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JANUARY–MARCH 2018 A MAGAZINE OF THE BAPTIST WORLD ALLIANCE® VOLUME 65-1 Elijah Brown Builds on BWA Legacy ALSO IN THIS ISSUE CALLAM HONORED IN US AND BAHAMAS A MIRACLE OF GOD RECORD BREAKING HURRICANE SEASON PAGE 11 PAGE 15 PAGE 24 BAPTIST-CATHOLIC DIALOGUE RESUMES CAMEROON CRISIS CONFRONTING DESPAIR WITH HOPE PAGE 12 PAGE 21 PAGE 30 GIFTS FROM GLOBAL BAPTISTS: STORIES ENGAGING CHURCHES IN CONVERSATION A podcast from the Division on Mission, Evangelism and Justice (MEJ) of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) hosted by MEJ Coordinator Trisha Miller Manarin This monthly podcast focuses on the work and ministry of member bodies and churches in the BWA. Our goal is to share stories from our Baptist brothers and sisters around the world, encouraging our churches to consider and explore new ministry possibilities. JANUARY–MARCH 2018 A MAGAZINE OF THE BAPTIST WORLD ALLIANCE® VOLUME 65-1 CONTENTS GENERAL SECRETARY ELIJAH BROWN 2 Grateful for the BWA 7 The BWA Connection 3 Surprised, Humbled and Grateful 8 A Commitment to Justice 4 Formed for Ministry 9 Deep Baptist Roots 5 A Global Calling Shaped by Africa 10 Looking into the Future 24 Record Breaking Hurricane Season BAPTIST WORLD EDITOR: 11 BWA IN ACTION Eron Henry • Email: [email protected] 25 Heavy Flooding in Bangladesh Editorial Assistant: Shannon Cowett 11 Callam honored in US and Bahamas By David Protip Chakrabarty Published quarterly by the Baptist World Alliance, 12 Baptist-Catholic Dialogue Resumes 405 North Washington Street, Falls Church, Virginia 22046 26 Iranian Christian Community in Croatia USA. Telephone: +1-703-790-8980; Fax: +1-703-893-5160; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: www.bwanet.org. 27 Prayer for Peace in Lebanon Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Falls Church, VA 22046, By Nabil Costa and additional entry points. 13 HAPPENINGS AROUND 27 73 Baptisms in Israel in 2017 The Baptist World Alliance is a fellowship of 238 Baptist THE WORLD By Bader Mansour conventions and unions comprising a membership of more than 13 Nicaragua on the Rise 48 million baptized believers and a community of 110 million. 28 A Special Person The BWA unites Baptists worldwide, leads in world evangelism, 15 A Miracle of God responds to people in need, defends human rights and promotes By Bader Mansour theological reflection. 16 Exile and Return 28 Thanksgiving in Ukraine For information on bulk orders, write to the Communications By Omar Alvarado Division, Baptist World Alliance, 405 North Washington Street, Falls By Pavel Unguryan Church, Virginia 22046 USA or to [email protected]. 18 Strengthening the Weak Areas Previous volumes of Baptist World are available in microfilm from University Microfilms International, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann 19 New General Secretary for Arbor, Michigan 48106, USA. Asia Pacific Baptist Federation 30 REFLECTIONS POSTMASTER: Send change of address to BAPTIST WORLD, 405 North Washington Street, Falls Church, Virginia 22046 19 Change of Name for North American 29 How the Reformation (and a BWA USA. Please give both old and new addresses and attach a mailing label from an old issue. USA: Please provide nine-digit Baptist Women Meeting) Changed MLK’s Name code (ZIP + 4). 20 Caribbean Baptists Gather in the Bahamas By Brian Kaylor PRINTED IN U.S.A. • ISSN 005-5808 20 Caribbean Offers Certificate in 30 Confronting Despair with Hope BWA OFFICERS By Wado Saw Ngwedla Paul Msiza .......................President Pastoral Ministry Elijah Brown .......................General Secretary 31 Believing and Belonging Without BWA EXECUTIVE STAFF 20 All Africa Baptist Youth Fellowship Carolina Mangieri ...................Meeting Planning Behaving Eron Henry .........................Communications Continental Conference By Bob Terry Julie Justus .......................Member Services By Koffi Soké Kpomgbe Monica Teal ...................Finance/Administration Kathe Traynham ............Promotion and Development 21 Cameroon Crisis Trisha Miller Manarin ......Mission, Evangelism and Justice By Godwill Ncham Chiatoh 32 MEMORIAM/BOOKS BWA REGIONAL SECRETARIES Durosinjesu Ayanrinola ....... All Africa Baptist Fellowship 22 Fulani Militants Kill Dozens of Villagers Tony Peck ................ European Baptist Federation Everton Jackson ............Caribbean Baptist Fellowship in Nigeria 33 EDITORIAL Parrish Jacome ........ Union of Baptists in Latin America 23 Hope Among Refugees Vesekhoyi Tetseo ..........Asia Pacific Baptist Federation Paul Msiza Elijah Brown ...........North American Baptist Fellowship By Trisha Miller Manarin BAPTIST WORLD | JANUARY–MARCH 2018 1 FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY ELIJAH BROWN GRATEFUL FOR THE BWA TTENDING THE CENTENNIAL BAPTIST WORLD CONGRESS MORE THAN 12 YEARS AGO WAS A TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCE IN MY SPIRITUAL JOURNEY. As those holding the flags of the nations moved into the Birmingham AConvention Center in England, calling us to strengthen our witness to all peoples of the world, my wife, Amy, and I sat in the upper floor in tears and humbled silence. The entire congress was a powerful introduction to worldwide Baptist life: a vision of collaborative partnership seeking to advance a holistic gospel in the midst of different conventions and unions, challenging circumstances and changing global dynamics. That introduction arrived at a vulnerable and These last six months have been a further educational institution within their country, transformative moment in my life. Though I reminder of our interconnectedness. I feel the there is much we can continue to do together. had been primarily raised in a Baptist context love of parents who shaped a calling to global and completed an undergraduate degree at mission; of mentors through the years who I join with you and all who have gone before a Baptist university in Texas, in the United have challenged and affirmed; and the kinship in working to serve the Lord in witness States, as a young doctoral candidate living of a global BWA family filled with gifts, through the BWA family. I believe in our in post-Christian Edinburgh, Scotland, I was passion and a longing for God’s kingdom. I ongoing ability to advance a kingdom focus, searching for a faith community. Attending feel our dependency upon the Lord and upon celebrate unity within diversity, network my first BWA Congress was a re-centering one another, and your undergirding prayers resources across partner conventions and moment that affirmed a personal ministry leading us to a strengthened tomorrow. institutions and provide ongoing opportunities calling to justice and missional witness and for a public voice on issues of critical concern, breathed fresh spirit into my spiritual life and At a time when more people face famine and especially in light of mission and justice. I theological convictions. more people live as refugees than at any point believe the BWA remains a powerful platform since World War II, we have an opportunity proclaiming hope, peace, justice and whole- For the last 12 years, the BWA has to live into this family connectivity. With 35 life discipleship in Jesus Christ. been part of my spiritual grounding. million members of the BWA family living in Within the hectic schedules that seem contexts characterized by high to very high Would you continue to pray for Amy, to predominate BWA gatherings, there religious persecution, discrimination and myself and our family as we transition? have been countless worship moments, marginalization, I anticipate with you that Would you continue to friend me on sermons, prayers, committee work and rich the BWA will continue to be a leading voice Facebook (Elijah Brown), connect on discussions with the breadth and depth of advancing human rights, religious freedom Twitter (@ElijahMBrown) and send emails a diverse and incredible Baptist family that and justice. of partnership? have led me to repent, quietly recommit and humbly strive to live in light of the Holy I envision with you missional witness It is deeply humbling to work toward these Spirit’s leadership. remaining a hallmark of BWA commitment endeavors with you. Thank you. Thank you matched with ongoing theological education for continuing to call each one of us to live Thank you, BWA family. Thank you for and reflection. With some 1.5 billion people into our Kingdom assignments. the spiritual leadership you have so often continuing to live in areas where they have modeled, the investment in the Emerging less than a 50 percent chance of ever hearing Leaders Network, the generosity of friendship the Gospel and where 30 percent of our BWA you have offered through the years and, since member bodies have no Baptist theological the Annual Gathering in Thailand, the flood of emails filled with abundant well-wishing, prayers and support. I am deeply grateful and truly humbled. “ Thank you, BWA family. Thank you for the spiritual leadership you have so often modeled, the I am especially appreciative for Dr. Neville investment in the Emerging Leaders Network, the generosity of friendship you have offered Callam. Since the Annual Gathering we through the years and, since the Annual Gathering in Thailand, the flood of emails filled with have met once a month for a period of orientation and preparation. For 10 years, abundant well-wishing, prayers and support. I am deeply grateful and truly humbled.” Dr. Callam served as a global statesman and his intentionality of investment continues to – ELIJAH BROWN bless today. 2 BAPTIST WORLD | JANUARY–MARCH 2018 GENERAL SECRETARY ELIJAH BROWN SURPRISED, HUMBLED AND GRATEFUL LIJAH BROWN DESCRIBES HIS ELECTION AS BAPTIST WORLD ALLIANCE GENERAL SECRETARY AS HUMBLING. “The BWA has such an outstanding history of service in many corners of the world. To be Econsidered for this role was an overwhelming, humbling and deeply exciting opportunity. I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with goodwill Baptists from around the world.” His election as BWA general secretary was a surprise. “It was not a position I had sought. I tried to be prayerful and hopeful through the process and see where the Lord would be leading.” He, however, has confidence in his strong the numerous well wishes, emails, calls and sense of call.
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