Michael’s Blog | September 2025
Hey Forever Young Family and Friends,
This year, we have been learning about the importance of prayer. In Matthew 6:6, Jesus says, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” God wants to spend time with us. Prayer helps us talk to Him and become closer to Him.
Prayer is not about showing off or being in front of others. Sometimes, we pray together as a group, and that is good too, especially when we pray for things we all need. But Jesus also wants us to pray by ourselves, in private. When we pray alone, we can talk to God about anything. He listens and helps us without anyone else knowing. When God answers our private prayers, we know it was Him who helped us. It is special to see God work in our lives! For example, every year before Christmas, our family would talk about what gifts we wanted. If someone paid close attention, they could guess what gifts they would get. But when we pray in secret, only God knows what we asked for, and only He can answer.
Whatever you are worried about or need help with, talk to God in your own quiet time. Watch for how He answers your prayers!
FY Fall Retreat to Bonclarken – Mark your calendars for October 20 – 23! Our Fall Retreat will be a wonderful time of fellowship, relaxation, and Bible study. I’m excited about this year’s retreat and hope you are too. Rev. Tom Capps from the Three Rivers Baptist Association in Greenville will be our speaker. Tom is an excellent communicator, and you’ll be blessed by his emphasis: “Encore…Living for the Exclamation Point!” Rev. Rodney Graham, Senior Adult Pastor at Brushy Creek Baptist in Easley, will lead our music. We’ll also enjoy a concert from a local Hendersonville singing group (details to come). This retreat is always a highlight, and I hope you’ll join us. Sign up today here!
Our ministry opportunities – Forever Young Adventures, Forever Young Grows, Forever Young Involved, and Forever Young Serves — will continue to help us build friendships and live as the church in our community. Stay connected through the Forever Young Connection newsletter, the Church Center App, email (mkinard@concordbaptist.com), OneCall, and our Facebook group.
In Christ’s love and with our love,
Rev. Michael and Lori Kinard (and Michaela)