What Happens When We Stay Connected
This past week, our family had the opportunity to be together in a way that doesn’t happen often.
With Autumn and Kane in from Texas, and John and Alisha in from Missouri, we were able to gather, spend time together, and celebrate Kane and Abby’s birthdays. Dalton and Macey were still in Missouri, and we missed having them with us. Sitting together in church Sunday morning — with my children, my sons-in-law, my mom, and my brother and his wife — reminded me how meaningful it is simply to be together.
As we sang songs of praise, I looked down and saw everyone worshipping the Lord together, and I was struck by how joyful it was to share that moment as a family. I wanted to take a picture — but it was a moment better experienced than preserved.
That same principle carries into the life of our churches.
Much of what happens through the Baptist Trumpet is unseen. It is not measured in headlines or numbers, but in quiet moments of connection that often go unnoticed.
A missionary report is read, and someone pauses to pray.
A church update reminds a pastor that others are faithfully serving through similar challenges.
A story of God’s work in another place encourages a church member to stay engaged right where they are.
Most of those moments will never be tracked or reported — but they matter.
They are part of what helps keep us connected — not just to information, but to one another and to the mission we share.
And when that connection is strengthened, it often leads to something more. It leads to encouragement, to prayer, to renewed faithfulness, and sometimes to action.
That is what happens when we stay connected.
Those moments of connection don’t happen only on the page.
It is also why gatherings like our upcoming BMA National Meeting matter.
On April 21-22, our churches will gather in Conway for a time of worship, fellowship, and shared focus on the Lord’s work.
There is value in reading about what God is doing, but there is also something uniquely strengthening about being in the room together — worshipping, fellowshipping, and being reminded that we are part of something bigger than our individual churches.
Just like a family gathering strengthens relationships, these times together strengthen our shared work.
If your church is able, I would encourage you to make plans to attend.
As we continue to focus on Special Emphasis 2026, I’ve been reminded that this ministry plays a small but important role in maintaining those connections week after week.
This is about stewardship — not just of a ministry, but of the opportunity to help others see and engage in what God is doing.
A Simple Way to Help
Pastors, thank you for the many ways you invest in your congregation each week. If you have an opportunity to highlight Special Emphasis or share the Baptist Trumpet video with your church, that would be greatly appreciated.
Resources are available at BaptistTrumpet.com/SE2026. Please continue to pray that God will use this ministry to strengthen the connection between our churches and the mission we share.
Special Emphasis Update
I am grateful for each individual and church that has chosen to participate in this year’s emphasis. Every gift represents more than support — it reflects a shared commitment to the mission we are part of together.
The following gifts have been received since our last report:
2026 Special Emphasis • Goal — $15,000
Previously Reported $5,283
Gum Springs, Arkadelphia $250
Weddington, Fayetteville $100
Pat and Diane Spriggs $300
Total to Date $5,933
