June 2025 Events Recap
June 7–8, 2025

This past month, the Maranatha family gathered for a beautiful weekend of fellowship and celebration. On June 7, we enjoyed sun, laughter, and connection at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk Family Picnic—a joyful reminder of the power of doing life together. Special thanks to Pastor Partee, Pastor Alicia, Chrissy Wedel, and Rashi Jindal for making the day smooth and memorable.

The following day, June 8, we celebrated the Class of 2025 during our Baccalaureate Service, honoring their achievements and speaking life over their next steps. The message, “Stay the Course,” encouraged us all to keep our eyes on Jesus and run our race with endurance.

Both events reminded us that no matter where life takes us, we are anchored in Christ and walking forward—together.


SAVE THE DATE! ?Celebrate 38 Years of Ordained Ministry!
Honoring the Faithful Leadership of
Dr. Tyrone Partee & Pastor Alicia Partee
Bay Area Maranatha Christian Center joyfully invites you to join us as we celebrate 38 years of anointed, compassionate, and unwavering ministry leadership.

Date: Sunday, July 27, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Maranatha Christian Center
1811 South 7th Street, Suite A, San Jose, CA 95112

Theme:“Staying the Course”

“Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on…”
— Philippians 3:13–14 (NLT)

Guest Speaker: Dr. Cynthia James
Plus: Worship, Celebration, Food & Fellowship!
We are coming together in love and gratitude to honor two incredible leaders whose obedience to God has transformed countless lives. Come for the Word, stay for the food, and celebrate the journey.

 Mark your calendars—this is a celebration you won’t want to miss!



Pastor's Corner
The Pastor’s Corner is a special section in our newsletter where our pastors share words of wisdom, encouragement, and spiritual guidance. This space is dedicated to uplifting messages, reflections on faith, and insights that help us grow in our walk with Christ. Whether it's a devotional thought, a call to action, or a reminder of God’s promises, the Pastor’s Corner serves as a source of inspiration and connection for our church family. We invite you to take a moment to reflect on the words shared here each month and apply them to your daily life.



Staying the Course Together
By: Pastor Tyrone Partee
Beloved Church Family,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! As we move through this season, I find myself reflecting deeply on the journey – both ours as a congregation and the path God has faithfully led me on. This month, my heart is drawn to a theme that resonates powerfully: Staying the Course.

The Apostle Paul, writing from prison no less, captured this spirit perfectly in Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV):

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Paul understood the race. He knew the weariness, the distractions, the temptation to look back with regret or to stop running simply. Yet, his focus was singular: to strain forward and press on toward the ultimate prize – the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. He didn't dwell on past failures or rest on past laurels; he fixed his eyes on the finish line secured by Christ.

Friends, this is our call too. Life, faith, and service are often marathons, not sprints. We encounter hills that seem too steep, stretches that feel monotonous, and moments when the finish line appears frustratingly distant. The world offers countless detours and shortcuts that lead nowhere good. The enemy whispers discouragement, trying to convince us to give up or settle for less than God's best.

But hear this encouragement today: Keep pressing on! Stay the course! Forget the stumbles behind you – God's grace covers them. Don't be lulled by complacency when things feel comfortable. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Remember the "why" behind your race: the call of Christ, the love of the Father, the empowering presence of the Spirit, and the eternal hope set before us.

This message holds a special weight in my own heart this month as I humbly celebrate 38 years of ordained ministry. Thirty-eight years! It feels simultaneously like a lifetime and a mere moment. Looking back, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for God's unwavering faithfulness. He has been my strength when I was weak, my guide when the path was unclear, and my constant companion through every season of joy and challenge. I stand here not by my own might, but solely by His grace. I am profoundly humbled that God would choose to use me, flaws and all, and yes, I am deeply, deeply proud – not in myself, but proud and privileged to be on God's side, serving Him alongside each of you.

This journey hasn't always been easy, but pressing on, staying the course in God's strength, has been the greatest adventure and the most profound blessing. And I see that same faithfulness at work in this church family. I see you serving, loving, persevering through personal trials, and reaching out to our community. You are running your race, and I am cheering you on!

So, whatever hill you're climbing, whatever weariness you feel, whatever doubt whispers in your ear: Don't give up. Don't turn back. Don't sit down. Remember Paul's words. Remember God's faithfulness in the past. Remember the prize that awaits. Lean into His strength today. Encourage one another. Keep straining forward, together.

Let's fix our eyes on Jesus and press on toward the goal. The finish line is worth it, and we run in the power of the One who has already won the victory.

With a grateful and expectant heart,

Pastor Partee

Let us pray:

Gracious Father, thank You for calling us into this race of faith. Thank You for Your Word that encourages us to press on. Forgive us when we grow weary or lose focus. Fill us anew with Your Holy Spirit. Strengthen our hearts, renew our vision, and help us, individually and as Your church, to faithfully stay the course You have set before us. Remind us daily of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord and the glorious prize of Your heavenly call. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus, our Savior and our Goal. Amen.




Miracles in the Making: When God Chooses the Unlikely
By Pastor Alicia Partee
Hello Maranatha Family,  

If you had told me in 1997—when I first walked through these doors as a new member—that I’d return decades later as your Executive Pastor, I would have laughed in disbelief. Back then, I was a corporate leader navigating Fortune 500 companies and startups in Silicon Valley, convinced that my calling was boardrooms, not sanctuaries. Yet here I stand, a living testament to God’s audacious habit of drafting the least likely into His divine assignments. Scripture whispers truth we must cling to:  

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT).  

The Path I Never Planned  

My journey with Maranatha began with tambourines in the choir, spreadsheets as the Board of Trustees Treasurer, and mime gloves telling silent sermons. I served everywhere—from dancing on this altar to directing Easter plays.   I was licensed at Marantha in 2005, and later I became the first female pastor on staff. It felt surreal. "Me?" A corporate veteran turned Administrative Pastor? But God doesn’t consult our résumés. While studying at seminary, I helped launch our School of Ministry and led campaigns like "40 Days of Purpose*" Still, I assumed my story would unfold within familiar walls.  

Then came 2009: marriage to Pastor Partee, a move across oceans, and a season in Norway where God rerouted my life yet again. Amidst culture shock and identity struggles, He awakened a new purpose—founding Authentigrate to support global nomads and Unapologetically You Solutions to empower women entrepreneurs. I wept, protested, and whispered, "I didn’t sign up for this!" But God gently replied, "I signed you up before you took your first breath."  

Why the Unlikely?  

God specializes in paradox. He recruits:  

- The Uncertain (like Moses, stammering at a burning bush)  

- The Underestimated (like David, overlooked in his father’s field)  

- The Unqualified (like me—a corporate leader turned pastor).  

Why? Because when we feel insufficient, "His" power shines brightest. My corporate years weren’t wasted; they trained me to steward vision. My tears in Norway weren’t pointless; they birthed empathy for those navigating transition. Every drumbeat in worship, every budget meeting, every mime rehearsal—God was weaving a canvas only He could design.  

Expecting Miracles in Your Story  

Today, as I co-lead this house with Pastor Partee (celebrating his 38 years of ordained faithfulness!), here’s my charge to you:  

1. Surrender Your Script  

   Release the "I would never..." and "I could never..." God’s plot twists are purposeful. Your greatest impact may emerge from the season you resisted most.  

2. See Through Heaven’s Lens*

   I now recognize potential buried in others because God first excavated it in me. That single mom? A future leader. That quiet teen? A world-changer. "You" carry dormant miracles.  

3. Lean Into Discomfort  

   Miracles thrive in the soil of obedience. Say "yes" when logic screams "no." Our Mission Possible ministries? They break generational curses because someone dared to fund and serve our community.

Your Unexpected Horizon  

Family, God is whispering over your life right now: "What you deem impossible, I’ve already authored." You need not know the "how"—only the "Who". So, dream wildly. Serve faithfully. And when God hands you an assignment that terrifies you, grip His hand and whisper, "I trust Your imagination more than my own."

With expectant faith,  

Pastor Alicia Partee



COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
by: Mission Possible

We’re excited to share that our June 2025 outreach report has been a reflection of your tireless service and God’s provision through our ministry.

What the Numbers Reveal:
? Children Served (Ages 0–18): 1,028
? Adults Served (Ages 19–59): 1,809
? Seniors Served (60+): 227
? Total Individuals Supported: 3,064
? Total Households Reached: 700

These numbers represent far more than statistics. Each individual is a life touched, a prayer answered, and a seed of hope planted. From emergency groceries to spiritual care, Maranatha is helping meet the needs of our community in body and spirit.


Thank You, Volunteers & Partners
To every driver, packer, greeter, and prayer warrior—thank you for standing in the gap. Your commitment makes ministry like this possible.

Let us continue to “stay the course together,” knowing that when we serve one, we serve Jesus (Matthew 25:40).

? Contact us at 408-280-PRAY (7729) to get involved.


? Calling Future Leaders for Celebrate Recovery! ?
By: Alicia Baker

Are you someone who has experienced healing from a hurt, habit, or hang-up—or are you still walking your own recovery journey? Do you have a heart for helping others find freedom and hope in Christ?

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered program where people find support and transformation as they face life’s struggles together. We believe God uses our stories and experiences to help others know they are not alone.

We are looking for compassionate, Christ-centered individuals who want to make a difference in our church and community. Whether you’re in recovery yourself, have a desire to support those who are, or simply want to grow deeper in connecting with people, we invite you to consider becoming a Celebrate Recovery leader.

Life experience is necessary. Leader training will be provided throughout the month of August to equip you with tools and guidance to serve confidently and effectively.

If you’re interested or want to learn more, you can:

✅ Join us any Tuesday at 7 PM in Suite A at the church and talk with Alicia.
✅ Or reach out by email at aliciamarie@bamcc.org
✅ Or give a call at 669-271-2627

Come be part of what God is doing through Celebrate Recovery and help bring hope and healing to others!


? We Want to Pray with You
At BAMCC, we believe in the power of prayer. Whether you’re facing a difficult situation, believing for a breakthrough, or simply need encouragement, you don’t have to walk through it alone.

Let us stand in faith with you.

? Submit Your Prayer Request:
You can share your prayer needs confidentially through:

Our online prayer form: Maranatha Christian Center - Prayer

The Prayer Box in the church lobby

By emailing us at info@bamcc.org

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." – Matthew 18:20

Each request is lifted up by our Prayer Team and pastoral staff with care, compassion, and faith.

?️ Your story matters. Your prayers matter. Let’s believe together.

? Share Your Testimony: Encourage Someone Today
Have you experienced God’s faithfulness this season? —your story matters.

?️ We invite you to share how God has shown up in your life or if BAMCC helped you in any way
Your testimony could uplift someone who needs hope, encouragement, or confirmation that they are not alone.

? Send your story (a few sentences or a full reflection) to matelda@bamcc.org
? We may feature your testimony in an upcoming service or newsletter (with your permission)!

Let’s strengthen one another through the power of our stories.
Because when one of us wins, we all win.

SHARE YOUR STORY!


JULY 2025 Calendar
Get Involved!
Join Us in Making a Difference

Our impact is only possible because of the dedication of our volunteers, donors, and community partners. Whether you want to volunteer, participate in our programs, or donate, your support helps us continue this mission of empowering lives through workforce development and reentry services.

Together, we are building sustainable futures—one step at a time.

? Interested in getting involved? Reach out to us today and be part of the change!

Volunteer with Us
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7


Ways to Give

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the transformative power of God's glory through the story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana.

This miracle, found in John 2:1-11, isn't just about providing refreshments for a celebration - it's a profound revelation of God's nature and His desire to work in our lives. We learn that Jesus meets our deficiencies with His abundance, turning the ordinary into extraordinary. This speaks to our own lives, where God can take our seemingly mundane circumstances and infuse them with divine purpose.

The message emphasizes that in our weakness, Jesus reveals His strength, encouraging us to let our faith do the talking even in our darkest moments. We're challenged to recognize that where the impossible begins, God's glory shines brightest.

This invites us to trust God with our seemingly hopeless situations, knowing He can intervene and display His majesty. Ultimately, we're called to embrace Jesus as the moment where glory enters our situation, transforming our emptiness into overflowing joy.

Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon:

1. John 2:1-11 
2. Proverbs 3:5-6 
3. Philippians 4:19
4. Ephesians 3:20
5. 2 Corinthians 5:17
6. 1 Samuel 1:9-20 
7. Luke 1:37
8. John 20:30-31
9. John 10:10
10. 2 Corinthians 12:9

 

Starting over can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Starting fresh as a church community can be just as intimidating as it is exhilarating. But when you build your foundation on prayer, there's nothing you can't achieve. Our heart is to relaunch our church with a multi-cultural, multi-generational, multi-ethnicity, non-religious approach that can bring people of all backgrounds together. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of prayer as we begin our new journey.

Acts 11:20-24 tells us about the early church's journey in Antioch. The Bible tells us that some men from Cyprus and Cyrene went to Antioch and began preaching to the Greeks. The Lord blessed their work, and many people turned to the Lord. When the church in Jerusalem heard about this, they sent Barnabas to Antioch to investigate. Barnabas witnessed the grace of God in the new believers and encouraged them to remain true to the Lord. As a result, a great number of people were added to the Lord. This passage holds great value as it shows us that no matter where we come from or how different we are, we can come together under one roof and bring glory to God.

In Acts 13:1-3, we see another example of prayer and the Holy Spirit's guidance in starting a new church. This time, it is Paul and Barnabas who are in Antioch. While they were worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke to them, informing them to separate themselves for the work that He had called them to. The text says, "Then, fasting and praying, and laying their hands on them, they sent them away." (Acts 13:3) This passage emphasizes the importance of prayer and how it is essential when starting a new venture or endeavour.

When starting a new church, it's easy to get bogged down in the details- from the building to the décor to the music to the sermon to the members. However, focusing on these details can cause us to lose sight of what’s most important - prayer. When we pray for our church, we invite God's guidance and wisdom into the process. When we pray together as a church community, we grow together and form a deeper connection with one another.

Building a church that is multi-cultural, multi-generational, and multi-ethnicity is undoubtedly a noble cause, but it's not without its challenges. However, prayer can dissolve the barriers created by our differences and allow an environment in which all can coexist. When we pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ, we begin to understand and love them in ways we never thought possible.

Launching a church with prayer as the foundation certainly sets the tone for the church's entire existence. The early church teaches us that prayer infuses the church community with the passion of the Holy Spirit and invites God's wisdom and guidance. In this new beginning for our church, we look forward to praying together, worshipping together, and breaking bread together as a multi-cultural, multi-generational, multi-ethnicity, non-religious church community. Praying for the Lord to anoint this new beginning, may it be a guiding light for those who seek God’s love and grace.

Pastor Alicia Partee

Do you ever feel as if you are freefalling? As if you’ve tumbled off a ledge, flailing your arms, completely out of control, knowing you will soon crash?

Many of us are feeling that right now, every day. Feeling out of control, fearful, wondering how far down the ground is and what will happen when we hit it.

Yes, we’re believers. Yes, we trust God and know He promises to protect us. The Bible is full of reassurances that “those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1 NLT). But sometimes the upheaval we are experiencing now—COVID, the escalation of racial injustice, hateful divisiveness, and economic instability—makes us feel as if we are freefalling.

Back in 1933, construction began on the Golden Gate Bridge, but the builders ran into a problem and lagged far behind schedule. The problem was the dangerous condition they were face with. Workers were slipping and falling to their deaths, and, because of that, they were fearful, and progress slowed to a crawl.

In order to finish on time, the construction company decided to invest $130,000 in a large net—a costly investment. The net was hung under the bridge and would catch anyone that fell. When the workers saw the net was a lifesaver, they worked faster and with confidence, and the bridge was actually completed before the deadline. After the net was installed, nineteen men had slipped and landed in the net, but their lives were saved.

That net was a great investment. It not only saved lives, it made the workers feel safe. They could trust the net, even if sometimes they couldn’t see it below them. They knew it was there, it was secure, and it would hold them if they fell.

While that was great news, here’s a sad fact: the Golden Gate Bridge is the top suicide location in the world.

History.com tells this story:
In August 1937, three months after the Golden Gate Bridge opened, H. B. Wobber strolled the span alongside a tourist he had just met on a bus. Wobber suddenly turned to his companion and said, “This is where I get off. I’m going to jump.” Despite the tourist’s attempt to stop him, Wobber threw himself over the side. Four seconds later he hit the surface of San Francisco Bay at seventy-five miles per hour and became the first of more than 1,600 people to commit suicide by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. That’s an average of one person less than every three weeks. There are eleven crisis-counseling telephones on the bridge that connect to trained suicide-prevention counselors, and a net under the span as a suicide deterrent is hoped to be completed by 2021.
Comprising 385,000 square feet of marine-grade stainless steel—the equivalent of seven football fields—this net will protrude twenty feet from the public walkway but remain camouflaged. This net is estimated to cost $211 million, and many feel it’s worth the cost.

But providing a net to keep people from jumping off a bridge isn’t the solution to the pain of this life. It’s an immediate stopgap measure, but it doesn’t address the true problem people are suffering from: a lack of a relationship with a trustworthy, faithful God who loves them and wants nothing more than to protect them.

With what does God protect us? With his promises.
Psalm 91:4 says: “His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” The Bible is overflowing with God’s promises. Promises to never leave or forsake us. Promises to be with us until the end of the age. Promises to hedge us in from the front and the back with his protective hand upon us (Psalm 139:5).

Even though we have God’s Word shining a light to our path, to keep us from stumbling (Psalm 119:105), in our lives as believers, we often slip. We sometimes fall. We say and do things that are sinful, whether we mean to or not. And God knows this. He knows how hard, how dangerous it is, to navigate through the rough winds and seas of our lives. He knows how unsteady our footing is. We often feel guilty for our failings, and that throws us into freefall—along with all the external winds battering us as we try to stand firm.

We can be encouraged by this promise of God: “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand” (Psalm 37:23–24 NLT).

We have something better than a phone linking us to a crisis counselor. We have 24/7 access to our Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace, who gives us His peace. Peace that isn’t the superficial and transitory kind the world gives (John 14:27). As Pastor Tony often says: “God is as close as a whispered prayer.” We don’t need to memorize prayers or speak with flowery prose. Just one word is sufficient with God when you are in crisis: “Help!”

There may be many times when you feel that you are falling—freefalling without a net.
But God has provided you with something better than a physical safety net—something that is much more costly than the $130,000 net the bridge builders hung under the Golden Gate Bridge. Something more valuable than the proposed net to be permanently built under the bridge for $211 million. The safety net God has provided cost the life of His Son.

Jesus didn’t slip and fall to His death. His death wasn’t an accident. He chose to go to the cross to save you and me, to be our net, our place of safety, so we can feel safe for eternity, no matter what evil winds are blowing around us.

Psalm 91:14–16 (NLT) God says: “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”

Throughout the pages of the Bible, we are reassured that God will rescue us! He knows we need rescuing—from sin, from this crazy world, from unseen enemies, from these evil times, and even from ourselves.

Whenever you feel as if you are freefalling, remember that we serve a faithful God! “There is no one like the God of Israel,” Moses reminded his people. “He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor. The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you” (Deuteronomy 33: 26–27 NLT).

Imagine God riding across the heavens to help you. Imagine those everlasting arms holding you up and catching you every single time you slip and fall. Be comforted to know that because He is the eternal God, His arms will never give out, and He will never let go of you.

Written by Susanne Lakin 

James 5:13-17
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. s anyone among you sick?nLet him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

James speaks to the church concerning meeting specific needs of people...

We ought to be a praying church: “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.” As we go through this life, we must endure hard times and difficulties, But... we must not allow trials and tribulations to exasperate us!  When we go through tough seasons, we must not give up or grumble and complain; we should pray. In prayer we can address the trouble or affliction.

Prayer is appropriate for every situation we face in life. Where prayer is... Power is present to help!

We ought to be a praising church: “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.” Our lives are balanced with good days and bad days, but God’s goodness is present in all days. His presence should elicit praise. Sometimes the appropriate prayer is praise. Praise reminds us where our help comes from. Praise honors God for all He has done.Are you blessed?

You ought to praise Him!

We ought to be a participating church: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” It’s not the prayer or the oil that has the power to heal as we pray for one another; it’s the Lord. The Lord will respond to prayer offered in faith. We must be able to go to one another to listen too, to care about and to pray for one another. We ought to be participating in each others lives.

Now is the time,
Pastor Tony

Our children see and hear everything. They are aware of our world and the things that are happening in these times. They listen to your conversation with others, and they are listening as you watch the videos and hear the news. You might not think that they are paying attention; it is entirely the opposite. They are attentive to everything you do, which means they know what is going on and reserve their own feelings or may experience thoughts that they cannot yet verbalize. It is time to engage with our children in conversations about racism and everything that is taking place in our world. We must use this opportunity to educate our children on what is right and what is wrong and listen carefully to their perspectives and feelings connected to it.
 
How to talk to your children and, more so, how to listen?
 
James 1:19, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry...”
 
There is always time to listen and a time to speak. And the best way to start conversations with our children is via probing and providing time for them to talk freely. Children will not speak freely if they fear your judgment or that you will respond harshly to them. Children speak their mind when they feel they are in a safe environment. Let them know that you are there to listen and to help them understand certain truths.

Ask them what they have heard about what is going on in our world? First, find out what they know and the thoughts that run through their minds. As you listen intently, nod your head and validate their thoughts and feelings.  Remember, you do not have to agree with them to validate them. Then begin to answer and respond to their doubts and provide clarity. Teach them about racial injustice and talk to them about what prejudice is and the right way to respond to these harsh realities.
 
Racism is Taught

We teach racism through the subtle comments that we make in front of our children. When we categorize people as being delinquents, thugs, lazy, and other negative labels, we are unconsciously alienating people, cultures, etc. We stereotype people, and our children are learning how to view the world through that skewed lens. Our words are powerful and shape the way our children see the world.  
 
Genesis 1:26-27, “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

Racism is not something that God approves of because he designed us in His image. He called us to embrace our differences because we all represent a different facet of who He is. If we were all made in His image, then we all resemble God in many different ways—physically, emotionally, with our gifts and talents. We are all designed by God, the Creator, so we are all connected in this way. And as we honor each other and love one another, we are walking in the way God has called us to live.
 
Children are God's Expression of Hope
 
Luke 18:16, “But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

Have you ever noticed a child’s ability to forgive easily? Have you noticed that when two children are playing, one minute they are fighting, and the other minute they are back to being best friends? Yes, children do not hold on to grudges. Their need to abide in love, peace, and in a moment of belonging overpowers any anger they may feel. Children have a remarkable way of extending love and showing kindness to other children despite skin color, physical, and behavioral differences. When the scriptures tell us that the kingdom of God belongs to all children, it is because they embody the kingdom of God. And what is the kingdom of God? It is a system of love, forgiveness, benevolence, goodness,  gentleness, and humbleness. Children are remnants of the love of God and the ultimate emblem of peacemakers.

In Christ,
Pastor Alicia Partee

Times are tough, and living amid the COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more challenging both mentally and emotionally.  We are witnesses to racial injustice, causing a tsunami of riots and protests all over the world and flooding all media outlets. There is a mist of fear and anger in the air that keeps spreading far and wide, impacting everyone, particularly our youth. People are afraid for their lives, their income, and livelihood. The social distancing is not only causing people to distance themselves from others, but in the process, they are confined within the walls of their minds—deluged with fear, anxiety, worry, and rage.

For those who have encountered past trauma, the current events that are terrorizing the world is indeed re-traumatization. Our youth are spectators and are seated in the front row, wondering how to cope. And right now, the best option is to focus on cultivating positive thought processes and on our faith in God. How can we all take care of our children, their mental health, and our own state of being? We cling to all that is good and all that provokes hope.
 
What is Trauma?
 
Trauma is any harrowing event that causes you to experience physical or emotional harm, whether the harm is inflicted upon you or you witnessed it happen to others. What do we see when we turn on the television? Lately, what are the kinds of videos that are circulating on social media? We see riots, violence, and we are dealing with increasing numbers of people infected with COVID-19. We are dealing with a virus that isn’t visible, so the uncertainty magnifies and further perpetuates our state of fear and anxiety. The best way to deal with our emotional processes is by doing the internal work and taking care of our mental health. Understanding that our feelings are valid, but we must not feed them. Instead, we learn how to channel what we feel.
 
Our Thought Life
 
Philippians 4: 6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Our mind is the battlefield, and it is in our minds that we spend most of our time. Our thoughts provoke either negative or positive emotions. So, what do the scriptures tell us about our feelings and how to channel them? As per Philippians 4:6-7, it tells us not to be anxious, but instead to resort to prayer. It tells us to pray but to enter with a mindset of thanksgiving. Why is this? Because when we are directed to pray and must think about the things that we are grateful for, we automatically flip a switch in our minds to begin searchings for the things that produce gratitude. And gratitude is vital. To speak on gratitude changes our attitude and our perspective. When all we fill is uncertainty, and the fear penetrates our thoughts, causing us to worry, that’s when we must direct our mind to shift its focus onto the things that we do appreciate—the valuable people and opportunities that are within our reach.
 
Fear and Anxiety 
 
Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
 
One thing is to pray, and another is to be practical. Our prayer is spiritual ammunition against the things that we cannot control. Prayer keeps us dwelling in our faith, knowing that God is in still control despite the external circumstance. For faith is the assurance of the things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. So, we must use our prayer as our spiritual weapon during this season of life. But we must also be practical. We must focus on what we can control, not on the variable that we have no control over.

What do I mean by practical? You must understand that your brain is still is flesh, and our flesh is afflicted, so we must remedy it with physical things such as going for a walk and through exercise. Our minds and our bodies process emotions well through movement and exercise. You must be practical and sign yourself up for a virtual yoga, dance, or craft class. Find those activities that bring you peace and joy. Another great way to cope with our emotions is through conscious journaling.
Daily embark on a journey of dumping all your thoughts onto a paper as an outlet—like mind dump. Let it all out, and if that isn’t enough, seek the help of professional therapists. You’d be surprised how helpful it is to have professional guidance on how to combat and deal with every thought that you have. The best way to deal with negative emotions and trauma is not by suppressing what you feel but through acknowledgment. You must help yourself so that you can help those around you. And know that what is happening in our world today is temporary and this will all pass. Cling to God because, in the end, He is still in control no matter how out of control our world may seem.
 
“Seasons are not permanent, they come, and they go, but God is constant. Know that this crisis, too, shall pass.”

What can you do today to “cling to God.”?

In Christ
Pastor Alicia Partee