Sunday Highlight: January 22, 2023

Today, in our prayer time let’s head to the middle of America — to St. Louis, Missouri. That’s where our missionaries, Michael and Traci Byrd, have planted a new church and we want to pray for them. Remember that our church is a partner in that new church because we give through the Cooperative Program.

Michael and Traci grew up in North St. Louis. Once they got out, they never thought about going back — not until God called them back to plant a church, that is. They planted Faith Community Bible Church in the Jennings area, where poverty and high crime rates grind away at life. Michael established a “meet local needs” approach to evangelism and ministry. That means they share the Gospel as they provide food, clothing or job training.

Traci brings women into their home to teach them how to cook. She doesn’t teach the fancy dishes like on the cooking shows. Rather, she shows women how to whip up inexpensive meals from low-cost, basic foods — and stretch household budgets until they squeak.

They go shopping with members — and disciple. They teach budget skills — and evangelize. They weave the Gospel into every corner of community life possible. Michael and Traci say many people around them feel abandoned and uncared for. They mean for their church to replace those feelings with certainty they are loved by God and important in His sight. Let’s ask God to bless the church and magnify its impact for miles around North St. Louis.