The 150th annual session of our Baptist General Convention of Texas was, according to most of us, the most unanimous convention we have experienced in years.  This sesquicentennial convention was in many ways a celebration of Texas Baptists working together for the glory of God.

Our theme, "Strength from the Past...Courage for the Future," was communicated well as we reflected on God's blessings upon Texas Baptists and the need for us to move boldly together into the future.  How ironic it is to focus on the big picture of God's movement among us and yet there is another group who decided to walk away and create another convention, the Southern Baptists of Texas.  My prayers are with them even though I do not understand their decision.

President Dilday presided with precession and fairness.  The parliamentarians served in the best interest of the messengers seeking to provide participation from all.   From the moment we made our way to the registration desk, every person received individual attention from volunteer helpers. 

Organizers of the exhibit area deserve commendation for efficiency and attractiveness.   All the booths were "outstanding."  To browse the exhibits was to encounter missions, evangelism, church growth, church leadership training, financial assistance for churches and staff, ethnic materials, youth and children studies, the River Ministry, discipleship ideas for Christian education, preaching helps, institutions for meeting human needs and Baptist universities.  God is at work in so many ways. Isn't it ironic that some would only see the negative?

The Texas Baptists Committed breakfast was a time of great fellowship and challenge.   TBC made a special effort to invite Hispanic Baptists to walk along side with them.   It was not a message to follow, but to walk together with them in shared leadership and mutual cooperation.  Rudy Camacho delivered "the welcome" and is doing a splendid work as our president of the Hispanic Baptist Convencion.  Dalia Martinez did a beautiful job singing and should be used by God in many of our churches.   Antonio Estrada, pastor at South Main, deserves much thanks for his kind spirit and work in preparing for this breakfast and the BGCT meeting.  

Where ever God leads us in the future it is good to know we will walk alongside those who not only believe the Bible but are wonderful examples of following our precious Lord.

December 1998/January 1999