We pray for Asian American and Pacific Islander persons, families, communities and businesses that have been targeted and mistreated over the past year because of inflammatory and xenophobic rhetoric. We particularly lift the families of the victims of the senseless violence in Atlanta yesterday. As followers of Jesus, we are committed to inclusion and belonging, liberation and justice for people of all races, national origins and ethnicities.
Margaret Blevins, Barboursville, Va., as she has been admitted into hospice care. Prior to her retirement Margaret served as a hospital chaplain and was an active member of congregational partner Oakhurst Baptist Church, Decatur, Ga.
Dennis Darak, Milford, Conn., Lisa Darak-Druck’s father, as he begins palliative care at home for lung disease. Lisa is a former board member living in Portland, Maine, and serving in various lay leadership roles for congregational partner Williston-Immanuel United Church in Portland.
The family of Cynthia L. Gayken Deaton, New Braunfels, Tex., mother of Taryn Deaton, Alliance supporter and member of congregational partner Ravensworth Baptist Church, Annandale, Va., who died on March 8.
Ntakarutimana Frederick, Gitega, Burundi, father of Ildephonse Souglas Niyokindi, who died on March 8. Ildephonse is a country representative for Burundi for the Pan African Peace Network (PAPNET) and engages in conflict transformation work.
Philip Kangululu and Crossing Lines Africa as its Unbreakable Love safe house for LGBTQ youth was recently burned down. No one was seriously hurt, but some are recovering from wounds and being treated for issues related to smoke inhalation/asphyxiation. The Unbreakable Love Group is founded and directed by Julie Collines Matovu, a transgender woman and refugee currently living in Kenya. Unbreakable Love is a Member Group of the Africa Alliance for LGBT Inclusion, a ministry started by Philip under Crossing Lines Africa, an Alliance Active Hope Partner.
The family of Luís Perez Martinto, Matanzas, Cuba, whose death has been a shock to the First Baptist Church of Matanzas community. Luis was a linguist professor and served as a translator for many of the visitors from the U.S. to Cuba.
The family of Pedro Mejias, Piedrecitas, Cuba, at the loss of two brothers this week. Pedro is a leader in Iglesía Bautista “Clara Rodés,” a member church in Alliance of Baptist Mutual Partner the Fraternity of Baptist Churches of Cuba.
The people of Myanmar whose nation is in a state of emergency enforced by a military coup that seized control on Feb. 1 and arrested the country’s elected leader and members of her party. All ethnic and religious minorities—including Baptists—as well as all actors of conscience and conviction are in grave danger.
One Baptist leader writes: “We have been down on our knees praying for Myanmar continuously and appreciate the prayers of all our brothers and sisters around the world. Our people have lived under military dictatorship for more than 60 years and the thought of our children and grandchildren having to go through this life cycle again is a dreadful thought. We have no guns but a God that protects us. Even though we walk through the darkest valley, we will fear no evil.”
We pray for the power and presence of God to comfort and empower all who are working to secure liberation for the beleaguered people and nation. We pray for pastors and church leaders as they minister during the conflict, for an end to violence, for a political process that leads to peace, and for hope in the midst of ongoing turmoil.
Lamarr Scruggs, Chicago, Ill, during his six-week rehab process after undergoing successful hand surgery. Lamarr is a member of the leadership team of congregational partner Ellis Avenue Church, Chicago.
Brian Terry, Dayton, Ohio, who has been diagnosed with a form of lymphoma. Brian is a member of congregational partner Harmony Creek Church in Dayton and has assisted multiple times with annual gathering arrangements.
The family of Victor Tupitza, Burke, Va., member of congregational partner Calvary Baptist Church, Washington, DC, and Alliance supporter who died Feb. 15 at his home in Burke, Va.