October 14, 2002
TOGETHER:
Annual session: Work & worship
___As I travel Texas visiting churches, associations and institutions related to our convention, I find the Apostle Paul's words to the Philippians especially applicable: "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel" (Philippians 1:3-5).
___Like Paul, I have prayed with thanksgiving and joy because of the partnership, the "koinonia" we have together in Christ. Paul loved the idea of partnership. He wrote, "For we are God's fellow workers" (1 Corinthians 3:9). The Greek word is "sunergoi," and the idea is working together.
___On N
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CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
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ov. 11-12, we will gather in Waco for the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual session. I hope every church will be represented at this important convention as we make key decisions, hear inspiring reports and worship together.
___One significant decision concerns creation of a world missions network. This network can help connect Texas churches with the needs of people throughout our nation and around the world so the lost can be found, the dying can be saved and the faithless can find hope in Jesus Christ.
___Another major item of business is consideration of the 2003 budget and giving plan. The proposed giving plan can move us beyond the conflict and frustration of our Baptist disagreements. It can help focus the energy of Texas Baptists on the mission and ministry God has given us to do.
___Messengers to this convention also will make an important decision regarding Baptist Health System in San Antonio. Problems facing this institution have been sources of disappointment to many Texas Baptists. I am deeply grateful to leaders of the Valley Baptist Health System for their generous and untiring efforts to try to preserve the San Antonio hospitals as part of our Baptist family of health institutions. But that could not be achieved, and reluctantly the Human Welfare Coordinating Board and Executive Board consented to the sale of Baptist Health System to investor-owned Vanguard Health Systems.
___Now we must seek to make the best out of a situation we did not desire. To their credit, trustees on the Baptist Health System board negotiated to preserve a Baptist witness for the hospital system. Chaplaincy will continue, as will current charity care policies. Money paid for assets of the hospital system will be placed in a foundation governed by a BGCT-elected board. Proceeds will be used to bless the people of the San Antonio area in Christ's name and enhance the Baptist witness and ministry there for years to come. Details are being worked out now by a special committee appointed by the Executive Board to make the transition with the Baptist Health System board and Vanguard.
___But the convention will not be all business. I am excited that Billy Kim of Seoul, Korea, pastor of the world's largest Baptist church and president of the Baptist World Alliance, has accepted our invitation to speak to the BGCT. I have asked him to lay the needs of the world on our hearts. Billy Kim is a peacemaker, a marvelous evangelist and a Baptist statesman. He will inspire and enlarge the vision of our Texas Baptist family.
___I urge you to plan to be at the convention through the Tuesday evening missions emphasis. It will be a great time of celebration ... together.
___We are loved.
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