Texas Baptists prepare for family gathering

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SAN ANTONIO—Texas Baptists’ meeting July 14-16 in San Antonio promises to be a family gathering like never before.

bgct-voting325x260The African-American Fellowship of Texas, Texas Fellowship of Cowboy Churches, Vietnamese Baptist Fellowship of Texas, Lao Baptist Fellowship, Chinese Baptist Fellowship of Texas and Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas will hold their annual meetings in conjunction with the Baptist General Convention of Texas for the first time, setting the stage for the most diverse gathering in the convention’s history.

Because the meeting is scheduled in mid-summer to accommodate family vacations, it also features opportunities for Texas Baptists of all ages, including childcare and student camp experiences.

Free childcare is available for children through age 5, but registration is required so organizers can make sure there is adequate room. The service will be provided July 15-16 and will include lunch, dinner and snacks.

The children’ camp is for students Kindergarten through sixth grade and includes lunch. Advance registration through July 8 allows for a discount on registration, but on-site registration will be available. Children can register for $10 with a maximum of $20 for a family. On-site registration is $10 a child with no family maximum.

Sammy Lopez, lead pastor of Mighty Fortress Christian Fellowship in San Antonio, is the featured speaker during the free youth program, which runs July 13-16, including youth day at Fiesta Texas July 13. 

bgct singing400BGCT Executive Director David Hardage believes the gathering at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio will be a unique event showcasing Texas Baptists’ rich diversity.

“The 2013 Texas Baptist convention will be a remarkable experience for our family,” he said. “It will be the best opportunity for us to see what Texas truly looks like.”

Jesse Rincones, executive director of the Hispanic convention, believes the Texas Baptist Family Gathering will make history.


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“As we worship and fellowship together, we will be fulfilling Christ’s prayer and demonstrating to the world the wonderful unity that can be found in him,” Rincones said.

John Nguyen, president of the Vietnamese fellowship, noted he anticipates the event with excitement.

“I would like to encourage everyone to be part of this historic gathering,” he said. “This July will be the first time we gather like this. We can celebrate together. This is a great opportunity to meet different people from different backgrounds and cultures.”

bgct music400Michael Evans, president of the African-American Fellowship, looks forward to meeting new people, exchanging ideas and fostering kingdom connections. Texas Baptists may have roots in many different cultures, but they are united in their desire to honor God and share the gospel, he said.

“This year’s family gathering is special because a concerted effort is being made by the entire Texas Baptist family to come together for a time of fun and fellowship,” he said. “Many of us hope to begin the process of forging relationships that will cause Texas Baptists to understand that our goals for mission and ministry are the same. We all desire to save lost souls.”

Leaders agree the gathering could help participants gain a wider understanding of the many ways God is working through Texas Baptists. Messengers and visitors will be inspired by people’s testimonies of reaching individuals with the good news of Christ, they noted.

“I look forward to experiencing God through the hearts and eyes of fellow believers who are outside of my cultural context,” Rincones said. “With the love of God being expressed through the various sights, sounds and character of so many different Texans with the same Spirit, I can’t help but think of it as a Texas Pentecost experience.”

Nguyen prays the gathering will be a preview of even greater actions to come.

“This is only the beginning,” he said. “Together, Texas Baptists can continue this kind of spirit and work together to share our faith with those who do not have the same faith as us. We can continue to support and encourage each other as the big family of Texas Baptists.”

For more information about the meeting, visit www.texasbaptists.org/annualmeeting


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