ABHMS Expresses Gratitude to Rev. Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III for Extended Service

VALLEY FORGE, PA (7/2/20)—The daily workweek devotional from American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) “Word and Witness” has been written by Executive Director Emeritus the Rev. Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III since its inception in 2014. Wright-Riggins continued writing the digital devotional, which launched ABHMS’ Passionary emphasis, following his 2015 retirement.

Now, as Wright-Riggins has decided the time has come to end this volunteer service, ABHMS extends gratitude to the former executive director for his vision and labor.

“We give thanks for Aidsand’s long and faithful service,” says Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, ABHMS executive director. “His faithfulness writing this daily meditation has been amazing and unparalleled.”

Wright-Riggins penned more than 1,500 daily reflections—based on the Revised Common Lectionary—that nurtured the daily walk with Jesus of 1,300 subscribers yearning for justice and grace.

“Word and Witness” encourages subscribers to live a Christian life focused on incarnating God’s kingdom on earth through a commitment to “The Passionary Intention”: “Today, I choose to live my life with passion. Today, I intend to follow Christ more nearly, love more dearly and incarnate God’s grace more clearly by asking myself three questions:

Where will I follow Christ today?
To whom shall I demonstrate Jesus’ love and justice today?
How can I play my part in practicing the presence of Christ right here, right now?”

Wright-Riggins’ last “Word and Witness” will be sent July 3, 2020. ABHMS will continue distributing the devotional following the usual weekend break.

To subscribe to the devotion, email ABHMS’ Communications department at communications@abhms.org.

American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.