I joined a Southern Baptist church at the age of 16. I have served as a pastor of Southern Baptist churches for 35 years.
I love our convention, and I am committed to our ministries. In the culture we live in there are those who do not approve of our commitment to Christ, His word and the high moral values taught in the Bible. We should not be surprised that our convictions are not popular. The Old Testament prophets were not popular in the culture they ministered in. The apostles faced a culture that was hostile to them. We will not be popular if we take a stand for biblical truth.
Even though we live in a difficult age, God is blessing our Southern Baptist Convention. Our mission boards have a record number of missionaries on the field. Our seminaries have large enrollments of students preparing for ministry. These students will graduate with a love for Christ and His Word.
In a time of economic slowdown, gifts to the Cooperative Program and the special missions offerings remain strong. Our churches are using evangelism programs such as FAITH, NET and GROW to reach the lost. Thousands of Southern Baptists go on short-term mission trips every year.
The future is bright for the Southern Baptist Convention. God is doing great things in our convention, and to God be the glory. Our greatest days are in the future.
Sammie Reid
Warrior, Ala.
VOLUNTEER NUMBERS HIGH
On behalf of the North American Mission Board; Global Partnerships/Volunteers in Missions, we salute, tip the hat and thank you for the Summer Volunteer Missions Report (The Alabama Baptist, July 11, 2002, page 11).
The large numbers listed from associations, churches, schools and universities are living proof that nothing is stronger than the heart of a “volunteer.”
The 2001 annual reports from IMB (30,660 volunteers), NAMB (over 250,000 volunteers) are remarkable. We believe that numbers in 2002 will be even better.
Volunteering is a healthy, contagious habit and a necessity in our effort to witness and win the 6 billion plus on Planet Earth.
Thank you for sharing the encouraging reports.
Eural and Elizabeth Starnes
Branchville, Ala.
Share with others: