Berea Update for April 10, 2026
These past couple of weeks have not been easy. Even after the joy of Easter, many of us are still carrying questions, concerns, and a sense of uncertainty about where things stand and what comes next. And that can feel heavy. But one of the quiet gifts of resurrection is this reminder: the risen Christ does not step away from His people once the moment has passed—He stays with us. He walks with us in the days that follow, in the conversations, in the waiting, and even in the things we don’t yet understand. We are not navigating this season alone. Our Shepherd is present, and He is faithful to lead.
That is why we must continue in prayer. Not as a last resort, but as our first and steady response. Prayer is how we stay near to the Lord and near to one another. It is where our hearts are softened, where our perspective is realigned, and where we are reminded that God is still at work—even when we cannot yet see the outcome. In moments like this, it’s easy to grow weary or distracted. But this is an invitation to draw closer, to remain faithful, and to keep seeking Him together. This week’s devotional below is simply meant to help guide us in that direction. Day by day, I want to encourage you to keep coming before the Lord—honestly, humbly, and consistently. And as you do, trust that He is meeting us here. He is working in ways we cannot yet see, and He will be faithful to lead His church forward.
You are loved, and I am praying for you.
Upcoming Events
1. This Sunday, we have two guest speakers! During Sunday School we'll have a combined class (3rd Grade through adults) in the Family Life Center. Nursery through 2nd grade classes will remain the same and meet in their normal rooms. During Sunday School, we'll be hearing from Alex Nsengimana , who grew up in Rwanda and received an Operation Christmas Child box as a child. He'll be sharing his testimony as a part of the Sunday School hour. Then, during the morning worship service, we'll be joined by Dr. Mark Smith from Cedarville University, who will be preaching a message called, "Flawed Disciples, Faithful Lord" from Mark 6.
2. I know that at the conclusion of our last business meeting, there were still questions and some matters that remained unresolved. Out of a desire to keep our focus fully on our risen Lord and Savior during Resurrection Sunday, the decision was made to wait before addressing these items. Now that we have had that opportunity as a church family, I want to let you know that we will be holding a church business meeting this Sunday, April 12, at 6:00 PM here at the church. During this time, updates will be provided regarding our current leadership situation and the direction of our church ministries, so that everyone is informed and unified moving forward.
3. The 2026 Operation Christmas Child Kick-Off will be held tomorrow, Saturday, April 11 at 9:00 AM here at the church in the Gathering Area. Come hear what's coming in 2026, and also we'll be joined by a real-life shoebox recipient, Alex Nsengimana, who will share his story. Snacks will also be provided! Come for a sweet time of fellowship together!
4. There will be a baby shower for Elioena Stevens tomorrow, Saturday, April 11 at 4:00 PM at 218 E. McCreight Ave in Springfield. Ladies, please plan to attend a special time of worship, fellowship, and a short devotional, along with food and refreshments. Parking is limited, but you are encouraged to park at the nearby Family Dollar or at Walgreens.
5. The AWANA year is coming to a close soon, and you are invited to attend the AWANA Awards Night on April 29, starting at 6:30 PM as we celebrate the accomplishments of our clubbers and say thank you to our faithful volunteers! Please come and encourage those who have been involved in this ministry this year!
Ways You Can Pray This Week
1. Pray for those who heard the Gospel during the week of celebration of our Lord's resurrection. Pray that the Gospel seeds may grow and bear much fruit!
***Please know that there are many individuals who need prayer this week due to health concerns and other events going on in their lives. Out of sensitivity to each individual's situation, these requests may not appear in this weekly blog. We have a "Prayer Team" at the church who receives more detailed information, and commits to praying for individuals in our church family.
This Week's Devotions
Day 1 — A Call to Continue
Colossians 4:2 (ESV): “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
Last week, we focused on the elements of prayer. This week, we focus on the endurance of prayer. Scripture calls us not just to pray—but to continue. That word carries the idea of persistence, devotion, and faithfulness over time. In difficult seasons—personally or as a church—prayer can become sporadic. Emotions fluctuate. Fatigue sets in. But this is exactly when Scripture calls us to remain steadfast. Not because we feel strong, but because God is faithful. Steadfast prayer is not about intensity in a moment—it is about consistency over time. It is choosing, again and again, to turn our hearts toward the Lord.
Reflection Question: What does steadfast prayer look like in your daily life right now?
Day 2 — Praying Together
Matthew 18:20 (ESV): “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
There is something powerful about praying together. While personal prayer is essential, Scripture also emphasizes corporate prayer. God has designed the church to seek Him not just individually, but collectively. In seasons of strain, the temptation is often to withdraw. But unity in prayer draws us closer—to God and to one another. It reminds us that we are not carrying burdens alone. When the church prays together, it aligns hearts, softens tensions, and centers everything on Christ.
Reflection Question: How can you intentionally pray with others this week?
Day 3 — Praying with Humility
2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV): “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray…”
Prayer and humility are inseparable. We do not come to God as those who have it all figured out—but as those who need Him completely. In times of conflict or uncertainty, pride can quietly take root—defensiveness, assumptions, or a desire to be right. But God calls His people first to humility. Humble prayer says, “Lord, search me. Change me. Lead me.” It invites God to work not just around us—but within us.
Reflection Question: Is there any area where pride may be hindering your prayers?
Day 4 — Praying with Unity
Ephesians 4:3 (ESV): “Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Unity is not automatic—it must be pursued. And one of the primary ways we pursue it is through prayer. It is difficult to remain divided from someone you are sincerely praying for. Prayer shifts our posture. It softens harsh attitudes, corrects assumptions, and reminds us that we are part of the same body under Christ. As a church, we don’t have to agree on everything—but we are called to be united in Christ. Prayer helps guard that unity.
Reflection Question: Is there someone you need to begin praying for, instead of struggling against?
Day 5 — Praying with Trust
Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding…”
Prayer is an act of trust. When we pray, we are acknowledging that God sees what we cannot and knows what we do not. In uncertain situations, we often want clarity before trust. But God calls us to trust Him even when the path is unclear.
This kind of prayer releases control. It says, “Lord, I don’t understand—but I trust You to lead.”
Reflection Question: Where is God asking you to trust Him, even without full understanding?
Day 6 — Praying with Hope
Romans 15:13 (ESV): “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing…”
Biblical hope is not wishful thinking—it is confident expectation rooted in God’s character. When we pray, we are not speaking into the void. We are speaking to the God of hope, who is actively working—even when we cannot see it. In hard seasons, hope can feel distant. But prayer reconnects us to it. It lifts our eyes beyond present circumstances to God’s promises. God is not finished. He is still at work.
Reflection Question: What would it look like to pray with renewed hope this week?
Day 7 — Resting in God’s Sovereignty
Psalm 46:10 (ESV): “Be still, and know that I am God.”
After all the praying, asking, seeking, and crying out—there is also a call to be still. Stillness is not passivity. It is trust-filled rest in who God is. It is the quiet confidence that He is sovereign, present, and in control. As a church and as individuals, we do what God has called us to do—we pray faithfully. But we also rest in what only God can do. He is God. And that is enough.
Reflection Question: What would it look like for you to truly rest in God’s sovereignty today?
Kids (and Kids at Heart) Korner
Families are encouraged to participate in the week-long prayer devotional above. Our kids need to see and hear us praying!
Have a great weekend! See you Sunday!
Mark