November 10, 1999

GRACE & PEACE:
BGCT annual session:
Business meeting with inspiration
___"It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord." (Acts 15:25)
___From the first century until now, followers of Jesus Christ have assembled from time to time to discuss matters of concern and to seek the direction of God through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in order effectively to share the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ. In keeping with that practice, Texas Baptists gather in El Paso Nov. 8-9 for the Baptist

WILLIAM M. PINSON JR. Executive Director BGCT Executive Board

General Convention of Texas annual session.
___This year, the gathering is different from preceding years in that the days leading up to the session have been dedicated to evangelism and ministry among the people of El Paso and the surrounding vicinity. The campaign, termed "Abrazando El Paso"--meaning in English "Embracing El Paso"--was designed to share the love of Christ both in word and deed.
___El Paso Baptist Association led in this marvelous effort under the leadership of Lorenzo Pena, the director of missions. Various ministries, door-to-door witnessing and a Hispanic evangelism rally allowed many people to both share and receive Christ's love.
___The BGCT annual session is designed as a business meeting with plenty of inspiration. Reports given, sermons preached, music sung and votes taken along with wonderful Christian fellowship engage the messengers and guests. A new president and vice presidents will be elected.
___The purpose of the BGCT helps guide all that is done not only at the annual session but throughout the year: "The Baptist General Convention of Texas exists to encourage and assist churches, associations of churches, institutions and other Baptist entities in fulfilling the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ." This is the benchmark by which ministries and actions are measured.
___The BGCT is completing the best decade in its history. Victory after victory, record after record will be reported in meetings to the glory of God. Messengers will reflect on how much God has blessed the Baptists of Texas in these past few years.
___Churches, schools, medical centers, children's homes, aging care institutions, encampments, the Baptist Foundation, the Baptist Church Loan Corporation and other entities will report on records reached. The amazing faithfulness of Texas Baptists in missions giving through Cooperative Program and special offerings will be celebrated. And the years ahead as we move into a new century and millennium look to be even brighter.
___Woman's Missionary Union of Texas and Texas Baptist Men will hold their annual conventions on Tuesday afternoon and then join with others for a missions rally Tuesday night. This schedule in itself represents the wonderful cooperation that exists among the Baptists in Texas related to the BGCT.
___Because churches and associations are autonomous Baptist entities, they respond to the actions taken at the annual session of the convention only in a voluntary fashion. Therefore, cooperation is built on trust and a common commitment to BGCT mission, vision and priorities.
___Please pray for the officers of the BGCT as they preside over the meetings. Pray for all who give reports and deliver sermons and minister through music and testimony. And pray that in it all God will be glorified and the work of his kingdom advanced.

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