As Easter approaches, many people are beginning to talk about Lent. Lent is a 40-day season of spiritual preparation leading up to Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday (February 18, 2026) and concluding on Holy Thursday (April 2, 2026). Traditionally, it is a time marked by repentance, prayer, fasting, and generosity, reflecting Jesus’ forty days of temptation in the wilderness.

For many Baptist churches, Lent is not a regularly observed season, yet you may notice friends, neighbors, or coworkers participating by fasting from certain foods or practices. While Scripture does not command the observance of Lent, it does call us to remember and proclaim the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We most often do this through the Lord’s Supper—remembering His body broken and His blood poured out for our sins. Every time we do, our hearts are pointed back to the cross and forward to the hope of resurrection life in Christ.

Whether you personally observe Lent or not, this season reminds us of something vital: Resurrection Sunday is closer than we think. Between now and Easter, we have a unique opportunity to focus our prayers and attention on those around us who need to encounter Christ.

That’s where Awaken Houston, a ministry of the Houston Church Planting Network, comes in. Awaken Houston is a city-wide movement of prayer, fasting, and gospel proclamation that unites believers across Greater Houston. In 2026, HCPN celebrates ten years of churches and Christians praying together for personal renewal, revival in our churches, and spiritual awakening in our city. One of our strategic partners, the Houston Church Planting Network, is helping lead a prayer initiative using the free Holy Here prayer-walking app—encouraging believers to prayer walk their neighborhoods and city leading up to Easter.

There are many ways to participate. Visit the Awaken Houston resource page at www.awakenhouston.org to learn more. Whether you download the app or simply make a list of friends and neighbors to pray for, now is the perfect time to ask God to do what only He can—change hearts and draw people to Himself.

As we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Christ, let’s pray, share, and expect the gospel to move powerfully in our homes, our churches, and our communities.

This is a collaborative ministry event presented by the San Felipe Baptist Association and sponsored by Calvary Baptist Church. Led by Dr. Chad & Dr. Erice Shapiro, couples will discover biblical wisdom, practical tools, and heartfelt encouragement to build marriages that honor God and endure for a lifetime. This is more than a conference-it's an investement in your future together. Save the date now. Your marriage is worth it. 

Cost: $50/per couple

Lead Pastors & Wives: FREE with registration (a gift from SFBA)

Four Sessions

• Foundations of Marriage
• Every Marriage Needs a Mission
• Communication
• Conflict Resolution