This past weekend, as we reflected on the significance of Easter, I was reminded again of the weight and wonder of the cross. On Friday night, my family attended a “Torn Veil” service at our church. It was designed to help us feel the tension of the crucifixion — a meaningful service focused on the sorrow, the sacrifice, and the cost of what Christ endured.
As the service came to a close, we sang “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” reflecting on what His sacrifice means. It was a fitting response to the moment.
But as we stood there singing, I found myself wanting to continue — not just to reflect on the cross, but to celebrate it. In my mind, I kept wanting to move into the chorus often paired with that hymn: “O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross…” When the service ended, that sense stayed with me. We got in the car and pulled up the song to finish what felt incomplete — moving from reflection to celebration.
The service did exactly what it was intended to do. It helped us feel the weight of the cross. But it also reminded me of something important: When part of the story is missing, you feel it.
That moment stayed with me.
That same principle is true in the life of our churches.
Disconnection doesn’t always happen suddenly. More often, it happens quietly — over time. We become less aware of what God is doing beyond our own church. We hear fewer stories of faithfulness. We pray less specifically for others. And without even realizing it, something begins to feel incomplete — even if you can’t quite explain why.
Not because the work of God has stopped — but because we are no longer as connected to it. What we don’t see, we often don’t pray for. What we aren’t connected to, we can easily drift away from.
That’s why staying connected matters.
It strengthens our awareness. It deepens our prayers. It reminds us that we are part of something bigger than our own local setting.
And when that connection is present, something changes.
We are encouraged. We are reminded. We are strengthened in ways we may not even fully recognize at the time.
As we continue focusing on Special Emphasis 2026, I’ve been reminded that the Baptist Trumpet helps maintain those connections week after week — often in ways we may never see. This is about stewardship — not just of a ministry, but of the opportunity to help others stay connected to what God is doing.
A Word of Thanks and Encouragement
Pastors, thank you for the many ways you invest in your congregation each week. I am grateful for those who have already taken time to share the Baptist Trumpet video or highlight Special Emphasis in your church, as well as those who have led your churches to participate through giving.
Every effort to share and stay engaged helps strengthen the connection we all depend on.
If you still have an opportunity to share, that would be a meaningful help.
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.
While our focused emphasis is during the months of March and April, we will continue to count special offerings toward this year’s goal through the end of our fiscal year on August 31.
