Birmingham Metro Baptist Association hosts missionary appreciation luncheon

Birmingham Metro Baptist Association hosts missionary appreciation luncheon

“Thank you. Gracias. Danke dir.” Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, closed the Birmingham Metro Baptist Association’s (BMBA) Missionary Appreciation Luncheon with expressions of thanks in just a few of the languages represented in the room.

More than 50 missionaries from across the globe attended the luncheon at The Club in Birmingham, along with pastors and representatives from many of the state entities.  

Around the tables missionaries shared stories of spirit-filled church services in South Korea, raved about the delicious mango sticky rice in Thailand and marveled at technological advancements.

Following lunch Herman Pair, pastor of First Baptist Church, Sandusky, kicked off the program with a moment of comedic relief. “It’s always good to laugh,” he said. 

Toni Wall, marketing specialist for BMBA, quoted Romans 10:15 and gave a word of thanks to the missionaries. 

“Thank you for giving your lives to the Lord and being willing to cross cultures whether across the nation or the world,” she said. 

Frank Jones shared through song as he played the piano.

“The greatest message we have to share with the world is Jesus loves us,” Jones said. 

Chris Crain, new executive director of missions of BMBA, gave the keynote address.

“No matter our specific calling — whether as a missionary or as someone who picks up a briefcase and goes to work in an office — we are all called by God to share His word,” Crain said. 

Potential for growth

Crain said Christians must do three things to be witnesses for His kingdom: See the potential, solve the problem and serve a purpose.

“By the year 2050 there will be 2.5 billion more people on the earth,” Crain said. “What I see is potential. Potential for the growth of God’s kingdom.”

As Matthew 9:37 says, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”

That is the problem, Crain said. “And I want to thank you for being the few.”

Finally Christians must serve a purpose and that purpose is spreading the good news of the gospel. 

Encourage and equip

“I desire to encourage, equip and engage those in our area for the cause of the Great Commission,” Crain said. 

Crain concluded like so many others who spoke during the luncheon: with a word of thanks to the missionaries who moved across the globe to advance the cause of Christ.

“You, harvesters, are very skilled at what you do” Crain said. “Thank you for all you’ve done for the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ.”