FIGHT LIKE FORTY-TWO 2 Corinthians 2:3–4 | A Farmer. An Athlete. A Soldier. A Savior. By Pastor Kyev Tatum, Sr.

FIGHT LIKE FORTY-TWO

2 Corinthians 2:3–4 | A Farmer. An Athlete. A Soldier. A Savior.

By Pastor Kyev Tatum, Sr.

BUFFALO SOLDIERS SUNDAY 

New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church 

2864 Mississippi Avenue Fort Worth, Texas 76104

July 27, 2025

https://youtube.com/shorts/77uPIwRHVXI?si=uBk42B4fEFTX3PmT

Something extraordinary happened this morning in Fort Worth, Texas.

At New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church, the sanctuary became a sanctuary of strength, a celebration of legacy, and a battlefield of faith. We honored the Buffalo Soldiers—those legendary men and women of valor who served in segregated military units and helped shape the soul of our nation.

Buffalo Soldiers Sunday was more than a worship service—it was a full-on spiritual experience. Uniformed troops from across North Texas rode in with heart, heritage, and history. They brought priceless artifacts, shared life-giving lessons, and introduced our congregation to the beauty and bravery of their story—alongside live horses that captured the imagination of the children and the pastor. Supper after service reminded us of the old days, the old ways, and the unshakable faith that’s carried us this far.

This was our 7th consecutive year hosting this sacred celebration. But this July, something felt different.

Because this month, we launched Camp Buffalo—a bold new initiative to empower youth through education, discipline, and the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers. The camp has already brought honor to our church and community—and it’s just getting started.

And the journey isn’t over.

We’ve now been invited to attend the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in Washington, D.C. to honor the heroic 369th Infantry Regiment—better known as the Harlem Hellfighters—one of the most decorated Black combat units of WWII. These fearless fighters were Buffalo Soldiers in every sense, pushing through segregation and sacrifice to defend democracy overseas and dignity at home.

Even more, members of our New Mount Rose family joined a national movement this month, signing the petition to urge Congress to award a Congressional Gold Medal to all African Americans who served in segregated military units from 1866 to 1944. Because it’s time the full story is honored—the blood, the bravery, and the Black excellence.

One of those brave Buffalo Soldiers was Jackie Robinson.

Born in Cairo, Georgia, Jackie was the son of sharecroppers who moved west to Pasadena, California to escape the suffocating grip of Jim Crow racism. His mother, Mallie Robinson, was a woman of fierce faith and relentless hope. Jackie became a four-sport athlete at UCLA, an Army officer who stood up to racial injustice during his court-martial at Fort Hood, and a proud member of the 761st Tank Battalion—the original Black Panthers.

Before he ever stepped onto a Major League Baseball field, Jackie played for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues, holding fast to his faith and his fight. In 1947, wearing #42, he broke the color barrier in professional baseball—and opened the door for generations.

Jackie once said, “You can’t steal second base with your foot on first.”

That’s not just a baseball quote—it’s a biblical principle.

Faith requires movement. Courage requires momentum. Victory requires a fight.

And that’s why today’s message at New Mount Rose was titled:

Fight Like Forty-Two.

From Paul to Timothy: The Blueprint for Righteous Resistance

In 2 Timothy 2, the Apostle Paul gives a battle cry to a young leader:

“Endure hardship like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Compete like an athlete who follows the rules.

Labor like a farmer who works for the harvest.

And above all—stay strong in the grace of Jesus Christ.”

This isn’t soft Christianity. This is gritty, grounded, gospel-centered truth.

Paul wasn’t writing from comfort. He was writing from chains.

But his spirit was free. And his fire was real.

He was telling Timothy—and telling us—

Don’t fold. Don’t flinch. Don’t fade.

Fight for your faith. Fight for your future. Fight like you’ve already won.

From Jackie to Jesus: The Power of Forty-Two

Jackie Robinson wore the number 42, but there’s another Forty-Two who changed everything.

Jesus Christ came through 42 generations, born not into comfort, but into conflict.

He didn’t carry a bat—He carried a cross.

He didn’t swing at pitches—He swung open the gates of grace.

He healed the sick, raised the dead, fed the masses, and loved the unlovable.

And like the 369th Harlem Hellfighters, Jesus fought behind enemy lines.

He went into hell and snatched victory from the jaws of death.

But He didn’t stay down.

Early Sunday morning, He got up—with all fighting power in His hands.

The Challenge: Fight Like Forty-Two

So what are you fighting for?

If you’re a student, an athlete, a dreamer, a doer—or just someone trying to stay faithful in hard times—this is your moment.

Fight like Paul—relentless in the face of adversity.

Fight like Timothy—obedient even when you feel unqualified.

Fight like Jackie—bold enough to stand alone.

Fight like Jesus—loving enough to die for others, strong enough to rise again.

You were not made just to play. You were born to fight the good fight.

So lace up your shoes, open your Bible, lock in your faith, and Fight Like Forty-Two.

Glory!

Pastor Kyev Tatum is the Senior Pastor of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. He is a passionate advocate for biblical justice, youth empowerment, and community transformation. His ministry blends spiritual conviction with cultural courage to equip the next generation to rise, resist, and Fight Like Forty-Two, in the name of Jesus.