April 13, 2020
BGAV International Partners Respond
to the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Will Cumbia

During the challenging days of COVID-19, we take comfort knowing that we are not alone in this struggle. We are thankful for our international partners around the world who stand with us in solidarity as we struggle through this crisis together. Our Mission Development team has been busy at work in the past weeks checking in with our international partners and Virginia Baptist missions volunteers on the field.

How a Coaching Conversation Can Assist During the COVID-19 Crisis and Beyond
by Ken Kessler

What an unusual time in which we are living! Many of our churches and leaders are finding unique ways to respond to ministry opportunities. Others are overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty with financial and health concerns. Many of our leaders are seeking whatever resources they can find to survive during this challenge. We are encouraging leaders to seek crisis counselors and financial assistance from bankers. Many are looking for consultants and experts who will help them find the answers to what is next.

Online Panel Discussion: "What About VBS in a Summer of Social Distancing?"
Monday, April 20, 2020 - 9:30 a.m. EDT

Join us as we hear from a panel of children's ministry experts about what Vacation Bible School could look like this summer in your chu rch and community, led by Kim Eskridge, BGAV Minister in Residence for Children's Ministry and Pastor for Children at First Baptist Church of Alexandria, VA .

Learn about new resources available from several publishers to help you navigate this important annual opportunity for your church while respecting CDC and health department guidelines for social distancing.

Registration will be open on our children's ministry resource page as soon as it's available, and will also be included in Thursday's issue of Advance Notice .
Other Upcoming Events of Interest

offered by GuideStone Financial Resources
April 16, 2020
4:00 p.m. EDT

offered by Fresh Expressions US
Session 1: April 16, 2020 - 1:00 p.m. EDT
Session 2: April 23, 2020 - 1:00 p.m. EDT
Session 3: April 30, 2020 - 1:00 p.m. EDT
Cost: $49 per session or $99 for the entire series
Creative Waiting
by Dan Bagby, retired Ted Adams Professor of Pastoral Care, BTSR, Richmond, VA

Waiting is hard.

They waited—in fear and anxiety, behind locked doors.

They heard rumors of good news, but they huddled together—fearing for their lives (John 20: 19-23).

The day after, more than one report of his being alive was shared; these disciples of three years wondered what to believe. They were torn between hope and anxiety. Do we, today, know how they felt?

Baptist General Association of Virginia
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