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The following are disbursements by Baptist World Aid during the month of November. Unless otherwise stated, amounts are in United States currency.

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From the General Secretarygs

By Neville Callam

Neville Callam

  Grasping the Opportunity to Speak

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, Following God's Steps Worldwide: Memories and Travel Notes, written by outstanding German Baptist churchman, Hans Guderian. Hans offers personal reflections on his experience in Christian service at the level of the pastorate, on the national Baptist scene in his country, and as leader of an international agency engaged in God's mission through the church.

 

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Member Bodies in Actionmba

 

The Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) in the United States was established in 1823, more than 100 years after the first Baptist church was planted in the colony of Virginia in 1714. The association was a successor to the earlier General Meeting of Correspondence of Virginia Baptists.

 

BGAV seeks to "furnish the Baptist churches of Virginia a medium of cooperation for the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and for the advancement of the Redeemer's Kingdom by all methods in accord with the Word of God."

 

One of the first Baptist state conventions within the US to become a member organization of the Baptist World Alliance, BGAV has an extensive range of ministries, including church planting, disaster relief and response, and Christian community development.

 

The Virginia Baptist Ventures program enables individuals at least 18 years old to serve in hands-on mission roles for a period of six months to two years and provides opportunities for longer-term mission service in local and global settings. In addition, the Glocal Missions and Evangelism Team provides resources to connect Virginia Baptists to partners for meaningful mission opportunities.

 

BGAV's Latino Network seeks to promote the work of both Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking congregations in Virginia. Virginia Baptist Homes operates four continuing care retirement communities throughout Virginia for people of all faiths in a Christian family atmosphere.

 

BGAV is part of Virginia's GraceInside, a prison chaplain service that includes other Christian traditions and which maintains chaplains at 32 of the state's more than 40 prisons, correctional centers and work units.

 

Several higher learning educational institutions in Virginia were started by Virginia Baptists, including the University of Richmond, Bluefield College, Averett University and Virginia Intermont College.

 

Baptists in Virginia have had an especially close relationship with the BWA. Many of its leaders and members are involved in the life of the BWA, including BWA President John Upton who is executive director of BGAV, BWA First Vice President Daniel Carro, who leads BGAV's Latino Network, and BWA Treasurer Carolyn Fossen.

 

Church spotlightchurch

 


The Free Evangelical Baptist Church of Dusseldorf (FEBCD), Germany, was planted in 1889. Gerhard Claas, BWA general secretary from 1980-1988, was pastor of the church from 1953-1958.

 

The congregation emphasizes the "Free" in its name within a context where Germany, traditionally, has had a state or established church. "There should be only 'volunteer' Christians who want to be with God with joy and without fear," the congregation states. "Therefore the free will is a basic concept of community life."

 

In the New Testament community, "the principle of the voluntariness is fulfilled. Externally, the separation of church and state is important for us." It emphasizes that "faith grows where liberty is. Therefore the people of every race, religion and philosophy of life need liberty of the conscience and liberty of personal decision. No man may be forced into a certain faith. The education and teaching about Christian faith must be in the same way."

 

After the severe bombing of Dusseldorf in 1943 during the Second World War, which severely damaged or destroyed most churches, FEBCD was the only meeting place for youth in the community after the site was cleared of rubble and debris.

 

FEBCD has, over the years, engaged in mission work, including the planting of the Resurrection Church in Neuss in 1977; yearly mission trips to South America; and its cooperation with EBM International, formerly European Baptist Mission, in its overseas mission programs. Since 1988, the church has hosted Arabic worship services.

 

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