This is a punch in the gut……I have come back to this story more than a few times this morning. I ask us all, are we doing everything we can to help those in need? Are we really washing feet? Are we really the hands and feet of JESUS? Pastor Lenoir gave his life serving. I pray with all I have that you and I will plant sees, show all the love of JESUS more than ever in the memory of Pastor Lenoir. Time for all to leave their comfort zone!
Being the Hands and Feet of Jesus means to observe the needs around us, assessing our resources, and giving what we’re able. On the other hand, there are many examples in the Bible where the thing inciting God’s harshest rebuke is the oppression of the vulnerable.
I struggle for words about this tragedy. Pastor AD Lenoir was being the hands and feet of JESUS……We mourn the loss of this precious servant.
I pray that you will commit to pray for Pastor Lenoir’s family, friends and congregants.
Baptist Press
By Margaret Colson/Florida Baptist Convention, posted April 9, 2024 in SBC News
MIAMI (BP) — MIAMI–Pastor AD Lenoir, senior pastor of Westview Baptist Church in Miami since 2009, was stabbed to death on the steps of his church building Saturday, April 6.
Police have arrested James Dawkins, a homeless man whom Lenoir had befriended and had been helping, and have charged Dawkins with first-degree murder.
Through the years of his pastorate, Lenoir led his congregation to be a Gospel presence in the community. The church was actively involved in Westview Elementary School, where Lenoir served as a chaplain and led his church to lead a robust after-school program, a tutoring ministry, summer camp and other activities designed to share God’s love with children and their parents.
Westview Baptist Church also adopted a local low-income apartment community, with church members building relationships with residents and meeting practical needs, such as helping unemployed adults develop skills to write resumes and prepare for interviews.
Hundreds of individuals have been baptized as a result of the church’s investment in the community.
During Lenoir’s tenure as Westview pastor, other churches have come alongside Westview Baptist Church to assist in reaching community residents with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Numerous churches have sent mission teams to minister throughout the community with vacation Bible schools and other initiatives. More Here
From Billy Graham on grief……..
Like soldiers going into battle, we need to be prepared for grief even though the culture of today does not prepare us for it. An onslaught of grief can cause people to think they’re losing their minds. The grief-stricken person can lose the ability to concentrate, which adds to panic. This can lead to emotional paralysis. Guilt, anger, resentment, and panic are some of the faces of grief, none of which is abnormal.
What we need more than anything else during times of grief is a friend who stands with us; someone who will not leave us. Jesus is that friend and when we follow Him, we learn compassion toward others. The Lord prepares us to weather life’s storms. He gives us the power of faith in Him. He has told us that He will be with us always and never leave us or forsake us (see Hebrews 13:5). Often it takes that “knife in our heart” to drive us to Him. Our faith is dependent upon God, and when we enter the valley of grief, we need His help or we’ll never overcome the sorrow that weighs us down. And we can be a friend to others who don’t know the peace that comes from Jesus. The best way to help others is to tell them about the Friend that cared enough to die for our sins and bring salvation to us.
Nothing encourages more than Scripture. Filling our minds with things that are true, honorable, pure, and lovely will bring hope and the knowledge that Jesus cares for those who place their faith and trust in Him.
(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)