by Eddie Lyons
We are a Fellowship of pastors, leaders, and people who have a dream to take the Gospel to the world. Each time we meet as a Fellowship, this remains the primary focus. This last Fellowship meeting brought me to that moment of inspiration. I found myself very grateful to be part of a group who keeps “the main thing the main thing.”
Mission Director Jon Konnerup reported we reached a milestone as a Fellowship because we have given more than $1 billion to missions. Our Fellowship provides a path for those called by God to serve around the world to be equipped, trained, and supported. Once again missionaries and chaplains were approved and sent out. We also witnessed the recognition of those who have served for 30 and 50 years. We also celebrated the home going of one of our great pioneering missionaries to Africa, Elmer Deal. Church attendance in the Congo was in the tens of thousands each Sunday because of this Baptist Bible Fellowship missionary. We celebrate the rich legacy of missionary endeavors even as we send out new missionaries whose stories are yet to be written. I get to be a part of this Fellowship, and that inspires me.
We were on the campus of our first school, Baptist Bible College, in Springfield, MO. We were glad to hear of the resurgence of this school. Most of the speakers were students at this school. There is nothing like hearing from your peers who share your heart for ministry and are glad to give their lives to the mission. When they preach, they do so from a depth of conviction and years of service. The preacher-to-preacher sermons are unique to these kinds of meetings and are powerful to inspire.
The week of our meeting, the world dealt with the devastating earthquakes that killed thousands in Nepal. That news was not general news to us but personal, because two of our BBC graduates, Kshitiz and Sahaj Ghimire, were from Nepal. These two men are the sons of a pastor who was brought to Christ by BBFI missionary David Freeman. When our church took up an offering to help Nepal, we had them share a word. They had not seen their parents for three years or more and were excited their parents were coming to their graduation. The earthquake made it impossible for them to leave and so they would miss the graduation of their sons.
Our hope is that the compassionate response given in the name of Jesus will unlock the hearts of many who have been resistant to the story of Jesus. Our gifts can be used of God to open previously closed hearts to the gospel. A donor has offered to match up to $50,000 given for Nepal Relief by July 1. Please go to www.BBFI.org and help us reach that goal.
Once again our meeting reinforced my love for a Fellowship that is all about the Gospel.