I've been living in Uganda for a little over six months. I'm not officially "any body" here -- I'm here with my husband who is a diplomat with the US Dept of State, but when I'm asked what I do I seem to have a long list of things to share.... I am a BWA Ambassador -- pretty cool stuff, not that I am one, but that I get to share the good news of the BWA with fellow Christians, as well as non-Christians, in East Africa! I visit with Baptists here and share the story. Many of these pastors are already benefiting from being part of our wonderful alliance. BWA posters are on some of the church walls. Memories of Living Water Conferences and general meetings are shared and new bonds between brothers and sisters in Christ are always forming.
I had the privilege of entering into the Democratic Republic of Congo with a pastor who lives in Uganda but ministers to people from his homeland in DRC and Rwanda. He was not very familiar with the BWA and I was happy to share with him a little of the story, but hope to share more in the days to come. The tragic stories of Rwanda, DRC, Sudan, and Uganda, as well as other places, has caused me to wonder where we have all been? Did we march with Martin to Selma (I must admit, I was born in 1970)? Did we know of the genocide in Rwanda -- really know? Are we aware that children are still being abducted in these parts of the world to be turned into soldiers of the LRA?...
I don't know where I've been. I'd like to say I've trekked with the Catholic fathers and sisters in search of peace, to set children and women free, but honestly, I haven't. hmmm.....
Isn't it wonderful that Raimundo César Barreto Jr.is the new Director of Freedom and Justice for BWA? I hope and pray we will all be more aware of injustice, of the need for the transforming power of Christ to offer freedom to all -- that we might be set free! Let justice roll! Let's be part of it together, hand in hand with Christ Jesus our Lord! Maybe that's where we are.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Friday, September 25, 2009
Civility in our public conversations
How can we expect the world to see Jesus when we can't stop arguing with one another? In the USA, political debate has been more acrimonious than usual. Fear is most often the driving force that makes people attack other's views without respect and a sense of community.
Billy Graham's grandson is in a big mess at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, but it sounds like he understands what a poor witness the church is producing when it takes dissent into disagreeable conflict between Christians.
What is our responsibility to live together in harmony? To what extent are we supposed to put aside what we think is right and go with what another Christian thinks is right? What does this say to us and to our churches:
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18 (NIV)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Blog to Blog
John Pierce, editor of Baptists Today had this to say about the Baptist World Alliance on his blog:
That is just one of the many good reasons for Baptist churches and fellowships of churches to be a part of the worldwide family that voluntarily gathers under the banner of the Baptist World Alliance.
We agree, John. Think what we could do if every Baptist church, school, and association belonged to the BWA!
It's something to pray for.
Blessings,
Kathe Traynham
BWA Associate Director for Promotion and Development
That is just one of the many good reasons for Baptist churches and fellowships of churches to be a part of the worldwide family that voluntarily gathers under the banner of the Baptist World Alliance.
We agree, John. Think what we could do if every Baptist church, school, and association belonged to the BWA!
It's something to pray for.
Blessings,
Kathe Traynham
BWA Associate Director for Promotion and Development
Monday, August 10, 2009
Amsterdam and Ede Were Fabulous!
Friends,
Once again, the annual gathering of worldwide Baptist leadership resulted in an foretaste of heaven. New friendships were created while old connections became warm again. Common Christ-like values and goals surged to the surface in the meetings. Singing in various languages provided a new twist of inspiration and joy. The Spirit of Christ was palpable.
We thank the European Baptist Federation for hosting such a wonderful celebration of the 400th anniversary of Baptist life. Young people joined the senior crowd in Amsterdam to praise God in a union of common joy.
When we got down to BWA business in Ede (a small town outside of Amsterdam), John Upton of Virginia was named as BWA President-elect for the 2010-2015 quinquennium (I have no idea if that's spelled correctly). The BWA General Secretary Neville Callam and BWA President David Coffey provided balanced and harmonious leadership in the meetings.
We were again blessed and invigorated with the presence of many of the members of the Emerging Leaders Network. These "Under-40" Baptist leaders, and others like them, will surely guide the BWA for years to come.
This relatively small summer gathering in Holland springboards us to the mass BWA Congress for next July in Honolulu, Hawaii. I trust you're getting registered in these days. Check out www.bwanet.org for information on the exciting prospects of the BWA Congress.
-- DES
Once again, the annual gathering of worldwide Baptist leadership resulted in an foretaste of heaven. New friendships were created while old connections became warm again. Common Christ-like values and goals surged to the surface in the meetings. Singing in various languages provided a new twist of inspiration and joy. The Spirit of Christ was palpable.
We thank the European Baptist Federation for hosting such a wonderful celebration of the 400th anniversary of Baptist life. Young people joined the senior crowd in Amsterdam to praise God in a union of common joy.
When we got down to BWA business in Ede (a small town outside of Amsterdam), John Upton of Virginia was named as BWA President-elect for the 2010-2015 quinquennium (I have no idea if that's spelled correctly). The BWA General Secretary Neville Callam and BWA President David Coffey provided balanced and harmonious leadership in the meetings.
We were again blessed and invigorated with the presence of many of the members of the Emerging Leaders Network. These "Under-40" Baptist leaders, and others like them, will surely guide the BWA for years to come.
This relatively small summer gathering in Holland springboards us to the mass BWA Congress for next July in Honolulu, Hawaii. I trust you're getting registered in these days. Check out www.bwanet.org for information on the exciting prospects of the BWA Congress.
-- DES
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Quadricentennial Resources are here
Baptist churches are invited to use all or part of the Quadricentennial Service that was celebrated in Amsterdam today, recognizing 400 years of Baptist heritage...the service is available in many languages, and you can find it here: http://www.bwanet.org/default.aspx?pid=1126
New Resources for World Impact Pastors
Today, Thursday, July 30th, in Amsterdam, Baptists are participating in a special service celebrating 400 years of Baptist heritage. In just a few hours, we will post to the BWA website the Order of Service for the Quadricentennial Service.
The order of service will be available in at least seven languages - German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Russian, Swahili, and English. It is being offered to churches around the world, so they may draw on the same materials for a similar observance, which the Baptist World Alliance encourages. We are not saying you should use the liturgy just as it is - you should adapt it, or parts of it, for use as you see fit for your churches.
Check the BWA website for the updates later today, and please remember to pray for the Baptist World Alliance meetings in the Netherlands.
The order of service will be available in at least seven languages - German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Russian, Swahili, and English. It is being offered to churches around the world, so they may draw on the same materials for a similar observance, which the Baptist World Alliance encourages. We are not saying you should use the liturgy just as it is - you should adapt it, or parts of it, for use as you see fit for your churches.
Check the BWA website for the updates later today, and please remember to pray for the Baptist World Alliance meetings in the Netherlands.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The BWA's Exciting Future
Friends,
The upcoming "Summer Gathering" of the BWA will be a most important and exciting time for Baptists around the world. We begin with the 400th anniversary celebration of Baptist movement in Amsterdam, led by the European Baptist Federation.
Thereafter, we move down the road about 50 miles to a small town and comfortable convention spot called Ede. Baptist leaders from all around the world will join hands and hearts in those meetings.
I write this post asking all to pray for this most pivotal meeting. A new President for years 2010-2015 will be chosen. A director for the new Freedom and Justice office of the BWA will be confirmed. This person is Raimundo Barreto from Brazil.
Whether you can participate bodily or not, you can all participate with us at the BWA table via the power of prayer. Let us never diminish or dismiss the importance of such intercession.
By the way, isn't intercessory prayer the most moving and meaningful kind of prayer for you?
-- DES
The upcoming "Summer Gathering" of the BWA will be a most important and exciting time for Baptists around the world. We begin with the 400th anniversary celebration of Baptist movement in Amsterdam, led by the European Baptist Federation.
Thereafter, we move down the road about 50 miles to a small town and comfortable convention spot called Ede. Baptist leaders from all around the world will join hands and hearts in those meetings.
I write this post asking all to pray for this most pivotal meeting. A new President for years 2010-2015 will be chosen. A director for the new Freedom and Justice office of the BWA will be confirmed. This person is Raimundo Barreto from Brazil.
Whether you can participate bodily or not, you can all participate with us at the BWA table via the power of prayer. Let us never diminish or dismiss the importance of such intercession.
By the way, isn't intercessory prayer the most moving and meaningful kind of prayer for you?
-- DES
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
I believe.... We believe...
Historically we Baptists are considered "non-creedal". Isn't that what you learned in seminary? Yet I wonder...
Would a creed unite us more or simply cause us to be exclusionary?
Would a creed create boundaries that so many yearn for or would it just fence people out?
Would a confession of communal belief hurt anyone?
Well.... yes, it would separate the "ins" from the "outs"; it might even "speak" for God - turning human thought into God's thought. It might even say who is called and who is not.
Doesn't Christianty divide by its very nature? When we join Christians of old and new in reciting the Apostle's or Nicene Creed is it truly offensive? Are the words themselves not true, or at least close to true? How is reciting a creed different from declaring the faith of our hymnody in melody and harmony?
I struggle with the desire to be unified in theology and praxis and at the same time shutter to think we, the church, might require all to "sign on the dotted line". In truth, the struggle is great for me. How do we declare, as a congregation, what we believe without it becoming a mandate?
What do you think? Do you struggle, too? Or is it just I who wonders?????
God be with you,
Trisha
Would a creed unite us more or simply cause us to be exclusionary?
Would a creed create boundaries that so many yearn for or would it just fence people out?
Would a confession of communal belief hurt anyone?
Well.... yes, it would separate the "ins" from the "outs"; it might even "speak" for God - turning human thought into God's thought. It might even say who is called and who is not.
Doesn't Christianty divide by its very nature? When we join Christians of old and new in reciting the Apostle's or Nicene Creed is it truly offensive? Are the words themselves not true, or at least close to true? How is reciting a creed different from declaring the faith of our hymnody in melody and harmony?
I struggle with the desire to be unified in theology and praxis and at the same time shutter to think we, the church, might require all to "sign on the dotted line". In truth, the struggle is great for me. How do we declare, as a congregation, what we believe without it becoming a mandate?
What do you think? Do you struggle, too? Or is it just I who wonders?????
God be with you,
Trisha
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
A Little Confession is good for the Soul!
Trish,
I'm most grateful you have your heart set on what's best for Turkish believers...and non-believers for that matter. I wish all Baptist friends would have a burning spiritual fire for those who have little access to the Good News.
Therein lies the angst-filled issue. My idealism clashes with reality. I have to admit that many Baptists don't hold your level of fervor for those outside their network of friends and acquaintances. And I won't point fingers in self-righteousness. At times, I'm one of those Baptists.
There are some moments in which I'd have to confess my levels of passion for the lost come in "a poor second" compared to the self-centered interests that can deftly occupy my time. At that point of self-awareness, I have to remember my "first love" and get on my knees and humbly re-order my life with the One who went to a cross for me.
I wish more people were expressing themselves just as you do, Trish. I will pray toward that end.
For the rest of you ministers....just how much complacency do we find when we talk to the average Baptist about God's mission?
-- DES
I'm most grateful you have your heart set on what's best for Turkish believers...and non-believers for that matter. I wish all Baptist friends would have a burning spiritual fire for those who have little access to the Good News.
Therein lies the angst-filled issue. My idealism clashes with reality. I have to admit that many Baptists don't hold your level of fervor for those outside their network of friends and acquaintances. And I won't point fingers in self-righteousness. At times, I'm one of those Baptists.
There are some moments in which I'd have to confess my levels of passion for the lost come in "a poor second" compared to the self-centered interests that can deftly occupy my time. At that point of self-awareness, I have to remember my "first love" and get on my knees and humbly re-order my life with the One who went to a cross for me.
I wish more people were expressing themselves just as you do, Trish. I will pray toward that end.
For the rest of you ministers....just how much complacency do we find when we talk to the average Baptist about God's mission?
-- DES
Friday, June 5, 2009
I think many of us care what takes place in Turkey or any other part of the world. Don't you? Isn't it heart wrenching to hear the stories of our brothers and sisters around the globe who face persecution? It makes us stop for a second or two, wide-eyed, shocked, sad, horrified, disappointed or a host of emotions. Then what happens? Are we truly aware of how fortunate those of us who live in freer nations are to be able to worship openly? To open a Bible anywhere without wondering who is looking over our shoulder? To even tell others where we go to church? What a gift, but sometimes that gift opens the way for us to become complacent. Don't you think?
I'm am so glad we have the BWA which opens doors for us to connect with our brothers and sisters, to pray for each other, to offer love and support.... How about you?
-Trisha
I'm am so glad we have the BWA which opens doors for us to connect with our brothers and sisters, to pray for each other, to offer love and support.... How about you?
-Trisha
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