Episode 177
Flooding in GA, National Suicide Prevention Month & Forgiveness
Floods affecting a small town in northwest Georgia mirror last week’s ongoing water crisis in Jackson, Miss. Most Americans say suicide has become an epidemic in the United States. In 2008, September was declared National Suicide Prevention Month in the United States. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 45,979 people died by suicide in the United States in 2020, which amounts to one death every 11 minutes. And, Ronnie and Anita Smith had the blessing of Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, Texas when they embarked on a mission to spread love in Benghazi amid rising terrorism from Islamic extremists.
Transcript
Floods affecting a small town in northwest Georgia mirror last week’s ongoing water crisis in Jackson, Miss.
Heavy rainfall this weekend prompted churches to adjust Sunday morning schedules in Summerville, Ga. while leading others to donate bottled water and other items.
The National Weather Service announced Sept. 5 that over ten inches of rain fell in Summerville, which made the Chattooga River rise almost 17 feet.
Georgia Baptists’ state newspaper, The Christian Index, reported Sept. 4 that several churches had already dispatched trucks filled with bottled water to the area.
===
Most Americans say suicide has become an epidemic in the United States.
In 2008, September was declared National Suicide Prevention Month in the United States. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 45,979 people died by suicide in the United States in 2020, which amounts to one death every 11 minutes. Additionally, 12.2 million adults seriously thought about suicide in 2020.
According to a Lifeway Research online survey, 77% believe suicide has become an epidemic in the United States, with 34% strongly agreeing and 44% somewhat agreeing. This number is larger than the 56% of Americans who agreed in a 2014 phone survey. And the number of Americans who have a friend or family member who committed suicide has increased slightly since 2014 (39% v. 36%).
===
Good News for Today is sponsored by The Voice of the Martyrs
Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.
===
Ronnie and Anita Smith had the blessing of Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, Texas when they embarked on a mission to spread love in Benghazi amid rising terrorism from Islamic extremists.
As Ronnie jogged on a street in December 2013 not far from the U.S. Embassy in Benghazi, gunmen approached in a black jeep and shot Ronnie dead.
Anita extended forgiveness to the murderers just days later in interviews widely broadcast across the globe.
It’s been almost 10 years and Anita says she still forgives the gunmen who killed her husband. In a story on Baptist Press, she says she takes her anger and grief to God. You can read the Baptist Press.com.
While you’re at Baptist Press, make sure to sign up for our daily emails.
Related Episodes
U.S. lawmakers decry lack of religious freedom in UK, Church hit by vandalism sees support & 16 Leadership lessons
A group of influential believers are standing up for the religious liberty of their British neighbors, Despite the vandalism that occurred earlier this month at The Village Church of Indiantown, Florida, the people are counting their blessings, and in a post in the Baptist Press Toolbox, Pastor Charles Smith offers 16 leadership lessons he’s learned over the years.
War retreat provides soul care, Pastors son use hobby to provide guitars for missionaries
When the IMB’s Mike Domke looked at a network of 60 Ukrainian pastors and missionaries, he knew that’s exactly what they needed — to rest and rejuvenate by doing nothing. Pastor Greg Gilbreath of Madison Baptist Church has always enjoyed both playing and repairing his own guitars.
FDA’s Position on Abortion Pill, Federal Proposal Burdening Faith Groups & Awaiting Jesus’ Return
The California Southern Baptist Convention (CSBC) is asking fellow Southern Baptists to join them in Anaheim and consider taking the next step. A May 6 gas explosion devastated the historic Saratoga Hotel in Old Havana, Cuba, and also rained destruction on nearby Calvary Baptist Church. Remember the words of Isaiah 55:9: God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours.
0 Comments