In the wake of current events across the world, people constantly call for change, with different groups pushing their agendas based on their beliefs, desires and needs.

But as a human race, and speaking from a uniform perspective, some spiritual leaders would say the primary problem is godlessness and a lack of God in society.

Smyrna Free Will Baptist Church in Blounts Creek is hosting a “Change the World” rally on Sunday to not only identify some issues related to current events, but also give some solutions to the problems.

In a world full of hate and division amongst people across the globe, spiritual leadership is needed to try to turn things around. The Bible says, “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”

Smyrna Pastor Joel Cannon is stepping up to the plate and calling the community to come together to spearhead a mission to change, right here in Beaufort County. Cannon said, “Every earthquake has its epicenter, so why not here?; why not us?; why not now?”

This kind of spiritual leadership is essential in today’s culture and world. Some of the acts carried out by terrorists and others, as well as some of the recent laws passed in the United States are a result of nothing more than godlessness, according to Cannon.

Consider the late Rev. Dr. James A. Moore Jr., who was the longest tenured pastor in the history of First Baptist Church. His service to the church lasted 22 years. In that time, Moore became the community’s pastor, according to his close friends and fellow church members.

Moore started so many missions’ ministries that stretched from within the Beaufort County community to as far as Swaziland, which was a deep passion of Moore’s. Under his leadership, the church expanded missions, commissioning youth involvement, as well as participation among adult members of the church.

The church has ministered to the people of Swaziland for two decades and the ministry is still going strong.

There are good things going on in the community, led by other spiritual leaders —not just Cannon’s efforts and Moore’s legacy. Ministers, laypeople and others in the community work to make things better all the time.

In the world today, with so many hateful, senseless acts of violence; with all forms of division, fear and a lack of respect for others, a simple solution of bringing the world back to godliness, love, morality and compassion from its current secular worldview is vital to changing the direction the world is moving.

This change can only come from solid, spiritual leadership, and it can start right here, right now. Why not?