In celebration of Black History Month, we wanted to hear from a few individuals about their perspective on what the celebration of this month means to them.
Precent Kaposhi is a member of McKernan Baptist Church in Edmonton, Alberta:
As a Christian African from Zambia who has been living in Canada for the past thirteen years, Black History Month holds a deeply personal meaning for me. Living in the diaspora has given me a broader understanding of Black history—one that connects the African continent to the lived experiences of Black communities around the world. It reminds me that our story did not begin with oppression, but with God-given identity, rich cultures, and resilient people. From Africa to the Caribbean to North America, I see how faith has carried Black people through hardship, offering hope, strength, and a sense of belonging even in unfamiliar lands.
Black History Month also calls me, as a Christian, to reflect on justice, love, and unity in a multicultural society like Canada. It challenges me to honor those who paved the way for civil rights and dignity, while recognizing my own responsibility to live out Christ’s teachings in how I love, serve, and speak up for others. As someone who has built a life far from home, this month reminds me that my faith anchors me, my history grounds me, and my presence here is part of a larger story of perseverance, contribution, and hope that continues to unfold.
Darrion Goley is a high school senior and a member of Grace Community Church in Detroit, Michigan:
Black History Month invites reflection, not only on where we have been but on how we are living today. As a young African American man, I find myself asking: “Are we honoring the sacrifices of those who came before us by how we love one another now? Are we striving as followers of Christ to live in harmony with one another as members of one human family created in the image of God?”
These questions draw me to Philippians 2:2, where Scripture calls us to be “like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” I think about the future and my hope that the children I may one day raise would learn to bear with one another in love, to extend grace freely, and to reflect Christ in how they treat others. God’s desire for his Church is clear: that his children would love one another, not in word only but also in action and truth.
Black History Month is not only a time to remember the past but an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the work of unity. It is a moment to listen, to learn, and to walk together in humility and love. As followers of Christ, may we continue to walk toward the table of brotherhood Dr. Martin Luther King talked about, grateful for the past, faithful in the present, and hopeful for the future God is still writing.
Happy Black History Month!
Philippians 2:5–11 is one of the oldest pieces of poetry written specifically for the Christian Church. It speaks of Jesus’s divinity, but rather than simply framing it through the lens of his kingship over all creation, it paints a picture of the Son of God as a humble servant – a servant king.
This poem isn’t just important for our Christology – how we understand the person, nature, and role of Jesus – it’s important for how we live our day-to-day lives. After all, Paul reminds us that this servanthood of Jesus is the exact same attitude we should have in our interactions with others and how we engage with the world around us, shaping what kinds of people we are to be.
Over the seven weeks of Lent, February 18 through April 4, join the entire North American Baptist Conference as we look at the seven verses of Philippians 2:5–11, reflecting on and praying over each in turn as we prepare our hearts for Good Friday and the celebration of Easter Sunday.
Looking for resources for your church or Bible study to walk through these devotionals together, including the first three weeks of devotionals for you to share with your people? We’ve got you covered. Just follow the link below, or reach out to communications@nabconf.org if you have a specific request.
Bonfire 2026 registration is open! This year, Bonfire will be taking place in Medina, Ohio, May 5–8, 2026.
This year, we are streamlining this event in a way we hope reflects this purpose. There will be two main evening sessions for the entire group, including dinner, fellowship, worship, and a unified speaker. During the days, each attendee will join their specific group gathering, or Ministry Track – Multipliers Summit, MAT, Missional Initiatives alum, etc. – to engage with each other.
Over the next couple of weeks, we wanted to highlight the speakers for the various groups. Last week, we shared the speakers for Multipliers Summit; this week, we are happy to share that Alan Roxburgh will be the speaker for the Missional Alumni track.
Additionally, if you a Missional Initiatives alum, you should have received an email earlier this week with a discount code for Bonfire. If you are a Missional Initiatives alum (Blue Ocean, Ethos, etc.) and did not receive that email, you can reach out to Deb Judas for more information.
It is our hope that Bonfire 2026 will serve you, equip you, and encourage you in ways both specific to your individual group but also in broad ways as a vital member of our conference of churches.
There was an error in last week’s email regarding the link for logging onto your account. We apologize for the confusion and have corrected the error below.
The NAB is continuing our attempts to be good stewards of God’s resources by going paperless in our receipting. Unless you specifically request it, if you have opted to receive an annual receipt or one receipt for every gift you make to the NAB, you will now receive your receipt only electronically. You can log on to your account at the NAB website (Canada or US) to verify your email address and other information are up to date, as well as see your personal giving history.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at communications@nabconf.org.