Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Greetings in the name of our Triune Lord from the Division on Mission, Evangelism and Justice of the Baptist World Alliance!

I am very happy to share the good things which took place in Bangkok, Thailand, earlier this year during our Annual Gathering. All sixteen commissions met during the Annual Gathering and we were also fortunate to host a special forum on baptism led by Dr. Anthony R. Cross, a Baptist theologian from Great Britain.

We were warmly welcomed by our Thai brothers and sisters. Their hospitality was extremely generous. Our corporate times of worship and reflection were meaningful and helpful as we went about the work of the BWA. We also honored our retiring General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Neville Callam, and voted on and commissioned the new incoming General Secretary, Dr. Elijah M. Brown (he will begin January 1, 2018).

Each commission shared times of intellectual stimulation as well as reflection and challenges for the people of God today. A number of commissions heard from Baptists in Asia while some visited local ministry sites in the city of Bangkok. Each presentation reflected a specific locale while still offering something for the universal Body of Christ to consider.

In the following pages you will find brief notions presented by the commissions along with a possible action item for you to consider (Click here to view). We would appreciate your feedback and ideas as you read these entries. Your responses provide opportunities for the commissions to broaden their perspectives and their ideas for the future. Our Global Baptist Family needs each other so we might grow more deeply in order to help usher in the Kingdom of God, through Jesus Christ, the Door, here on earth as it is in heaven.

Joy and Grace,
Trisha Miller Manarin, Coordinator
Division on Mission Evangelism and Justice
Baptist World Alliance
[email protected]