Submitted by philip on
By David E. Hankins, Executive Director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention
Last year was quite a year … tragedies … elections … stagnant and uncertain economic times. For some, the best part of 2012 is that it’s over!
However, Louisiana Baptists experienced God’s hand of blessing in many ways including:
n Awaken – we spent all of 2012 preparing ourselves, praying, and pleading for God to move across our state. We spent the first 21 Days of January in an emphasis of prayer and fasting. We held public prayer gatherings in every parish. We celebrated 200 years of Baptist ministry in Louisiana on the Capitol steps in Baton Rouge and we continue to pray for a wide-spread spiritual awakening across our state.
n GoLA(Go Louisiana) VBS teams comprised of college students traveled to churches across the state and assisted with Vacation Bible School. More than 650 children participated and 11, that we know of, prayed to receive Christ.
n In November for the first time in its history, the Youth Evangelism Conference sold out as more than 7,500 students and sponsors gathered to worship and learn how to effectively share their faith. More than 680 students registered their commitments to Christ.
Space does not permit me to share the fruit of your Baptist Collegiate Ministries, numerous church plants, camps and other missions and ministries fueled by your belief that we can accomplish more together through the Cooperative Program.
Speaking of giving, in the midst of all the ups and downs of 2012, you remained faithful, steady and committed to serving our Lord and reaching our state.
We ended the year slightly behind our budget (less than 1 percent) and fell short of our $2 million 200th anniversary goal for the state missions offering (the $1.68 million offering is the second largest all time).
However, when you consider all the uncertainties in our current economy, we were blessed by your generosity.
On behalf of all of those you’ve touched through your generous support through the Cooperative Program and the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering, thank you for your gifts. Be assured we will work to maximize those gifts to strengthen our churches and reach out to those who don’t have a relationship with Christ.
What shall we expect in 2013? The famous Dickens’ line says, “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” The Apostle Paul said, “For a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” (I Cor. 16:9, NASB). Like most years, the next one will probably be a mixture of highs and lows. The highs may take place in your family or in your career. The lows may be health related or possibly economic in nature.
There is no way to know in advance. But we do know that in the midst of every circumstance, our faithful Father promises He will never leave us or forsake us.
A major focus for Louisiana Baptists in 2013 will be the President’s 2020 Commission. Our president, Dr. Waylon Bailey, pastor of First Baptist Covington, will lead us in studying plans for our future in gospel ministry.
Please pray for the 400 pastors, ministers and laypersons who will be examining 20 different areas of ministry as we ask ourselves, “What do we want the Louisiana Baptist Convention to look like in the year 2020?”
We are encouraging all Louisiana Baptists to begin this New Year like we did last year, with 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting – www.LBC.org/21Days.
As we seek his face for 2013, may our Lord prosper you and your family and your church, for His glory.