After 12 Years I’m Still Glad I Was There Carolyn Anderson, Coordinator

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This year’s national General Assembly was another opportunity to connect with friends, fellowship with folks on the journey. You would think that after 12 years, I’d be ready to stay at home. NOT! Blessings abounded…

I celebrated with Baptist Women in Ministry for 20 years of nurturing and affirming women who follow God’s call on their lives. I tucked away the advice of Reba Cobb, “Feel your fear, but do it anyway.”

Kate Campbell brought humor with her songs. She told us that we “can’t grow corn in a box!” She also made me think about the priority of simple things.

Fellowshipped with the best CBF’ers anywhere at our state meeting, heard from a dozen field personnel and presented Hunger funds to Ronnie Adams (New York City) and Jodi and Pete Brennan (Brazil).

Tony Campolo challenged me to be a more intentional witness in the hard places. Being the presence of Christ means showing love and compassion for those who have been kicked in the teeth for too many years.

I was challenged to give of my plenty to help meet the commitment made to the 24 poorest counties in the United States. The offering was designated to Partnership in Hope, the partnership of CBF with the poorest communities in our nation. This 20-year commitment is with local communities to bring about community based transformation. The offering goal was $100,000. This year, because we all gave from our hearts, it was $175,210! CBF’ers love missions!

I learned a lot about starting churches for Hispanics and that the future look of all our churches must be multi-ethnic and multi-cultural to be relevant. We have a partnership with the Hispanic Convention of Texas to plant 400 new Hispanic congregations – in North Carolina, in Florida...

Daniel Vestal shared from his heart as he affirmed what I knew, that together we are the presence of Christ!

My heart was stirred as 18 Cooperative Baptist field personnel were blessed as they begin a new journey of being the presence of Christ.

I was affirmed by seeing the diversity in leadership as clergy Phill Martin released the responsibilities of being moderator to layperson Cynthia Holmes.

Lita and Rick Sample blessed me as they shared the bread and cup in our closing worship service, reminding me that salvation comes at a great price.

And so if you hear stuff about the Fellowship and wonder what took place in Charlotte, go to the website and read all the details of the activities and the text of Daniel’s message, commit to pray for our new field personnel and write Daniel Vestal a note to let him know how much you appreciate his leadership and that you are praying for him.