This past November 11–12, the 202nd annual meeting of the Alabama Baptist State Convention was held at Whitesburg Baptist Church in Huntsville.
Centered on the word of 2 Corinthians 5:14, the entire time was filled with grace under the theme “COMPELLED.”
Specifically, on Tuesday evening, there was a 'Sending Celebration' time. It was a time to bless and send out church planters, new associational mission strategists, disaster relief volunteers, and students who have completed mission training.
It was a gracious time of praying together for the pastors and missionaries who are newly planting churches and beginning their ministry journey.
As a church planter, I had the opportunity to introduce our church, “The Blessing Church.” I asked for prayer that we, being called as Christ's ambassadors by His compelling love, would preach the gospel with the power of the Holy Spirit—just like the early church—and serve the Koreans, immigrants, and unbelievers in the Huntsville and Madison area.
“ The Blessing Church is compelled by the love of Christ
to be His ambassadors in Huntsville and Madison!”
After the service, many pastors approached me and showed interest in our church. I was unaware that these pastors had such a keen interest in Korean people and the ministry of the Korean church. Although we were meeting for the first time, I felt a sense of closeness and warm brotherhood as one family in Christ. Through this encounter, I deeply felt the beauty of a church community united in the gospel.
It was a time of deeper realization that our ministry flows not from a sense of duty or responsibility, but from a passion of obedience captured by the love of Christ. The love of Christ compels us, commissions us, and sends us into the world.
This Alabama State Convention meeting was a place of spiritual renewal, re-establishing churches throughout Alabama as ambassadors of the gospel. I believe that God will continue to use His people for the new work of the gospel to renew Alabama.
Called as “ambassadors for Christ,” we must carry the light of the gospel beyond the walls of the church and into the world. I hope that our church will continue to be built up to fulfill that mission. I pray that our church will stand as a church that shines the light of the gospel in the Huntsville and Madison area, a church living captivated by God's love. And I hope that all churches in this land will once again be seized by the compelling love of Christ and go forth into the world.
“For the love of Christ compels us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14)
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I hope that our dedication and ministry stem solely from the work of grace, where the love of Christ moves us. I believe this love will keep our gospel footsteps advancing toward our families, our church, and all the souls in Huntsville and Madison.
11.13.2025
Dr. Jaeyun Lee
