“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
As the COVID-19 pandemic situation plods on, a new crisis has drawn the nation’s attention. The George Floyd tragedy has stirred outrage, anger, and frustration, highlighting the division and pain caused by continuing racism. Once again, we as God’s people are challenged to seek, speak, and act upon God’s heart for equality and unity in a broken world. But what are we to see, say, and do?
It begins with “listening with a heart to understand.” “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19) We need to learn by listening to those who have experienced the pain of racism firsthand. To assist with that, we are providing a link to a ZOOM conversation hosted by Jeff Pinkleton (a pastor and cross-denominational men’s ministry leader in the Springfield Ohio area who has been partnering with our Region in developing ministry relationships) discussing the present unrest with four African American ministry leaders, Eli Williams, Tru Pettigrew, Malcolm Davis & Tray Huntsman. You can watch it below! I encourage us to “listen with ears to hear” what the Holy Spirit might want us to gain from this conversation.