MCALLEN—Texas Baptist Men gathered at Calvary Baptist Church to celebrate the activity of God—work being done around the world in Christ’s name.
The group particularly focused on missions and ministry in the Rio Grande Valley, as McAllen played host to the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting.
TBM President Al Wise of Woods Chapel Baptist Church in Arlington spoke about the purpose of the rally, noting the passages from Christ,” First Corinthians about the body of Christ.
“We are one; we’re not several,” Wise said. “When we gather here today, there’s no distinction. We have different backgrounds, and some of us speak different languages, but we have one common thing. We are part of the body of Christ.”
The program featured reports from individuals involved in TBM ministries around the Valley, including Joacim Ramos, who leads TBM efforts for Rio Grande Valley Baptist Association that encompasses four counties. Ramos noted monthly meetings have included about 100 men gathering for fellowship, discipleship and encouragement. Men’s lives are being changed, he reported.
“We know that whatever we do is not going to be in vain,” Ramos said.
Mike Tello, regional TBM director and a member of First Baptist Church in Weslaco, spoke about the Royal Ambassadors work in the region. The first camp for boys in the Valley was held four years ago, fulfilling a longtime dream for Tello, and more than 50 came to faith in Christ. This year’s camp drew hundreds who participated in skills classes, praise and worship, Bible study and missions testimonies.
Tello also noted the annual men’s retreat in Menard, which 320 men and boys attended for training in leadership for Royal Ambassadors. He encouraged the growth of this area.
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“The door to Texas Baptist Men is through Royal Ambassadors,” he said. “We need men who will take the bull by the horns, be available and be willing to be trained.”
Domingo Quintanilla of Mission spoke about international missions experiences, particularly a longtime partnership he has enjoyed in Peru, serving as a translator for medical missions teams that treat residents of the mountain regions. He has been to the country eight times in the past decade and has seen hundreds make decisions for Christ. He has also traveled to Mexico on missions endeavors many times since 1984.
The rally also featured a brief testimony from Leo Endel, executive director of the Minnesota-Wisconsin Association, who brought thanks for TBM’s continued work in their region. TBM teams have led church renewal weekends in Wisconsin for the past two years, with many congregations experiencing growth and revival.
“These events have jumpstarted the enthusiasm in our churches,” he said. “They’re beginning to see God work in amazing ways. You played a part in helping them see God’s work in their midst.”
Mickey Lenamon, resource development director for TBM, closed out the program by encouraging participation in “Count Me in for 2010,” an emphasis aimed at involving 5,000 families to partner with TBM.
Currently at about 80 percent to its goal, Texas Baptist Men is seeking help in three areas—prayer for volunteers and staff; participation in one of 18 ministries; and partnership financially in terms of monthly support for the ministry.
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