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Dear CIU Community,

I am weeping and praying for our nation. Evangelical Unity is a core value for us; I call on the united church of Jesus Christ to follow His commands to love one another. We must be the body of Christ on this earth and stand with our African-American brothers and sisters! They need it right now! Be there, and be their defenders! Enough is enough!

The situation across the nation has exploded with the horrible treatment of George Floyd. I speak on the Authority of Scripture, another core value for CIU, that it is wrong in every way! We cannot treat human beings as this person was treated.

The only thing that will bond our hearts together in America is the love of Jesus Christ. The only answer to racism is a transformed heart by Jesus Christ. Please Lord, bring revival. CIU community, you are at the forefront of this charge. Follow the Lord; take up this call!

My heart is breaking over��riots that are taking lives and ruining livelihoods. Martin Luther King said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” CIU community, share the light of Christ! Seek the transformation of hearts and minds through the love of Christ!

To the African-American members of our CIU community: we are grieving with you and seeking with you to find consolation and reconciliation. We love you. We support you. You are the image of Christ. We are not complete without you.

CIU Community, we need to be in prayer for the family and friends of George Floyd, for hurting communities, and for the leadership of our country and our law enforcement agencies. Pray for comfort, peace and righteousness.

May the love of Jesus go with us.

Amen,

Mark Smith

President