In the 1890s, Ida B. Wells started a newspaper in Memphis, Tennessee. In doing so, she risked her life trying to stop the lynching of African Americans. After writing one editorial against the evil, some racist men burned down her printing shop and demanded she get out of town. She moved to New York and later to Chicago where she continued her crusade until she died. Long ago, another passionate follower of Christ risked his life in a different way. Epaphroditus carried life-sustaining funds from his home church in Philippi to the Apostle Paul imprisoned in Rome. In doing so, he risked his life, even though we don’t know if he took ill on the way or after he arrived. In thanking the church, Paul urged the members to honor Epathroditus for risking his life on their behalf and on behalf of Christ. Paul wrote in Philippians Chapter 2. “He risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn’t do from far away.” In every age, followers of Christ take risks to promote His Kingdom. Those who do can expect to receive rich rewards from our Lord.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
Photo Credit: Harvard Art Museums
