Jesus told his disciples, “In this world you will have trouble,” (John 16:33). Those followers experienced the reality of his words: the crucifixion of Jesus, persecution in the early church, even martyrdom for some. However, despite the “trouble,” the Church flourished and grew.
When writing to the church in Thessalonica, Paul remembers how they “welcomed the message [of the gospel] in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit,” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Again, in spite of “trouble,” the Church flourished and grew.
“Resiliency is deeply spiritual. It grows through prayer and trust in God’s presence and power.”
Alan Robinson
In every generation since, the Church has been shaped by both trouble and triumph. In fact, triumph is often the fruit of patiently enduring hardship, adapting with wisdom to the changing context, and relying fully on God and his strength to live with faith and hope. These characteristics produce resiliency, in both individuals and congregations.
Resiliency in the face of adversity is not new to God’s people; it has been a hallmark of faithful discipleship through the centuries. Resiliency is deeply spiritual. It grows through prayer and trust in God’s presence and power. It absorbs disappointments, setbacks, and opposition. It is strengthened in a community of like-minded brothers and sisters and is motivated by a deep commitment to the mission of God in the world. It is comforted and inspired by recalling that Jesus not only said, “In this world you will have trouble,” but continued, saying, “take heart! I have overcome the world.”
The stories in this Annual Report feature resilient individuals and congregations that have endured hardship and trouble but, through God’s help, have overcome. We pray their stories encourage you in your own adversity.
May we all follow Jesus with patience, wisdom, courage, faith, hope, and love, no matter what challenge may arise.
Blessings in Christ,
Alan Robinson
BIC U.S. National Director
Stories featured in the 2025 Annual Report
- Back to Life – Envisioning Church Growth Beyond Numbers
- Reflecting Mutual Identities – The Thriving Congregations Initiative’s Impact after Two Years
- Where Hope Takes Root – Living Between Fear and Faith in the Middle East
- “I Choose to Follow Jesus” – The Fruit of Compassion
Alan Robinson is national director of the Brethren in Christ U.S. Formerly senior pastor of Carlisle (PA) BIC, Alan lives in Dillsburg, PA, with his wife, Sharon. They have two adult daughters and five grandchildren.
