July 28, 1999
GRACE & PEACE: Consider
attending the Baptist World Congress
___ "And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation." (Revelation 5:9)
___Australian Baptists and Texas Baptists have enjoyed wonderful partnerships over the past few years. Thousands of Texas Baptists have journeyed to Australia for various evangelistic and ministry efforts. Friendships have been forged. Churches have been strengthened.
William M. Pinson Jr.
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Director
___Now Texas Baptists have an opportunity to return to Australia for the 18th Baptist World Congress. Each five years the Baptist World Alliance sponsors a gathering of Baptists from all over the world. The Congress is held in different places. This year it will be in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 5-9, 2000.
___The theme of the Congress is "Jesus Christ Forever. Yes!" Concerning the theme BWA leaders state: "As we enter the 21st century, we want to celebrate the fact that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. We enter the 21st century not with fear, but with a message of hope for all humanity. Eternity belongs to our Lord and Savior, and this is the message we want to send to the world as we enter the year 2000."
___John Edmondstone, national president of the Baptist Union of Australia and a friend of Texas Baptists, especially encourages Baptists from Texas to come to the Congress because of the close relationship between the Baptists of Australia and Texas. He has stated: "On behalf of Australian Baptists, I extend a warm welcome to you. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate the beginning of the 21st century than meeting with the world family of Baptists."
___Indeed, the Congress affords a marvelous opportunity to fellowship with Baptists from all over the world, to be inspired by mass meetings and informed by conferences, to pray with others for a fresh wind of the Holy Spirit as we enter an era filled with opportunities and challenges. Such an opportunity comes only once every five years and thus is worthy of long range planning to attend.
___Australian Baptists have extended to Texas Baptists wonderful hospitality in the years of our partnership with them. We can be assured that such hospitality will be part of the World Congress hosted by Australian Baptists. Furthermore, the Baptist General Convention of Texas has a special relationship of support with the Baptist World Alliance, and affirmation of this significant Baptist organization is worth our effort.
___Churches in Texas can help extend their worldwide awareness by participating in the Congress. Here are some ways: Pray for the Congress. Assemble a group to attend. Make it possible for your pastor and other church leaders to participate. Share the news of the Congress with others.
___For registration and housing information, contact the Baptist World Alliance, 6733 Curran Street, McLean, Va. 22101, (703) 790-8980 or fax to (703) 893-5160 or email BWA@ bwanet.org.
___Pray for Denton Lotz, BWA general secretary, as he leads in planning. Pray also for Nilson do Amaral Fanini, BWA president from Brazil. Pray the Congress will help unleash a fresh effort by Baptists all over the world to share the gospel of the Christ and minister in his name.
Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!
