“FULFILLING GOD’S GREAT COMMISSION IN MISSIONS”

 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19 NIV). At the annual celebration of the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region meeting in Wichita, Kansas this past October, I was Regionally Nominated to the General Board USA for the year 2008 through 2011. I was elected to this position. A Regionally Nominated Representative is nominated and elected by the region to represent those constituents in denominational activities at the national level. The representative is to become aware of the attitudes and opinions of the Cooperating Churches and the Region. For the American Baptist Churches/USA, I am on the Board of the National Ministries. I am asking everyone to please pray for me and with me as this leadership position allows me to be God’s servant representing more of His people in Jesus’ name. As I enter this ministry on behalf of the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region, I am humbled, and somewhat a little nervous, but very excited about serving in this area of work. However, I am reminded of the “Mission Statement for ABCUSA.” A part of the mission statement is: “American Baptists are a Christ-centered, biblically grounded, ethnically diverse people called to radical personal discipleship in Christ Jesus. Our commitment to Jesus propels us to nurture authentic relationships with one another, build healthy churches, transform our communities, our nations and our world, engage every member in hands-on ministry, and speak the prophetic word in love.”

   For the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region, I am on the Board of Directors, Mission Support. Also, please pray for me and with me in this position as I ask God to equip me for His works of service. I would like to share thoughts from the chairperson, Ruth Clark, the wife of Dr. John Clark who is the pastor of Judson Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas. The following is entitled MISSION 101: “What does MISSION mean? *M – Medical Aid: Healthcare and HIV/AIDS, Community Clinics. *I- Institutions: Educational (Seminaries, Colleges, Pre-schools), Nursing Homes/Assisted Living Facilities, Neighborhood Centers, Orphanages. *S – Servanthood: Development, Refugee Resettlement, and Peacemaking. *S – Seeing God at Work: Evangelism, Training Pastors and Lay Leaders, Human Trafficking. *I – International: Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America where we are Training Pastors and Lay Leaders, Evangelism and Church Planting, Development, Education, Healthcare and HIV/AIDS,  Human Trafficking, and Peacemaking and Refugee Resettlement. *O – Open Doors: Evangelism, Church Planting, Development, and Human Trafficking. *N – National: Camping, Chaplaincy (Hospitals, Prisons, and Racetracks), Children in Poverty Initiative and much more. How Does MISSION Happen? (1) Prayer; (2) Financial Support; (3) Hearing and Responding to the Call of God.”

   We are being called by God to be involved in His mission and with each of us doing our part, we will make a difference. As Christians, we should be able to see that especially in today’s world, God needs our service! Let’s start by going M.A.D. (Making A Difference) in our community, so that our acts of service and love can spread to those in other cities, other states, and other countries. “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NIV). Please let us re-read and reflect on the Gospel readings of Matthew 25:31-46. “He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me” (Matthew 25:45 NIV). God is with us always!                                                                     

                                          ***James H. Callaway, Pastor***

AWANA