From the 2024 News and Views Archives: It's All About Jesus

I hope this article finds you rejoicing in the blessings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As I pen these words,
I realize that it is only just a few short months away before we gather in Springfield, Illinois for the 98th Annual
Messenger Meeting of the American Baptist Association. I hope that you are planning now to attend this year’s
meeting. Our elected officers of this Association are working hard behind the scenes to put together a meeting
that will be both beneficial and a blessing to our churches.

This year we will assemble around the theme, “It’s All About Jesus.” In John 12:32, Jesus said; “And I, if I be
lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” Our job, as New Testament Churches, is to lift up Jesus in
everything that we do. We are to point others to the crucified and risen Son of God which is the only hope of
mankind. Let us be reminded that on every level in ministry, it’s not about us, but all about Him!

It is truly a great honor to serve as president of this Association. I am an associated Baptist, and I love the work
of the American Baptist Association. We are a fellowship of Missionary Baptist Churches that partner together to
help get the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. We can certainly do more together than we can achieve
on an individual basis.

What can you expect when you attend this year’s meeting in Springfield, Illinois?

Fellowship - This meeting affords us the opportunity to fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ from
around the globe, which will serve as a great benefit and encouragement to each of us. We need this!
Information - Through the necessary business that we conduct each year, we will obtain pertinent information
regarding the status of our mission work and literature for the upcoming year. We also hear numerous reports on
other important ministries in our associated work. We need this!

Worship - Our worship leaders do a fantastic job in preparing our hearts for worship in each session. Through
the congregational singing and special music through individuals and the choir, we have a wonderful opportunity
to lift our voices with hundreds of others in praise to our Lord. We need this!

Biblical preaching - One of the most important times of our assembly is when we gather around the Word of
God. Tuesday and Wednesday evening services are a highlight of our annual meetings. Please be in prayer for our
elected speakers as they prepare to bring God’s Word to the messengers. We need this!

My prayer for the annual meeting this year is that it will serve as a time of refreshing, renewal, and revival for each
one that is present. Please make plans to attend now, and join us in Springfield, Illinois as we bask in the goodness
and greatness of our God.

Bro. Bryan