Faith Facts

• The conference brought together about 130 ministers and scholars at the Levy Church of Christ.
• Its theme, “Deeper and Wider,” emphasized abiding in Christ amid the challenges of urban ministry.
• Leaders highlighted prayer, divine guidance, and spiritual renewal as essential to effective city outreach.

Faithful leaders recently gathered for the 33rd National Urban Ministry Conference to strengthen their resolve in bringing the Gospel to America’s city centers.

Approximately 130 ministers and scholars convened at the Levy Church of Christ to focus on spiritual depth and community impact.

The event centered on the theme “Deeper and Wider,” emphasizing the necessity of abiding in Christ while navigating the unpredictable challenges of urban soul-winning.

Participants highlighted that true change in our cities comes from divine intervention rather than human effort alone.

“In city ministry, it is so easy to take our eyes off Jesus. It is so easy to sink.”

“But even in our moments of little faith, let’s remember that Jesus is going to be there.”

Minister Walter Pierce noted that the power of prayer remains the lifeblood of effective ministry, underscoring that God is the source of all renewal.

The conference serves as a vital strategic hub for those dedicated to preserving Christian values in an increasingly urbanized nation.

As we face the complexities of the modern world, let us pray for these dedicated laborers who bring the light of Christ to our urban communities.

Read more at Christian Chronicle

Faith Facts

• Artemis II pilot Victor Glover serves as a member of the Southeast Church of Christ and previously carried communion cups and a Bible into orbit.
• Elder Brent Hankins and NASA veteran Tracy Lamm gathered to support the Glover family, viewing the launch as a testament to God’s glory and human purpose.
• Glover famously observed that while people say there are no atheists in foxholes, he believes there are none on top of rockets either.

A historic lunar voyage is underway as Northwest Houston church elder Brent Hankins and NASA veteran Tracy Lamm witnessed the Artemis II launch this week.

Their presence honored pilot Victor Glover, a dedicated Christian brother and Navy captain embarking on humanity’s first moon mission in over half a century.

The mission highlights how faith and high-stakes exploration go hand-in-hand for those serving at the edge of the heavens.

Glover has previously shared his reliance on Scripture and his commitment to honoring God while representing the United States in space.

“I want to use the abilities that God has given me to do my job well and support my crewmates and mission and NASA.”

As the spacecraft journeys nearly 250,000 miles, the Glover family relies on regular Scripture reading to find peace amidst the natural nerves of such a monumental task.

The congregation remains in prayer for the safety of the crew and that the Lord’s name remains glorified throughout this journey.

Join us in praying for these brave explorers as they demonstrate that our reach for the stars is guided by the Hand that created them.

Read more at The Christian Chronicle

A small country church in Pleasant Shade, Tennessee, recently gathered to celebrate two centuries of steadfast devotion to the Gospel. The Bagdad Church of Christ reached this historical milestone by remaining rooted in Biblical principles despite the surrounding community’s decline.

Generations of believers filled the pews to celebrate their heritage with a traditional homecoming and a powerful gospel meeting.

The celebration featured a flatbed trailer loaded with home-cooked food, reflecting the deep fellowship and Christian love defining this local body of Christ.

Faith Facts

• The Bagdad Church of Christ was founded in 1825 and has maintained the same name and congregation for two centuries.
• Despite rural population shifts toward urban centers, the church preserves a healthy, multi-generational membership that averages 50 attendees.
• Young men in the congregation actively lead a cappella hymns, ensuring that traditional worship practices are passed down to the next generation.

Longtime members attribute the church’s longevity to the genuine love shared among the brethren and their common mission to glorify God.

They view the presence of young families and children as a divine blessing and a sign of continued growth.

“We look around at the kids and just say, ‘Thank you, God,’” said member Connie Dyer.

“They are our future.”

As this congregation enters its third century, it serves as a testament to the endurance of small-town Christian values and the power of a community united in faith.

The foundation remains built not on the physical structure, but on the people who enter its doors to offer praise.

Join us in praying for the continued strength of rural American churches that stand as pillars of morality in our nation.

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