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Live in Hope
It almost feels surreal that we are now in 2010! In fact, even more mind-boggling is the observation made by a friend who said: “It wasn’t until I heard analysts discussing their ‘Person of the Decade’ that I realized that so many years of the new millennium have already expired”!!
As to be expected, there has been a marked increase of ‘chat’ at this time as the analyst and the pundit, the cynic and the critic; and the optimist and pessimist ‘strut their stuff’ in the public square. While one would be hard pressed to find a time when the future did not appear daunting, it seems clear that these times do bear peculiarly troubling features. Hence one can sympathize with those who can only see catastrophe and destruction ahead.
As Christians, we suggest that there is another perspective from which to see, interpret and interact with the times in which we live. This perspective does not countenance denial, fatalism, escapism, pessimism, conformism, or unfounded optimism. It is a perspective, a vantage point shaped by and grounded in our ‘God understanding’.
We believe in a God who has called us to contemplate another way of being, living and doing. It is this God, therefore, who calls us to embrace all the resources that He offers to us to live in all spheres of our humanity. God has demonstrated this to us in and through Jesus who became flesh and dwelt among us.
From such an angle, we say with confidence and hope that nothing shall overtake us that God cannot enable us to bear. The pending IMF agreement, therefore, does not scare us into retreat because we live in hope; the biting economic times will not drive us into hiding because we live in hope; the pangs of death will not silence us because we live in hope.
Condolences
And speaking of death, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the Rev. & Mrs. A Oliver Fraser who unexpectedly lost their daughter, Olivene; and to the pastor and members of the Phillippo Baptist Church who, also unexpectedly, lost their pastoral assistant, Gilbert “Val” Stewart. Both persons passed away in the closing days of 2009. To their families, loved ones and close associates, we offer words of hope that those who die in the Lord will live and reign with Him in eternity!
JBU 160TH General Assembly
This note of hope will feature prominently in the life, work and witness of our denomination for the next two years. When we gather for our 160th General Assembly in 2010 February we will do so under a new decade-long theme “Being God’s People in God’s World”. During the period 2010-2012 we shall explore this reality through the sub-theme ‘Living in Hope’.
We anticipate an exciting time of worship, study, reflection and decision-making at our Assembly and we do pray that many of you will plan to attend. At the Assembly, our incumbent president, the Rev. Dr. Stephen Jennings, will demit office. We say thanks to God for his leadership; and thanks to the family of Dr. Jennings and to Mona Circuit for the ways in which they facilitated his service to the denomination over these two years.
Caribbean Baptist Fellowship AGM
I use this opportunity also to bring to your attention two other upcoming events of great significance to us as a Union. From March 18-21, 2010, Jamaica will host the General Assembly of the Caribbean Baptist Fellowship (CBF). The meetings will be held at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, Montego Bay, St. James, under the leadership of Chairman, the Rev. Dr. Burchell Taylor and Executive Secretary/Treasurer, the Rev. Peter Pinder. It is important to note that both leaders will be demitting office at the Assembly - a rare occurrence, I might add.
Our appreciation to them for the service they have given to the Church in the Caribbean at this critical juncture. Special note ought to be taken of the fact that Mr. Pinder’s departure will mark the end of an incumbency lasting over a decade. He is the second person to hold that office and we wish God’s continued blessings on his life.
BWA Congress 2010
The 20th Baptist World Congress is scheduled to be held in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, from July 28 – August 1, 2010 under the theme, “Hear the Spirit”. By now, most of you should be aware that the Congress will have special significance for us in the Jamaica Baptist Union as it will be led by our own Rev. Neville Callam; and one of our revered ministers, the Rev. Dr. Burchell Taylor, will assume the mantle as one the world body’s vice presidents. Some 100 persons have already registered to be a part of ‘Team JBU’ and we ask those who still wish to be a part of the delegation to register now as space is becoming limited.
In closing. I wish for all a productive and hope-filled 2010!
Karl B. Johnson (Rev.)
(Published in the Baptist Reporter January 2010)
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FROM THE DESK OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY