by Linzy Slayden
I read something the other day that was surprising. You blink 25 times every minute. Each blink takes one-fifth of a second. So if you take a 10-hour automobile trip, averaging 40 miles per hour, you’ll drive 33 miles with your eyes closed!
I know a fact far more surprising. Thousands of people go through life with their eyes closed. They look, but they don’t see. They have sight but not insight. On journeys, they notice roads but miss the majestic scenery. In museums, they see paintings but overlook the genius in the brushstrokes. They observe surfaces but omit the underneath. Sure, vision is present, but perception? Absent.
The same thing can happen when we read the Bible. Sometimes when we read God’s Word we miss much of what we should see. It can happen to the work of God, too. Many of our church members do not realize the wonderful ministry the Lord has given them to enjoy each Sunday. We have some of the greatest churches in existence today led by some of the greatest servants of God and some folks do not appreciate the work of the Lord in their midst.
And, it can happen with the BBFI. Too many do not see the great things that are happening. Are there challenges? Certainly! Are there great things happening? Yes!
The BBFI is the premier independent Baptist foreign mission organization in the world. The BBFI is also known for its church planting emphasis as churches send church planters out to reach cities stateside. The Baptist Bible Tribune is a great asset to our Fellowship as it tells the story of the Fellowship and it should not be taken for granted. Our educational institutions are growing stronger. All are worth your financial support.
I am thankful for your confidence by electing me to a second term as BBFI president and I want to build on the good things that are happening. My original focus remains the same. Let’s glorify God by winning people to Christ. I have asked our Fellowship to designate September as “Saved to Share” month. I am asking each pastor to make personal evangelism a strong focus and each state fellowship to encourage fellow pastors in the area of evangelism.
Missions should always be a priority. When our churches are involved in mission trips it increases the excitement. We must continue to work with our younger pastors and encourage them to take interest in and understand the importance of our Fellowship.
We are setting the stage for many good things on the horizon of our Fellowship. Our Mission Possible Bible distribution program is approaching 250,000! The Gateway Project is developing as we reach and include minorities in our Fellowship. A BBFI cruise and a trip to the Holy Land are going to be available soon. We are developing a better structure to improve communication on a national level.
I am excited about the great future of the BBFI, but it depends on all of us working together. I hope you will be a part of this great work of God.