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Baptist WORLD


April/June 2012 Volume 59, Number 2


This sculpture was donated to the BWA by William Booth in honor of his father, L.Venchael Booth, a BWA vice president from 1970-1975 and a founder of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. L. Venchael Booth, as a young man, posed for the Jesus figure when it was sculpted by H. Fowlie in 1944. It depicts Jesus with three disciples kneeling at his feet.


The Global Baptist Family


Recently, the Baptist World Alliance introduced new ways to relate to the global Baptist family. Innovations in technology are allowing us to make connections we have not made before, and to literally hold those connections in the palm of our hand – sometimes on something as small as a cell phone. Nevertheless, the world economy has experienced a global


flattening of growth that shows no signs of improving for the next few years. Programs and ministries around the world are suffering and that means people are suffering – from poverty, exploitation, disaster and conflict-related displacements, and lack of access to education and mechanisms of justice. In the midst of all this, your global Baptist family is at work, in


ministries of evangelism, economic development, peace, cooperation and speaking out for justice. Through the BWA, Baptists around the world are working harder than ever to connect you with those whose lives can be uplifted by these ministries. We need your help. Your gifts to the Baptist World Alliance bring community and hope to every continent where Baptists work to minister in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. In these pages, you’ll read about those ministries and how the BWA is networking the world to empower caring Baptists in the mission God has given the church. We pray God will move you through these stories and pictures to


partner with us, however small or large your gift may be. We are 222 Baptist organizations working together in 120 countries, with more than 41 million baptized believers in a total community of 110 million persons. We’re “your network to the world!®


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Think for just a moment what could happen if every Baptist said “yes” to helping. Please use the envelope in this magazine to let us know you are with us. As a member of this dynamic, worldwide Baptist family, you too can make your contribution.


2 BAPTIST WORLD MAGAZINE


CONTENTS


5 BWA News in Brief


Stories of inspiration, challenge, tragedy and praise from our diverse Baptist family around the world.


BWA Executive Meetings 12 BWA Reaches for the Future


Baptist leaders from 20 countries met to grapple with issues of current concern, process recommendations for action, report on developments within the alliance, and make decisions crucial for the future of the organization and its mission.


13 Regional Reports


2011 was an eventful year for Baptists in many parts of the world, as is evident in the reports presented at the Executive Meetings by the six regional secretaries of the Baptist World Alliance.


Baptist World Editor: Eron Henry, E-mail: ehenry@bwanet.org Copy Editor: Lauren Weaver


Published quarterly by the Baptist World Alliance, 405 North Washington Street, Falls Church, Virginia 22046 USA. Telephone: +1-703-790-8980; Fax: +1-703-893- 5160; E-mail: BWA@bwanet.org; Website: www.bwanet.org. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at McLean, VA 22101, and additional entry points.


The Baptist World Alliance is a fellowship of 222 Baptist conventions and unions comprising a membership of more than 41 million baptized believers and a community of 110 million. The BWA unites Baptists worldwide, leads in world evangelism, responds to people in need, defends human rights and promotes theological reflection.


For information on bulk orders, write to the Communications Division, Baptist World Alliance, 405 North Washington Street, Falls Church, Virginia 22046 USA. Previous volumes of Baptist World are available in microfilm from University Microfilms International, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106, USA.


POSTMASTER: Send change of address to BAPTIST WORLD, 405 North Washington Street, Falls Church, Virginia 22046 USA. Please give both old and new addresses and attach a mailing label from an old issue. USA: Please provide nine-digit code (ZIP + 4).


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