course. We must continue to pray, love, serve, and lean on each other. We must be advocates for those who are oppressed in any way. Together we are a force to be reckoned with. We are the army of God, and there is no obstacle we cannot overcome with God’s help.

We are sons and daughters of a living God and when the world trembles with fear and uncertainty, it will be our witness that turns the tide, (Read Psalms 23 and Luke 4:16-19). The Old Testament text reminds us that we are never alone, and the New Testament’s words are a spiritual reminder of how anointed followers behave. I pray that our Centenary family and Christians all over the world will passionately continue to spread the gospel of hope, healing, and salvation. It might be stormy now, but the sun is guaranteed to come up tomorrow. Praise God!