ABHMS pledges to rebuild, restore, renew Puerto Rico

By the Rev. Kristy Moeller

American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) has pledged to rebuild, restore and renew Puerto Rico because it takes seriously the instruction found in Matthew 25:  

Then the king will say to those at his right hand, "Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me." Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?" And the king will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me"
(Matthew 25:34-40, NRSV).

Do you know that more than 100 American Baptist churches exist in Puerto Rico? And our churches are becoming the center of hope and assistance for their communities, as pastors send chaplains to assist with grief and trauma.
 
In addition to its staff members visiting the island, ABHMS communicates frequently with those permanently on the ground , including the regional executive minister, pastors and laity, who share about daily struggles . ABHMS has formed partnerships to raise money and ship much-needed supplies to the island. Because our brothers and sisters are dying and becoming seriously ill from drinking contaminated water, while many homes, businesses and other organizations remain without roofing, ABHMS has provided not only funds but also tarps and water filters, among other items.
 
Heed the divine invitation to help the least of these who are members of our family by going to abhms.org > Give Now. Rest assured that 100 percent of donated money goes directly to relief efforts.

If you have volunteered with the Red Cross to mitigate the impact of the hurricanes or are interested in volunteering on a future ABHMS mission trip to Puerto Rico, please send an email to me at kmoeller@abhms.org.

Litanies and other post-disaster resources for your use are available as free downloads from ABHMS' website.

The Rev. Kristy Moeller is director of ABHMS' Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries/ecclesiastical endorser. (Photo: Rodrigo Velazquez)



Reflections
 
By the Rev. Dr. Patricia Murphy

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth (3 John 1:2, KJV). As we come to the close of 2017, I pause, Selah, to reflect upon the past month! Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria have left so many of our brother and sisters in spiritual distress, desperation and depression. I exhort you, beloveds, as you care for others to finish the year strong.
  • Remember to keep the Sabbath: Spend time resting;
  • Remember to relate: Spend time in prayer; and
  • Remember to release: Spend time with your loved ones.
May the Shalom of God be yours in this Season! 

The Rev. Dr. Patricia Murphy is associate director of ABHMS' Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries.



Endorsements
 
Congratulations to all of our newly endorsed chaplains:
 
The Rev. Ryan Kahn - Military Chaplain
The Rev. Sarah Mather - Healthcare Chaplain
The Rev. Dru Roane - Healthcare Chaplain
The Rev. Nakita McCalister - Military Chaplain
Romona Dollison - Military Chaplain Candidate Approval
The Rev. Jeffrey Challberg - Healthcare Chaplain
 
In addition to telling us about celebrations and promotions, please remember to inform us of any changes to your mailing address, email and telephone numbers so that we can update our database and keep information coming to you in a timely manner. Send an email to endorsement@abhms.org.

2017 annual reports
All 2017 annual reports are due Oct. 31, 2017-Jan. 31, 2018. To remain in good standing, submit your annual report now at abhms.org > Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries > Submit Annual Report.

Publish your prayers
The Rev. Dr. Janet McCormack is looking for ecumenical prayers to assist military chaplains. Military chaplains often pray in an ecumenical setting, and a book of American Baptist prayers would be a valuable resource. Please consider sending her your prayers to jan.mccormack@denverseminary.edu.
 
A call for writers
Are you a writer? Do you enjoy sharing your stories? Are you inspired to share through the Scriptures? Do you want to share about your ministry? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, please consider submitting a litany, homily, devotional or an article for publication on ABHMS' website, The Christian Citizen or Judson Press.
 
2018 guide available online
Featuring stories, activities, devotionals, a planning calendar and Judson Press' Christian education catalog, ABHMS' 2018 Discipleship and Christian Education Guide, "One in Christ: The Power of Christian Community" is now available online! 
Celebrations
Chaplain (Maj. Gen.-Retired) Lorraine Potter, former Air Force chief of chaplains, was selected as a part of a group of 40 Air Force veterans to be included in the annual Air Force program "Veterans in Blue" with the theme "Breaking Barriers."

The Rev. Dr. Julie Vaughn received a Doctor of Ministry degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Charlotte, N.C., on May 20.  
 
The Rev. Sheila A. Reed was ordained by American Baptist Churches USA in September.

A recent article in ABHMS' The Christian Citizen magazine about a unique musical endeavor features American Baptist USA-endorsed Chaplain Cheryl Jones of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
 
Please share your celebratory news with us at endorsement@abhms.org.


National Pastoral Care Week
Featuring the theme "Hospitality: Cultivating Inclusion," this year's National Pastoral Care Week was celebrated Oct. 22-28. Thank you to all of you who offer pastoral care as a part of your ministry! We pray for you and are thankful for the difference you make.


Events
Save the date for these special events in 2018 :

Feb. 12-15  Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Memphis, Tenn.

May 9-11  ACPE, Atlanta

May 29-31  Women Military Chaplain Conference, Baltimore, Md.

July 12-15  APC, Anaheim, Calif.

Oct. 6  Specialized Ministry Summit, McCormick Seminary, Chicago, Ill.

Nov. 14-16  Space for Grace, Philadelphia

 

American Baptist Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Haggray
Executive Director/CEO
American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS)
 
Rev. Kristy Moeller
Denominational Ecclesiastical Endorser
Director, Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries, ABHMS

Rev. Dr. Patricia Murphy
Associate Director, Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries, ABHMS 
 
Alice Mitchell-Cross, MBA
Coordinator  of Ministry and Endorsement, ABHMS
 
Rev. Dr. Delois Brown-Daniels, BCC
Chairperson, Endorsement Committee
 
Rev. Elizabeth Ritzman, LCPC
President, Ministers Council, Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors Chapter




American Baptist Chaplaincy and Pastoral Counseling Ministries
800.222.3872, x2482 
  
American Baptist Home Mission Societies