New task: Care for the called; MA church planters prioritize caring for students and families; Ministry post-tragedy shouldn’t be like this.

Tim and Annie Tidenberg may never complete God’s calling on their lives.

When they retired from their church-planting role in East Africa, they moved to the U.S. to lead a church. Then, they felt led to move back overseas. Now, they spend their time in West Africa resourcing, equipping and supporting missionaries as member care consultants with the International Mission Board. In this new role, they provide pastoral care and counseling to contribute to the spiritual, emotional and mental wellbeing of missionaries.

At a conference for member care consultants, the Tidenbergs were told their job is like a first responder for the missionaries. 

Grace Harbor Church in New Bedford has developed a strong connection with children in their neighborhood.

A dozen or so kids kindergarten through fifth-grade students meet after school for the church’s kids club every Tuesday for a time of Bible study, crafts and games.

Grace Harbor’s relationship with the school formed over time, as the church hosted events such as Saturday field days during the summers. After the field days filled with games and fellowship would end, Red was left wanting more.

While members of the church planting team say the work is challenging, they’re grateful for the relationships that are being built and the ways they see God working through the ministry.

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.

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Nick Hartman is an associate pastor at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Cross Plains, Tennessee, about 30 minutes from Nashville. He recently shared three thoughts at Baptist Press for those processing the recent school shooting in Nashville.

In the article he unpacks three ideas:

Don’t downplay the reality of what we face.

Do not become so used to it that it doesn’t bother you. Understand that what we are experiencing is an injustice against God’s image bearers and justice will come soon. 

Pray for the hurting and watch for those needing help.

We’re not Christ. But we have the Spirit of the Lord in us and we can be diligent in watching for those in our flock and seeing when they are hurting. 

Give your heart’s heaviness to Jesus.

Remember that Jesus calls those who are weary and heavy-laden to come to Him.