June 17, 2002
TOGETHER:
Pray for harvest along the horizon
___People pursuing a great mission vision constantly encounter changing horizons as they move outward with the message of Christ. The horizon for Texas Baptists is making such a change, and it is especially visible as we look to the south.
___There was a time when the Rio Grande Valley formed the southern edge of our direct involvement. That no longer is the case.
CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___I recently spoke at a meeting of more than 400 Hispanic Baptists in the Valley. They gathered at First Baptist Church of Harlingen for "Fiesta in the Rio Grande Valley," hosted by the Compañerismo, which is the Hispanic fellowship of churches, as well as other Hispanic groups. They celebrated the fellowship they have in Jesus Christ and in their churches. It was energizing and thrilling for me to be with them.
___As I shared with them the conviction in my soul that Texas Baptists must make their relationship with the Baptists of Mexico a priority, I began to see a new benefit that will happen in Texas Baptist life. The churches along the Rio Grande often feel isolated from the larger life of Texas Baptists, but as we develop these new strategies with Mexico, these churches in the Valley are going to become key parts of all we are doing. They will be at the heart of it and will no longer feel they are isolated from the main thrust of Texas Baptist life.
___What is happening along our southern frontier is a key indicator of all that God is doing among his people. There is much on the horizon as churches reach out in missions and as the Baptist General Convention of Texas helps churches and institutions network together. These efforts will result in the gospel going out to the world in such energy and power that a new day of mission and kingdom achievement will be experienced.
___Some time ago, I spoke with a denominational leader in another tradition, and he was concerned about how to awaken a spirit for evangelism, missions and church starting among his people. Texas Baptists don't have that problem.
___As I travel across the state and meet with pastors and lay people, it is clear the passion for evangelism, missions and church starting is alive and well in our hearts.
___Could it be improved? Indeed. But I don't have to try to discover the passion or explain the issues. Texas Baptists understand and care.
___The work we have to do is crucial. The BGCT must be creative in helping link churches to meaningful and significant mission opportunities. We must help strategize mission ministries with our churches and provide ways for churches to talk to each other and learn from one another how to do the most effective mission work possible. We must break new ground in our approach to missions so the ministries we provide are in fact what are really needed. We want to be sure that in our zeal to help we do not hurt.
___The associations and institutions that relate to the BGCT are all committed to helping us together to be the presence of Christ in the world. Only God knows the good he wants to bring to us as we pledge anew our willingness to be a people on mission for God wherever he gives us eyes and ears to see and hear the needs.
___Pray for the harvest. Pray for someone you know who is lost.
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