Posted: 11/02/07
Texas Baptists have worldwide
influence through BWA, Coffey says
By Blake Killingsworth
Dallas Baptist University
AMARILLO—Baptist World Alliance President David Coffey encouraged Texas Baptists to stand with their brothers and sisters around the world in order to have a global impact.
Speaking during the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting, Coffey thanked Texas Baptists for their continuing support of the BWA and described the ways their support helps promote Baptist mission and witness around the globe.
| Baptist World Alliance President David Coffey is joined by Emily Prevost of the Baptist General Convention of Texas during a “coffee with Coffey” event for young leaders held during the BGCT annual meeting in Amarillo. (Photo/BGCT) |
The BWA is a fellowship of more than 200 Baptist conventions and unions with a membership of 38 million. The alliance offers a united voice for Baptists across the globe in evangelistic efforts, promotion of human rights and response to people in need.
During his address to Texas Baptists, Coffey described how support from the BGCT allows the BWA to fulfill its five main objectives—unity, evangelism, response to need, defending human rights and promoting theological reflection.
In referring to the work of promoting unity, Coffey stressed that Baptists need to focus less on the differences that divide them and more on the Savior who unites. This unity allows Baptists to speak with one voice when calling others to repentance and faith in Jesus.
“We need to focus on the missionary God, not on each other. By supporting the BWA, you help millions of young Baptists stay on the message of Christ.”
Coffey encouraged Texas Baptists to focus on the lack of religious liberty and the abuses of human rights around the world.
More than 250 million Christians in 60 countries live in fear of practicing their faith, he noted.
As recently as Oct. 7, a bookstore owner in Gaza was found shot in the head. His Baptist pastor explained he had for some time been pressured to convert to Islam, which he had refused to do.
“This is a Baptist brother who laid down his life for the Lord,” Coffey said.
More than 150,000 Christians were martyrs last year.
“As Baptists, religious liberty is in our DNA,” he stated. “Your support of the BWA enables us to be a voice for the voiceless.”
Coffey drew attention to the plight of many Christians in the Holy Land. He described a recent trip, recounting his meetings with leaders throughout the region and conversations with Bethlehem pastors.
“When you pray for the peace of Israel,” the pastors told Coffey to tell others, “also pray for the peace of Palestine and for the peace of the Arab Christians.”
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