From The Pastor’s Desk 6/19/2026

Today is a landmark moment in history for it is Juneteenth Day. On this day in 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston Texas to issue General Order 3 which stated that all slaves were now free as it was proposed in the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. 

Why did it take two years? From the lens of 2026 it is impossible to imagine that social media and television didn’t exist back then and nothing was immediate in its initial action unless you were close to the announcement. Even though there were newspapers and telegraphs, many African Americans didn’t know how to read or understand the signals from the telegraphs near them. It’s hard to imagine being a slave and holding up a paper to their master where the headline mentioned that they were free but didn’t know it. 

Celebrations for Juneteenth started a year later in Texas and had been ongoing for many years. It wasn’t until 2021 when it was to be recognized as a Federal Holiday-making it the first new holiday since the recognition of Martin Luther King’s birthday as a holiday. On Safe Haven Podcast today, we will have a special worship service in honor of Juneteenth Day. Our first celebration officially as of today where I will speak on the topic “Still Here.” Make sure that you get a chance to listen to this powerful message. I originally planned for a bigger celebration but we can do more next year and we will!!!

Make sure you tune in to our Father’s Day Service this Sunday at 11:30 AM where we’ll have a wonderful message from our friend Rev. Anthony Sullivan, Jr. 

Yours In Christ,

Rev. Brian C. Pughsley

Host Pastor For Safe Haven Podcast Ministries