We all have a heavy heart. Prayers, presence and words are often the response to tragedy. We have all grieved with Uvalde, Texas this past week. Anyone who is a parent or grandparent begins to groan with the families and the loss of life of these precious children and teachers. After the initial shock of what took place, we begin to ask, “What can we do?” We cannot believe any individual could do such a horrendous act, but we are reminded that evil is evil.

There are no words that can be offered that help to explain or console. However, we can offer prayers. Prayers to God who hurts alongside all the grieving families and the community that will forever be changed. I do not have the words to share or encourage us except that God will work through all that has happened. God redeems all He allows and He is very near to the broken hearted. We also can be near to those in Uvalde through our prayers for them.

There are many who need our prayers. First and most definitely, those whose family members were killed. We also need to remember to pray for all of the first responders who both ended the conflict and began to offer help. Remember the hospital workers who received the injured and deceased. Pray for all of the school children who will remember these events and those who walked alongside them in the halls of their school. Lift up the faculty and administration as they mourn the loss of students, but also their peers. God help us all as we consider how to pray for those in need.

In the midst of all the chaos of the world, God is still moving forward. We should never let evil stop us or silence us. The answer to all of our struggles is still an authentic relationship with Jesus that transforms us and our world. In the presence of all the ugly, there is hope. Our world does not have the answer. Therefore, we must continue to do our part in declaring in our brokenness that God pursues us and desires to have a relationship with us. He has made it all possible through Jesus Christ, His Son and our Savior.

There are many opportunities to share hope this summer. Find your place and plug in. Vacation Bible School and summer camps are scheduled and many children and youth have already signed up. They have signed up for an opportunity to take a first step in Jesus for salvation or a next step in Christ in discipleship. Let us be in the position for God to use us in great ways this summer and every day.

This month we will say goodbye to Larry Danks. I am forever thankful for the time Larry has served as our Minister of Worship. He and Mary Pat have faithfully served the LORD in life as well as Trinity Baptist Church. We will be hosting a Retirement Celebration for Larry on Sunday, June 26th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. We will have a brief presentation at 3:30 for Larry and Mary Pat. Church members are encouraged to bring a card expressing their love and appreciation to the Danks for their faithful and outstanding ministry among us.

The summer will be full of opportunities to be involved both in prayer support and active engagement. Let’s join together as we see God working among us to declare His goodness and purpose.

In Christ,