A powerful evening of worship, preaching, and music brought the St. Louis community together on July 11, 2025, to help neighbors in need. God’s Truth Is Marching On—A Community Celebration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ filled Central Baptist Church with voices lifted in praise and hearts moved to give, raising $11,928 toward a $25,000 goal to assist victims of the recent tornado.
PC: Hugh Davis
The event was organized by the Conscience and Justice Council (CJC), a ministry dedicated to supporting individuals who cannot worship according to the dictates of their conscience, especially those who are persecuted for their faith, and promoting the biblical foundation for social justice. In partnership with The Charles and Etta Dudley Foundation, the program aimed to merge faith and action, bringing together the church and the community to meet a pressing local need.
Worship with a Purpose
Dynamic preacher Dr. Carlton P. Byrd, Southwest Region Conference president and Senior pastor at The Dallas Project, delivered a soul-stirring message centered on the good news of Jesus Christ, urging believers to live out their faith in tangible ways. “For God’s truth to march on,” he declared, “we must have active compassion.” His sermon called the audience to meet both the spiritual and physical needs of those around them, linking gospel truth with practical service.
PC: Hugh Davis
The Community Gospel Choir of St. Louis added their ministry to the evening, filling the sanctuary with soulful harmonies that inspired worshippers to clap, sing, and reflect on God’s promises. The multicultural and multiracial choir was formed in response to the racial divide that emerged after the Ferguson tragedy involving Mike Brown. Their performance brought a spirit of unity to the gathering.
PC: Hugh Davis
Spirit of Generosity
For many in attendance, the evening was not only inspiring but deeply moving in its demonstration of compassion.Pastor Trevor Barnes, of the Northside Seventh-day Adventist Church, serves as the area leader for the Central States Conference St. Louis Area Ministers (SLAM) reflected on the turnout and generosity:
I’m really excited about the turnout—specifically because one of the pushes for tonight was to raise funds for the tornado victims, and I think that we had a really good crowd that came out. When the offering happened, we saw individuals donating $500, $1,000, $50, $100. I’m really grateful because the need is so great, and I was elated to see the spirit of giving in the room. It was phenomenal to see generosity from people all across the North American Division, perhaps even the world, who are here together. The word was great—powerful preaching tonight. Pastor Byrd really delivered an inspiring, Holy Ghost-filled message. Another highlight was a very powerful, succinct presentation about Christian nationalism from Liberty Magazine. It was really great.
PC: Hugh Davis
That spirit of giving and unity was echoed by Dr. Denise Johnson, who was serving as the Family Life leader for the Central States Conference at the time. She was struck by the contrast between the tornado’s devastation and the revitalizing atmosphere of the service:
That Friday several weeks ago was so devastating, but this past Friday was revitalizing as so many from all over the U.S. and beyond came to financially support the most vulnerable of the May 14 St. Louis tornado victims. Seeing members pause from the business of the Seventh-day Adventist world church to support those still living in tents and families scattered gave me a sense of pride in my church family. My takeaway message from Pastor Carlton Byrd’s powerful message was that for God’s truth to march on, we have to have active compassion. Another highlight was the soulful music of the St. Louis Community Gospel Choir. It is a multicultural/racial choir formed in response to the racial divide that became evident in St. Louis after the Mike Brown Ferguson tragedy.
Meeting a Great Need
The May 14 tornado left destruction in its wake, displacing families, damaging homes, and leaving some still without permanent shelter. In response, the organizers dedicated all proceeds from the event to help those directly affected.
As of mid August $11,928 has been raised, but the goal is to collect $25,000 to make a greater impact in rebuilding lives. Distribution of the funds will be managed through partnerships with the Central States Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and the St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition. These organizations will work together to ensure donations reach those most in need.
Organizers expressed gratitude for the progress so far but emphasized that more support is needed. They encouraged ongoing giving to help meet the full fundraising goal.
PC: Hugh Davis
How to Give
Donations can be made online by visiting central-states.org/giving/ and placing “CJC” in the memo line. For those using Adventist Giving, contributions can be directed to “CJC” under Local Offerings. Every gift, no matter the size, will go directly to supporting tornado victims in St. Louis.
More Than a Fundraiser
While the immediate focus was tornado relief, the event also reflected the ongoing mission of the Conscience and Justice Council: defending religious liberty and supporting those persecuted for their beliefs. By linking this mission to local compassion, God’s Truth Is Marching On became both a celebration of the gospel and a demonstration of its practical application.
The Charles and Etta Dudley Foundation’s involvement further strengthened the program’s reach. Known for supporting ministry and charitable projects, the foundation has a history of uplifting underserved communities and fostering partnerships that make a lasting impact.
PC: Hugh Davis
Faith in Action
From the pulpit to the choir loft to the offering plate, the night showed that faith is most powerful when it is active. Pastor Byrd’s challenge to live out the gospel found immediate expression in the generosity of attendees, many of whom gave sacrificially. The choir’s music reminded the congregation that unity and healing are possible, even in the wake of division and disaster.
The $11,928 collected so far is a strong beginning. With continued giving, the $25,000 goal is within reach. Organizers invite anyone unable to attend the event to contribute online or through Adventist Giving, knowing that each donation helps provide shelter, resources, and hope to those still recovering from the tornado’s devastation.
PC: Hugh Davis
