SBC MISSIONS

I have just returned from an East Asia Summit sponsored by the IMB in Oklahoma City. I was there representing the Treasure State Baptist Association. Last Fall, we had two of our M's from East Asia at our Associational Annual Meeting. Out of that time, I felt our TSBA should consider how we could partner with East Asia. Our DOM, Steve Fowler agreed, and so we began to pray. A couple of months ago, Steve Fowler was encouraged by an M on the field to go to the Summit, and because he was to be out of State, I was asked. I want to share just a couple of thoughts I have had so far.
First, it may seem a bit audacious for a small association of small Baptist churches in a pioneer State to even consider a partnership. I felt that way. I was even thinking that way on my way to OKC, but it did not take long to realize it can be a perfect fit. I found that the preferred size of teams in East Asia is about 5-8. A group of two is great. I thought "Wow, we can do this."
Second, as I was growing up, even in college and seminary, the prospects of going to most of East Asia were very poor as Communism had slammed the curtain. Today there is a small window, but it is relatively easy to go anywhere in East Asia that God may lead.
Third, I am excited, EXCITED, about being Southern Baptist. I was able to meet a number of our M's at the Summit. I cannot tell you how impressed I was with them. They are worthy of our dollars, our prayer, and our partnertship.
Steve