THE LAST WORD
Emily A. Row
Program Coordinator

Thousands left homeless after North Korean Train Explosion.

Flooding/Mudslides create water crisis in Haiti.

Hurricane Ivan tears through Jamaica.

350 lives lost during Beslan hostage crisis.

These are the headlines that have crossed the global news desk in the past year.

Almost daily we are bombarded with news of tragedy from around the world. For many who experience these devastating circumstances the feelings of hopelessness can be overwhelming. Rather than succumbing to desperation or despondency during these disasters, Baptists worldwide have rallied to provide assistance. In each of these instances Baptist World Aid, the relief arm of the Baptist World Alliance, has offered help and hope in the midst of crisis.

For the past fourteen years Paul Montacute has served as director of Baptist World Aid. In this role, he has traveled extensively to places enduring great crisis. Not only has he helped to enable indigenous Baptist leadership around the world to serve their countries and communities in times of severe need, Paul Montacute has been the face of compassionate Baptists to persons experiencing the demoralizing effects of earthquake, famine, and war. We are fortunate that Mr. Montacute will be our special guest during the Texas Baptists Committed Breakfast at the BGCT on November 9. As we hear from brother Montacute we will certainly have opportunity to live out this year’s theme for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, “Celebrando la Familia de Dios: Celebrating the Family of God.”

I encourage you to take advantage of the TBC Breakfast as an opportunity to fellowship with others in the Texas Baptists Committed family and to celebrate the amazing ways God is working within our Baptist family both here in Texas and around the globe. I would also encourage you to make plans now to participate in the Baptist World Alliance Centenary Congress being held next summer in Birmingham, England. (You’ll find two different heritage tour opportunities in this edition of our newsletter.) It will be a wonderful opportunity to fellowship with our Baptist brothers and sisters worldwide.

Hope to see you in San Antonio!

October 2004