August 5, 2002
TOGETHER:
Thank God for helping ministries
___In last week's column, I neglected to identify the cities in which our seven hospitals are located. Their locations reflect how widespread is the reach of our Baptist family's compassion.
___Baptist Health System is in San Antonio; Baptist St. Anthony's Health System is in Amarillo; Baylor Health Care System is in Dallas; Hendrick Health System is in Abilene; Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center is in Waco; Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospitals are in Beaumont and Orange; and Valley Baptist Health System is in Harlingen.
___Take a moment to ask God to bless and encourage the men and women who serve as trustees for these ministries. They help the administrators and medical staff provide the best health care possible. They are elected by the Baptist General Convention of Texas to help us be present when people are going through some of the most critical times in life. Pray, too, for the administrators and hospital staff, the medical teams and the chaplains.
CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___My wife, Rosemary, and I are especially grateful for the marvelous care she just received at Baylor Hospital. She is recovering nicely from major surgery. Many have prayed for us, and we thank all of those who love her and have held her up to the Lord. We are aware anew of how special it is to be cared for by people who let their faith inform and shape their work.
___Many Baptist chaplains work in hospitals across Texas. These men and women carry hope and God's love into the lives of people who know the Lord and those who do not. They are active members of our churches, and they go where no one else may have an opportunity to go.
___We got word last week that the BGCT has been approved as an accredited endorsing agency for chaplains in the armed forces. This will make it possible for Texas Baptists to certify chaplains for service in hospitals, prisons and industry as well as in the military. Congratulations to Bobby Smith, director of the BGCT's office of chaplaincy relations, who has carried this assignment through to completion and will help us provide a continuing program of development and encouragement for these chaplains.
___"Dr. Wade," came the call, and I turned on my way out of the hospital to see one of our faithful Mission Service Corps volunteers motioning for me to come into the room where her husband was recovering from surgery. He said: "When we saw you walk by, we wanted to take a minute and tell you how much Miracle Farm has meant to our grandson. We read your column about the child-care ministries, and we wanted you to know that God used that Baptist ministry to save our boy. He found out that in spite of all the rejection he had experienced, God loved him and he could be somebody special." And I thought, "Thank you, God, that when these dear people who have helped us minister to so many people needed help, our Baptist people were there for them and their grandson."
___There are stories like this throughout the state because of our 23 institutions that harness the enormous skills and love of our Texas Baptist people along with the prayers and financial support of our Texas Baptist churches. Together, we pull this state closer to the love of God in Jesus Christ our Savior.
___We are loved.
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