by Mark Hodges
Pastor Herb Hubbard and Bible Baptist Church did a wonderful job of hosting the BBFI though they had to do it on relatively short notice. They opened their doors, greeted us with southern hospitality, and did their part to give us a great success.
Paul said, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Last summer we planted this meeting, others came along and watered it. Herb Hubbard caught the vision, Wayne Guinn lined up our church planters, the speakers allowed God to use them, and God gave the increase! What was the increase?
- Revivalist Tom Wagoner challenged our leadership to revival
- The sermons were Spirit-led and focused on revival and church planting
- NCPO Director Wayne Guinn lined up new church planters from all over America to report how God is using them
- Church planter Ira Walton gave a promise from the Brothers of Cyrene to start and build black BBFI churches in America — challenging us to share their burden
- Mission Director Jon Konnerup reported 924 churches were started last year by our missionaries
- Tribune Editor Keith Bassham reported a generous February Tribune Offering, and commitments continue to come in
This meeting has been in the hearts of several of our leaders long before it was announced. We now look back upon it as a great success! Here are a few comments I received:
“The spirit in this week’s Fellowship meeting was great. Everybody I have talked to said the same thing. There is a renewed sense of hope for the Fellowship. We HAVE a future.” (BA)
“I believe that there was a spark as the Holy Spirit rested over Bible Baptist Church and your call for revival wasn’t only heard but felt in the hearts and souls of many that were in attendance.” (IW)
“What a meeting it was! I know that my family and I left spiritually charged up!” (CM)
“I was ‘blessed out’ at the national meeting. I believe our Fellowship…is a greater threat to the enemy than we were 15 years ago. We have more unity on the only things that really make a difference than we have had in a long time.” (DH)
“Our Fellowship meeting in February felt like what they used to feel like. God give us revival!” (TW)
Tuesday night, speaker Phil Hopper reminded us that we need to be holy, humble, and hungry as men of God. Keith Gillming said, “This is a new day for the BBFI.” I believe that he is right. Let’s pray that this is the beginning of great things to come for our Fellowship.