BG and I returned late Friday from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) Assembly in Dallas, TX.  This was our first in-person gathering of the CBF Assembly since 2019, interrupted, of course, by COVID.  How good it was to be present with 1,500 of our fellow Baptist Christians from across the country and around the world to celebrate with, and be inspired by, our Global Field (Missions) Personnel, our CBF Support Structure (CBF Leadership Team, Global Missions Staff, CBF Foundation, CBF Church Benefits Board, State and Regional Partners, Seminary representatives, etc., etc.), and, especially, our fellow Christians representing a healthy diversity of churches both near and far!!  The CBF Assembly was an appropriate and meaningful venue for us on the heels of the burial of our dear mother Annette Tyson on Sunday afternoon, June 26.  Mother and Daddy (Annette and Doris Tyson) were strong and dedicated moderate Baptists who  joined BG and me and 3,000--only 200 were expected--other kindred Baptist Christians at The Inforum Center, downtown Atlanta, in August of 1991 to form the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF).  Their trail-blazing spirit was present with us, and our hearts were warmed by being in that company of friends.
 
Additionally, we had the joy of being present briefly with Tyler Ingram in the very busy schedule of workshops, plenary sessions, worship and fellowship events.  Tyler had flown from New York to Dallas to attend the CBF Assembly and to continue his participation in the CBF Fellows Program which assists young Baptist clergy who are in their "first call" in making a healthy transition from seminary to congregational ministry.  Tyler had been in New York for a youth choir performance event at Carnegie Hall.  Two dear friends in CBF leadership positions--Paul Baxley, Executive Coordinator of CBF, and Bo Prosser, recently retired from CBF staff--had words of highest praise for Tyler and impressed upon us how fortunate we are to have Tyler, Ashley and Brooks, come and serve among and with us.  We are especially thankful for the work of our Search Committee under the leadership of our Gracious God in helping our church and Tyler find each other.  Please continue to remember the Ingram's in your prayers as they prepare to join us on Monday, August 22---just 50 days, 18 hours and 40 minutes (approximately); but, hey, who's counting?!?!
 
In recent years, denominational entities have been in decline as emerging generations have trended away from interest and trust in institutional organizations.  In spite of those trends, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has established deep roots as a "Christian network of individuals and churches working together to spread the hope of (Jesus) Christ.  Our diverse community includes partners all over the globe, and our fellowship supports a wide range of missions and ministries that give people meaningful opportunities to put their faith into action."  Because this network of individuals and churches and numerous partners are able to combine real resources, we can apply the "economy of scale" concept to the strategic planning and implementation of our work to spread the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.  In other words, our church joins with this network in doing missions and ministries both at home and around the world at a level which we could not do alone.  This is expressed financially in our general budget and in our annual Offering for Global Missions.  More importantly, it is expressed in our active engagement and participation in scheduled gatherings of our CBF friends and neighbors at the state level through CBF/Georgia, and at the CBF Global level.

Brenda-Gail and I particularly were thrilled to meet Christine Browder who was commissioned as a Field Personnel to serve in the Middle East.  We were introduced to Christine by Ellen Sechrest who guided our church through the process of formally becoming an "Encourager Church" who supports Global Missions.
 
Would you consider attending our CBF/Georgia meeting at David's former church, First Baptist Church, Augusta, November 5-6, 2022?  Would you consider attending the CBF Global Assembly in Atlanta in June of 2023?
 
Grace and peace,
Henry