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INFORMATION SERVICE
Baptist World Alliance
Eron Henry, Associate Director of Communications
Neville Callam, General Secretary
July 16, 2010
For Immediate Release |
Bring Your 400 Ingathering Gift to the Congress
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Washington (BWA) --
"Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his
love endures forever" (Psalm 106:1 NIV).
What an enriching experience the upcoming Congress is going
to be! How does one characterize the important Leadership Conference for
Baptist Women worldwide, the gathering of Baptist Men, the events planned for
the youth, the many opportunities that have been prepared for the children and
the Living Water celebration that awaits us? And are not many other events
scheduled to take place at the Congress?
One opportunity that we wholeheartedly anticipate is the 400
Ingathering!
Last year, Baptists around the world marked the 400th
anniversary of the birth of the historic Baptist movement. On that occasion, we
launched the 400 Fund through which Baptists receive yet another opportunity to
register our sincere thanks to God and also make a down payment in the interest
of the future ministry of the worldwide Baptist movement.
All those who are coming to the Congress are asked to bring
and present a one-time offering to God as a contribution to the Baptist 400
Fund. We encourage everyone to contribute the equivalent of 40, 400, 4,000 or
40,000 units of your local currency as a way of saying, "Thank you Lord
for your blessings on the worldwide Baptist Movement." Your gift will also
be a sign of your commitment to pray for Baptists worldwide as we go into our
fifth century of service and witness.
The 400 Ingathering will be received throughout the
congress. As delegates collect their registration materials, they may make
their contribution and collect their Legacy Society badge. Throughout the
congress, select BWA staff will stand ready to receive your contribution and to
ensure that your name is added to the list of contributors to the ingathering.
We thank God for yet another opportunity to respond to God's faithfulness and
to make a joyful contribution toward the ministry of the BWA.
Already, some of you have sent in your contribution to the
Baptist 400 Fund. As we gather for the event, please wear your badge to proudly
celebrate your association with a worthy cause. Those who will not be in Hawaii
may send in their contribution to the BWA Center in Falls Church. No gift is
too small or too large. Embrace the opportunity to identify yourself with this
act of thankfulness to God and this pledge of faithfulness in a ministry that
has been a source of rich blessings to so many.
Already, outgoing president, David Coffey, incoming
president, John Upton, and general secretary, Neville Callam, have made their
financial donation to the 400 Fund and, in one accord, we urge you to join us
in presenting a glad thank offering to God.
"The Lord has done great things for us and we are
filled with joy" (Psalm 126:3 NIV)!
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