More than 250 people, including 70 current and former missionaries, gathered in Birmingham on Sept. 15 for the annual missionary appreciation banquet hosted by Birmingham Metro Baptist Association.
During the early part of the program, Chris Crain, BMBA executive director, shared a word of welcome, and June Whitlow, BMBA Woman’s Missionary Union director, introduced Sandy Wisdom-Martin, national WMU executive director. Wisdom-Martin expressed gratitude for the years of service accomplished by attendees of the banquet.
“Think of the service and the global impact represented by the people in this space,” said Wisdom-Martin. “On behalf of the thousands of people you have quietly influenced without even knowing it, thank you,” she said. “We want you to know we love you, and we are grateful for you.”
‘Missionary cheerleader’
NAMB president Kevin Ezell shared the keynote address. “We all come celebrating missionaries today. I’m humbled to be part of that,” he said. “I’m a missionary cheerleader and am incredibly in awe of you.”
Alabama state missionary Rick Lance, executive director of the State Board of Missions, also spoke.
The event’s theme was “God’s Fellow Workers” based in 1 Corinthians 3:9.
Sixteen area ministry partners sponsored tables, including David George, president of WMU Foundation.
Michael Adler, worship pastor at Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Vestavia Hills, and Greg Oliver, founder of Awaken Ministries, led music.
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