In a world often marked by division, hatred, and conflict, how can we truly stand out as beacons of hope and love? The answer lies in one of the most challenging yet transformative teachings of Jesus Christ: loving our enemies.

We've all heard the familiar phrase "love your neighbor," but Jesus takes this command a step further. He tells us, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This radical instruction turns our natural inclinations upside down and challenges us to live in a way that truly reflects the heart of God.

It's easy to love those who love us back. It's natural to be kind to those who are kind to us. But what sets followers of Christ apart is their ability to extend love and compassion even to those who oppose them. This is what it means to be "salt and light" in the world - to stand out by living differently than the cultural norm.

Consider the example of Matthew, one of Jesus' disciples. Before following Christ, Matthew was a tax collector - one of the most despised professions in ancient Israel. Tax collectors were known for their corruption and for collaborating with the oppressive Roman government. Yet Jesus not only called Matthew to follow Him but dined at his house with other tax collectors and sinners. This act of love and acceptance towards society's outcasts was shocking to the religious leaders of the day, but it perfectly exemplified Jesus' teaching about loving one's enemies.

Living out this teaching requires us to die to ourselves - to put aside our pride, our desire for revenge, and our tendency to hold grudges. It means examining our hearts and asking, "What in me needs to die so that others can see Christ more clearly?" This self-reflection and willingness to change is crucial if we want to truly impact our communities and shine as "a city on a hill."

Jesus provides practical examples of how this love should manifest in our daily lives:

1. Speak truth consistently: Instead of swearing oaths to prove our honesty, we should be known for always speaking the truth. Our word should be our bond, reflecting the trustworthiness of the God we serve.
2. Honor marriage: In a culture where divorce is increasingly common, followers of Christ are called to a higher standard. By remaining committed to our spouses even through difficulties, we demonstrate the unconditional love of God.
3. Reconcile quickly: When conflicts arise within the church community, Jesus instructs us to prioritize reconciliation even over acts of worship. This emphasis on maintaining unity and resolving disputes swiftly sets the church apart as a place of genuine love and forgiveness.
4. Love beyond boundaries: We're challenged to extend our love not just to those in our immediate circle, but to those we might consider enemies - whether personal, cultural, or even national. This radical love has the power to break down barriers and bring healing to deep-seated conflicts.

The ultimate example of this sacrificial, enemy-loving attitude is found in Jesus Himself. As He hung on the cross, unjustly condemned and surrounded by a jeering crowd, Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." In that moment, facing the ultimate injustice and betrayal, Jesus demonstrated the very love He had taught His followers to embody.

This kind of love is not natural - it's supernatural. It requires us to tap into a power beyond ourselves, to allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us. It means dying to our selfish desires and allowing Christ's love to flow through us, even to those who have hurt us deeply.

Imagine the impact if every follower of Christ truly lived this way. What if, instead of adding our own conditions and exceptions to God's commands, we simply obeyed wholeheartedly? What if, instead of holding onto grudges and seeking revenge, we chose to forgive and bless those who have wronged us? What if, instead of avoiding or despising those different from us, we actively sought to love and serve them?

The result would be a church that truly stands out - a city on a hill that cannot be hidden, a light that pierces through the darkness of hatred and division. It would be a community marked by forgiveness, reconciliation, and unconditional love - a vivid picture of God's kingdom breaking into our world.

This call to love our enemies is not easy. It goes against every natural instinct we have. But it is precisely in this difficulty that its power lies. When we love those who hate us, when we bless those who curse us, we demonstrate a love that can only come from God. We become living testimonies to the transformative power of the gospel.

As we reflect on this challenging teaching, let's ask ourselves:

• Who are the "enemies" in my life that God is calling me to love?
• What attitudes or prejudices do I need to let go of to more fully embody Christ's love?
• How can I practically show love to someone who has hurt or opposed me this week?

Remember, this journey of loving our enemies is not one we undertake alone. We have the example of Christ before us, the power of the Holy Spirit within us, and the support of our faith community around us. As we step out in obedience to this radical call, we can trust that God will supply the strength and grace we need.

Let us commit to being that city on a hill, that unmistakable light in the darkness. Let our love - even for our enemies - be the defining characteristic that sets us apart and draws others to the transformative power of Christ. In doing so, we not only change our own hearts but have the potential to change our communities, our nation, and our world.

John shares about his experience working with an organization called Volunteer Surge and serving as a volunteer at a prison in Marion, Ohio during the Covid-19 crisis.

Lester, a former child in the children's home, The Shepards home is now one of our interpreters in Honduras.  Lester is our brother in Christ.  He was sponsored by Dr. Freel's family from Dillon.

Mark and Jane leading VBS

Dr. Johnny writing John 13:34-35 on a new church meeting house that was dedicated today. Adam was asked to preach at the dedication service.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
John 13:34-35

Greetings, Marion Baptist, from Cedras, Honduras.
We miss you all very much, but we can feel your prayers. Our clinic saw about 1000 people today.  Adam and Johnny Whittington have been canvassing the city and preaching the gospel. In this update you will find a picture of a man who surrendered his life to Jesus today. Please continue to pray for us. The food is very good and we have all been gaining weight. Please pray for Pastor Adonales as he builds relationships with the people here. So far we have only seen one tarantula. We look forward to seeing you all soon.

Christmas 2019
Dear Family and Friends,
 
Merry Christmas! What a miracle of God’s grace towards us all that He sent His only begotten Son, born as a helpless baby--the Word made flesh--to save us from our sins and to give us new life, abundant and eternal. We can rejoice in His forgiveness for our past, count on His strength and wisdom right now, and look with expectant hope toward the future because He is Emmanuel, God with us.
 
It has been some time since we last wrote to catch you up on the work in Cuba and to let you know how to pray for us. Please forgive us! There are some significant changes to our role within IMB, and the learning curve has been steep as we broaden the scope of our ministry. More than ever, we need and appreciate your participation with us through prayer and encouragement.
 
Here are just a few of the highlights from these last months:
 
Cuba. Dirce and I made 4 strategic trips to Cuba during the first months of the year to finish missionary training for Cuban missionary candidates from western Cuba and to participate in the annual meetings of the two Baptist conventions. However, since May I (Roy) have not been granted the religious visas necessary to travel to Cuba; three petitions have been denied - for the first time in these 19 years of service to Cuba. We certainly miss the face-to-face fellowship with our Cuban family! But we trust the Lord to guide all of us in discerning His will and being faithful in this season of service.  It indeed is wonderful to see how the work carries on as many in Cuba are coming to Christ, churches are being planted, leaders are being trained, and new Cuban missionaries are being sent to hard places as ambassadors for Christ. That is awesome!
 
Role as regional ambassadors. IMB leadership has asked us to expand our horizons a bit, putting into practice what we have learned in Cuba in the formation of missions agencies in other countries. We are working to discover those throughout the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico who are mobilizing national believers to reach the unreached around the world. This has been an exciting addition for us. So far, we have had the privilege to connect with many faithful servants who have inspired us and taught us about our role:

• In Panama, we met with other IMB mobilizers to begin praying and considering how best to mobilize churches and prospective candidates in the areas we serve to obey the Great Commission.
• In Ecuador, we participated in a camp for a missions agency that is training and sending out young Ecuadorians to carry the Gospel around the world.
• In the Dominican Republic, we met with a large church that is asking for help in sending their members to impact people groups without Christ in Latin America.
• In Madrid, Spain, we enjoyed a week of cross-cultural communication training, interacting with people from many religious traditions.
• In Brazil, we worshiped and trained with 350 leaders from around the world who are doing the same kind of work that we are called to do—and their enthusiasm and sacrifice have challenged us to give our best to the Master.

Prayer Requests
We ask that you would pray with us:

• That God would continue to bless our Cuban colleagues, leaders of the two Baptist conventions, and that they would remain faithful to the Lord and to His Word. The challenges in Cuba are tremendous, and the discouragements are great.
• That the Lord of the harvest would continue to send Cuban laborers—evangelists, disciple-makers, pastors, teachers, missionaries—into His harvest field, both in Cuba and around the world.  
• That Dirce and I would abide in Christ, be sensitive to His leadership, as we work with others in helping churches and denominations discover how best to send missionaries to unreached peoples intentionally and effectively.

Opportunities

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Many Southern Baptists support missions through their local churches, giving through a united effort called the Cooperative Program. Thanks to each church which sacrifices generously so that many convention ministries might flourish! We are also grateful at this time of year for those individuals, families and churches which donate to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering as well. This offering is an annual collection by the IMB that supports 3,692 IMB missionaries, like us, as we take the gospel to some of the 4,488,180,841 unreached people of the world. In the last year alone, your prayers and gifts helped plant 13,898 churches, train 18,428 pastors, and baptize 52,586 new believers.

Together, we can share the gospel with even more people. If you want to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, please visit imb.org/give.
 
Missions College, January 7-10, 2020, Rockville, VA
Missions College is an annual training event for US churches, both pastors and church members, engaging in short-term, mid-term and long-term missions. This is an intense week with lots of opportunities for learning, networking and strategizing. And it is less than a month away. If you are interested, you can find registration information at www.imb.org/missionscollege.
 
Cubans to the Nations: Help Cuban Baptists take the Gospel to the unreached world.
Doors are open for Cubans to share the Gospel with people groups around the world, but they need partners who will help the Cuban churches in sending their missionaries. If you are interested in knowing more, please check out the project website at: https://www.imb.org/give/project/cubans-to-the-nations/.
 
God with us - Emmanuel. Psalm 16:11 says that, in God's presence, there is "fullness of joy." Thank you for helping us, through your prayers and gifts, to prepare others to share the joy of Gospel around the world. Joy to the world, the Lord has come!
 
In Christ,
Roy and Dirce
roybcooper@hotmail.com

Dear brothers and sisters,
Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We gathered and meditated the word of God, discussed on Matthew Chapter 25.

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Dear Church Family,
                              Greetings to you in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are very happy to tell you that we gathered 12 members on last Sunday (07/28/2019), the fourth successful Sunday. Today I paid Rs.9, 00,000 ($13235.30) as an advance to buy a site close to my house. We have to pay Rs. 29,57,000 ($ 43485.30) at the end of September 2019. We are very happy to announce that God will give us this wonderful land for worship and execute the operations in a mighty way. The people are showing a lot of interest to join with us instead of gathering in house because of different religions around my house. A new family joined last Sunday. My family is very happy to serve the people in glorifying HIM.  My family says best wishes to everybody in the church. Please continue to pray for Marion Baptist Church India, International to take its physical construction to bear much fruit.


Yours brother in Christ
Suresh Dasari.
Pastor, Marion Baptist Church India, International.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Greetings to all of you.

The pics:
Marion Baptist Church India first gathering in my house with 11 members. My wife served egg puffs for all and everybody was very curious and anxious to hear about you. I am very happy to send these pics. Pray for me to be very faithful and strong.

Suresh

Date: 07/02/2019

Dear Church Family,
 
Greetings to you in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope everybody is doing well. I reached my family safe in India after 24 hours long flight. I met my family at 9.30 am on June 13. They came to air port to receive me. My tow kids ran and hugged me after them my wife too. We traveled together in a rental car for 5 hours to reach my home town. My Guitar was missed in Mumbai, India. I got it two dates ago with a lot of hard work to collect it. I had to travel back to airport 24 hours to collect it

I apologize for late communication, because I was in jet lag for four days and became busy in visiting various villages to tell my story and shared all my sweet memories with each individual in Marion Baptist Church. I took rest one day on June 14 and went to visit my wife's home town on June 15. It was 10 hours train journey. I was so anxious and curious to tell about Marion Baptist Church Family how they loved me as their own brother. I could not stop myself to tell about my sickness. I waited until June 16 which was Sunday. My plan was to share my testimony in front of congregation and my wife should listen how the Marion Baptist Church sent me back to Indian to be safe and alive. I never revealed her before about my health problem until June 16 even I visited many times my family in India on each summer break every year. I started sharing my testimony by asking the people questions about cancer patients. I was watching my wife’s feelings. After few question I told them that I had a bladder tumor and was told by well experienced doctor that I was going to die within three months. I looked into my wife’s face while I was telling about my sickness. She shocked and started crying. Then I told how God healed me and strengthen me through the prayers of my Marion Baptist Church family and it’s never ending love. Everybody was shocked and the whole church was pin drop silent. Some of them opened their mouth and never closed it until the end of my story. They were with over joy and started praising Him. I stayed with the people for ten days and spent valuable time in discussing about US Culture and most of the time about my relation with Marion Baptist Church. I showed them pictures and videos that I had with all of you when I was in US. They were very happy to see all different expressions, hair styles, dress codes and Santa (Mr. Joe). I am only one highly qualified and

 international teaching experienced person in that whole village and hence they respect, recognize and like me with great honor. Because the Marion Baptist Church sent me back to them alive, they were very happy and said thanks to everyone in Marion. They are praying for all of you. Especially my wife and my two kids are filled with gratitude towards Marion Baptist Church by joining their two palms together to say thanks in Indian style. Because I told them that they could see me alive today because of God’s grace, your prayers and each and every movement how you showed God’s love. I asked the villagers to pronounce Marion Baptist Church. They shouted and said thanks to all of you.

I am working on registering the society in the name of Marion Baptist Church. India for which I have to select very reliable God fearing people to be in the committee. I sent some pictures to Mr. Joe and Mr. Adam and Mr. Duck. I could not write any comments on those pictures because I thought you could understand the work is being done among such poor people. The great work is in the progress and I will send some more pictures and videos in near future with meaningful comments if needed. I hope some of the sent pictures were shown in the church. It is my great privilege to carry the name Marion Baptist Church to the other side of the earth. I may be thousand miles away from you, but you are always in our hearts and minds.

I am in the learning process in this missionary work and a lot of fabulous work is in front of me. I know Marion Baptist Church have been sending many people to various parts of different countries and strengthening many missionaries. I am proud to be a representative on behalf of Marion Baptist Church to work in India and would like to be humble under great spiritual leaders and highly knowledgeable administration. Keep praying for me. Teach me and guide me. I am ready to follow all your guide lines, take your advices and valuable suggestions to be fruitful and successful in his mighty name. Convey my best wishes to everybody in the church. For all HIS glory.

With lots of love,

Suresh Dasari.

Paid medical bills for a poor family from Hindu religion and preached the love of God to invite them to be the disciples.