On this pivotal Election Day, we invite you to join the Rev. Dr. TaNikka Sheppard, the Regional Executive Minister of the Cleveland Baptist Association in a heartfelt prayer for our community, our leaders, and our nation. In this moment of decision-making, let us come together in faith and unity, remembering the power of prayer to inspire hope and foster peace.
As we navigate the complexities of our democracy, it is crucial to remember that our collective action must extend beyond today and this season. Regardless of the outcomes, let us not lose hope. Together, we can create a future grounded in faith, love, compassion, and grace.
Join us in prayer, and let us lift our voices together for love, equity, and justice. Stay connected with CBA by visiting www.cbacleveland.org.
#vote #cbacleveland #liveleadinspire #praytoday
"Saturday marked a tremendous milestone in my spiritual and professional journey as I was officially installed as the Regional Executive Minister of the Cleveland Baptist Association (CBA). I am deeply humbled and profoundly grateful for the incredible support and presence of so many family members, friends, clergy, laypersons, as well as the national and global representatives who joined us on this momentous occasion.
Your blessings, generous gifts, and unwavering partnership have touched my soul and continue to inspire me. Thank you for taking the time, sharing your prayers and words of encouragement, and for your commitment to our shared mission.
As we move forward together, I look forward to collaborating to build the Kingdom, strengthen our churches, and positively transform our communities.
Together, we can create a brighter future filled with hope and God’s love. With the greatest appreciation and anticipation, I am excited about the journey ahead!" - Rev. Dr. TaNikka Sheppard
#cbacleveland #ClevelandBaptistAssociation #FaithInAction #BuildingTheKingdom #CommunityImpact #TogetherInMinistry, #GodsWork
What a great Lott Carey Annual Session! Congratulations, Madame President, Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart on your phenomenal leadership and on achieving “millions for missions”. Your faith to envision what many said was impossible is reminder that “With God all things are possible.” You also sparked the imagination of so many and invited us to be a part of something AMAZING that we could never do alone. You truly are a testament of hope, determination, wisdom, and faith. Thank you!🙌🏽
Special prayers and blessings to Rev. Jesse Williams on your ascension as Lott Carey’s new President.🙏🏽
Congratulations also to Rev. Emmett Dunn, Rev. Dr. Amanda Haines and ALL of Lott Carey’s staff, to ALL of the mission partners, to ALL of the volunteers, as well as to ALL of the outgoing and incoming leaders on this great conference and your great Kingdom service.
A special shout to Rev. Dr. Angelita Clifton on your awesome years of leadership of WISE! So many of us are better because of you.💕
Last, but not least CONGRATULATIONS to Min. Brenda Troy on becoming the second VP of WISE. I am excited for what God will do through you in the years to come.❤️🙏🏽
#Sheroes
#heroes
#LottCarey
#millionsformissions
#gracetravelsagain
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP!
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the Baptist World Alliance Annual Gathering is the opportunity I have to serve as the co-chair of the Commission on Transformational Leadership and to lead our commission sessions.
This year we provided information and seminars on various ways to operate as transformational leaders during times of conflict and change. These opportunities to teach and train other leaders are always very rewarding.
Special shouts to all of our commission members. I especially want to thank Rev. Allison Benfield for helping to coordinate and facilitate our sessions, and to our commission chair Dr. AK Lama, for his great paper and presentation, as well as to Dr. Michael P. Friday for his presentation and to Rev. Boola Alabi for his leadership and service through the event.
Thank you to the BWA staff, leadership, and volunteers for their coordination and tech support.
Last but not least, I extend my great appreciation to all who joined us in person and online. You made it a phenomenal experience!!! And YES, you will receive the materials as promised.
Thank you Rev. Patricia Hernandez for the great pics!🙏🏽
#bwaannualgathering2024
#bwacommission
#transformationalleadership
#liveleadinspire
#gracetravelsagain
#lifechanging
🌍I’m finally in Africa!!! I’m truly grateful for this opportunity to learn and share in Lagos, Nigeria with the global Baptist family during this 2024 BWA Annual Gathering.
I was blessed with a smooth flight and great hospitality from the Nigerian Baptist that guided us smoothly once we touched the ground.
One of the greatest experiences that I had in the first 24 hours was worshipping at the Ikoyi Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Segun Adeleke and this wonderful congregation. What an awesome worship experience and what a privilege to bring greetings!🙌🏽🎶⛪️ I do feel a little bad about my shaky camera, but I was so overwhelmed seeing people worship and praise God through singing and dancing with so much joy and passion.🙌🏽
I wish I would’ve known to grab one of the shekeres that are sitting on the steps for people to play and participate in the service. However, I’ll know for next time.
I’m praying the days to come will be just as awesome as the first 24 hours!🙏🏽
#bwaannualgathering2024
#nabfellowship
#liveleadinspire
#gracetravelsagain
#lifechanging
Hiking Humility🥾…
The Cleveland Hiking Club has at least 15 types of hikes happening everyday throughout the day. Today when I finally made it to one of the “rigorous” early morning 5-mile hikes in Westlake I was a little surprised that EVERYONE was so much older than me.
I wondered if I had read the hike description wrong because this didn’t seem like the “rigorous” group. However, they were so kind and welcoming. So I stayed. One of the ladies even offered her extra hiking stick and I said, “yes” so I wouldn’t hurt her feelings.
I could tell everyone was looking at me in a strange way. Initially, I thought it was because I was much younger and the only African-American…
Well once we started out reality came crashing down. These are pros!!! I consider myself to be in pretty good shape, but by 100 meters in I was getting dusted! My goodness! It seemed like I was jogging while they were casually strolling, chatting, and taking pictures. They knew I was a novice just by looking at me!!! 😞
I praise God that one of the older women slowed down to encourage me and give me some tips along the way. The hiking stick saved me several times and kept me from falling in the water twice. The beauty of the morning (and not knowing where we were going) kept me from getting back in my car. 😫🌳🦌
LESSON: l’ve spent most of my life telling older people not to underestimate the capabilities of younger people. Well today I learned my own lesson. NEVER again will I underestimate ANYONE based on their age or appearance, especially my elders.
Also… I’m getting my own sticks and can’t wait for next hike.🙌🏽
#hikinghumility
#ilovetohike
#greatoutdoors
#liveleadinspire
