Family and Beloved, we are at a crossroads as a people and nation.  The recent electoral outcome has our country poised to turn dramatically in directions that raise the specter of something dangerous and destructive.  What this means for our nation, particularly our community, has yet to be determined. What we must not do is invest any more time mourning the loss of the preferred candidate or wishing for another outcome. We cannot allow the fear of what “might” happen to paralyze us in anticipation of the worst.  Let us not barrage the Father with prayers asking, “Why Lord?” Here is what we must do: Consolidate our power and focus on the true well-being, welfare, and strength of our churches and our communities.  We need honest dialog about real solutions to the problems that plague our communities.  We must study the plans of those opposed to our existence and mount effective and unified offensives to build ourselves, reduce crime, and increase employment and other opportunities for the young and not-so-young in our communities. We cannot afford to sink into a blaming strategy about who did or didn’t do whatever, resulting in the outcome. 79% of African American Men voted for Vice President Kamala Harris, while 89% of African American Women supported Vice President Kamala Harris.  The election was not lost because Black voters failed.  The election results lay squarely at the feet of other demographics in our nation.  Many reasons are being cited for the voting outcomes. Among them are the War in the Middle East and the Biden Administration's support for what many are calling an “Ethnic Cleansing” of Gaza. The economy, inflation, and the high costs of food and other essentials have also been identified as reasons for the outcomes.  Regardless of the reasons, our outcome has inspired fear among some nationwide. I write this to encourage and remind us that we are a people of FAITH!  Faith does not shrink away in the face of challenges and trouble. No, in fact, faith rises to meet them and overcome the spirit of fear that might overwhelm some. In this Open Letter To The Members of GABKY, I encourage churches to partner where necessary to increase their ability to serve our communities through educational programming, access to services and training opportunities, and so much more. I challenge pastors and leaders to attend the Pastor’s and Leaders Conference in February and engage in the learning and equipping opportunities that the Moderator’s Cabinet is planning. Remember, we are Better and Stronger Together. Allow me to share these two passages of scripture with you. 2 Timothy 1:7  7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  (King James Version) Ecclesiastes 4:12  12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (New Living Translation)     Rev. Dr. Michael D. Rice, Moderator General Association of Baptists in Kentucky (GABKY) If you'd like to download the letter, please feel free

The 159th Annual Session was a rousing success. Dr. F. Bernard Mitchell was inspiring and preached to The Glory of God. Our Moderator, Rev. Dr. Micheal Rice, delivered one of the most impactful and dynamic Moderator's addresses offered to date. His recommendation to form a Social and Political Action team for the Association was met with great approval and was overwhelmingly adopted by the Association Messengers. All Bills Were Paid! The Association is on a great trajectory and is growing. Still, churches that were unable to attend the Annual Session can register support for the association's direction and the expansion of the Pastors' and Leaders' Conference. Help the Association with your Post 159th Annual Association Church Registration. Register your church's support: https://www.gabky.com/post-annual-session-registration Register For The 2025 Pastors & Leaders Conference

Each during the General Association's Annual Session Dr. Michael Rice honors a servant of God who has labored in the Association. 159th Annual Session of the General Association of Baptists in KY Moderator's Choice award recipient is Sis. Roszalyn Akin.