Ukraine Tensions, First Black SBC Entity Head, & Paralympic Games

Christian radio in Ukraine prepares for Russian invasion

As tensions between Russia, Ukraine and NATO reach a boiling point, the leaders of New Life Radio located in Ukraine ask for Christians around the world to pray for them as they try to continue to broadcast the Gospel programming across Ukraine, Russia and the region.

Daniel Johnson leads the radio network, he says there have been mass demonstrations in Ukraine with people declaring they don’t want Russia to take control.

He says Ukrainians are trying to remove their money from banks as fear increase that Vladimir Putin will delegitimize the government.

Despite political rhetoric, Johnson says they are encouraging Christians there to continue leaning on Christ and looking for opportunities to share their faith with others.

McLaurin becomes first African American to lead an SBC entity

In a meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee this week, Willie McLaurin officially became the interim president and CEO. The Executive Committee is the entity that receives funds from churches and distributes them to organizations such as the International Mission Board, the North American Mission Board, Southern Baptist seminaries and other entities of the SBC.

McLaurin becomes the first African American to lead one of the SBC entities. He has served as a vice president since 2020.

In a February 21 address to the Executive Committee and key SBC leaders, McLaurin said he would strive to make sure his time at the helm is marked by serving others. He provided towels to those in the room calling on leaders to humble themselves and serve local pastors and churches.

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.

Paralympics begin in Beijing on March 4

As the Winter Olympics conclude in Beijing, Paralympic athletes prepare for games beginning next month in China.

Garrett Geros lost one of his legs in a car accident in 2016. Before the accident he had been outstanding athlete in several high school sports in his hometown of Cartersville, Georgia. He said his recovery from his accident propelled him closer to God and it was then that he began to train to become a snowboarder so he could complete in the Paralympics.

“God gave me the ability to walk; the ability to snowboard,” Geros told Baptist Press. “He brought me from things that could have left me down to being somewhere that a lot of people dream to be. I’m so thankful for that.”

The Paralympic Games begin March 4.

Find more stories at BaptistPress.com.