Re:
Opened devotion with hymn #, ‘Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross’ and Rev.
Willa Reed read scripture from II Chronicles chapter 2:12-15. Devotion was
closed with hymn #164, ‘I Have Decided to Follow Jesus’ and prayer.
Rev. Dr. Moses Edwards called the conference to order and welcomed the
body to this week’s conference and business session at Winston Lake Family
YMCA. As the morning mediation, Dr. Serenus
Churn reflected on the Eastertide and spoke from the gospel of John chapter
27. In John’s gospel, the story of
Thomas describes what Churn calls a twin personality that we encountered even
today. Thomas is an interesting
character he is the first to say, ‘let’s die with Christ.’ He was an honest skeptic who admitted he did
not know where Jesus was going. Thomas
was the one who doubted Jesus had risen and he was not present the first time
Jesus appeared to the disciples.
Churns says Thomas was one of those who needed
empirical evidence instead of someone’s testimony—he needed to see and touch,
not only, Jesus but his wound as well.
However, even with Thomas’ skepticism Jesus showed him and the other
disciples, again, that he was the Risen Christ.
Once and for all Thomas was satisfied to claim Jesus, Lord and Savior of
all!
The minutes of the April 18th conference were read and
accepted with proper correction(s).
Last week was
International Partner Day with our Zimbabwe Baptist Conference
representatives. Today is Seminarian
Preaching Day. Next week Rev. Prince
Rivers is the Order of the Day.
Chris Bauman,
Organizer CHANGE, reminded the body of the upcoming Delegates Assembly April
30, 2006, 4pm at Union Baptist Church.
Rev. Sanders
reported the MLK Golf Scholarship Fundraiser is in a good position to make a
significant contribution to the conference scholarship program. Other Conference
members are encouraged to enter a team in support of this educational event.
Sick Report
Rev. Edwards
voiced a concern for the illness and disease in our community and requested the
body join together to pray for Brother John Ray. Body formed a circle, laid hands-on and
prayer for the health of Brother Ray.
Community
Presentation(s)
R.J. Clark,
Jr. Veteran and Buffalo Solider Story-teller introduced the NC Buffalo Solider
Reunion. This is the 140th
commemoration of the establishment of the early African descendant American
soldiers. The reunion will be held July
24-30, 2006 at Four Seasons Convention Center in Greensboro. The conference is invited to support this
event. The body voted to contribute at
the Bronze level and award $200 support of the historic moment.
Evangelist
Valjean Griggs offered the hymn “Domino Noachian” as a spiritual praise to God.
Rev. Nathan Parrish distributed and discussed
data on the proposed school bond. Rev.
Edwards stated we need more time to understand the numbers and suggested we set
aside time at a future conference to give more time to this important matter.
Rev. Bass and
Rev. Parrish distributed copies of a statement on Racism and Repentance
ratified by the Alliance of Baptist to become an Anti-Racist Christian
institution. The Alliance is a baptist
body of 117 churches from across the US who strive to be a clear voice for
Christian freedom, distinctively Baptist and intentionally ecumenical in an
interfaith world.
Announcement(s):
Cynthia
Jeffries, Executive Director and Richard Daniels, Assistant Director for
Winston Lake YMCA invited the conference body to take advantage of the many
programs of the YMCA. There is space for
church meetings, special events and special membership plans for all income
ranges. President Moses Edwards thanked
the staff for hosting the luncheon for this week’s conference.
Rev. Willard Bass introduced Rev. John Mazegadva, General
Secretary and Dennis Dhlula, President of the Zimbabwe Baptist Conference as
the Order of the Day.
Rev.
John Mazegadva reported Zimbabwe formally the Republic of Rhodia is located in
southern African just above South Africa.
Zimbabwe received independence in 1980.
However, today Zimbabwe faces inflation rates of 1000% and a jobless
rate at 80% of the population. The
Zimbabwe Convention is a major means of support to 144 churches, which also
operates a seminary, hospital, a school and conference center. Churches are encouraged to adopt projects
that can produce income that supports both the churches and the
convention. The convention adopts 3-4
orphans yearly and provides support by purchasing uniforms, books/materials and
meals for each child. One international
project the conference is invited to join is: the Adopt-A-Child program. A contribution of $60 per month provides the
ongoing needs for a child for each school year.
Rev.
Dennis Dhlula gave a historical sketch of how Christian missionaries
infiltrated the country thru friendly agreements. However, the language in the contracts
unknowingly signed over land and resources to the Queen of England. In the early 1960’s Zimbabweans began to
educate themselves and embrace a message of hope and encouragement.
Today,
the convention is working to liberate and empower its churches and congregants
to work together. A challenge has been
put forward for a new vision of growth by 2010.
The challenge includes raising up a new generation of leaders and building
their own professional workforce including doctors, educators and ministers.
The
body voted to support the Zimbabwe ministry with a contribution of $200.00.
Attendance – 21 persons
Offering - $50.00
Membership
– 0.00
Adjournment (Prayer and Benediction)
Having no further business the conference adjourned with prayer and
benediction.