2019-2020 MINISTRY UPDATE
Our Mission: NETWORKING THE
BAPTIST FAMILY TO IMPACT THE WORLD
FOR CHRIST Page 3
STRENGTHENING Worship, Fellowship & Unity
Page 6
LEADING Mission & Evangelism
Page 8
RESPO NDING Aid, Relief, & Community Development
Page 10
DEFENDING Religious Freedom, Human Rights & Justice
Page 12
ADVANCING Theological Reflection & Transformational Leadership
Page 14
PARTNERSHIP Fiscal Report
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A Personal Word from the
G E N E R A L S E C R E TA R Y As I reflect on all that the Lord accomplished in 2019 and what is unfolding in 2020, I am humbled by the global impact of God at work through Baptists around the world – men and women who are living out their faith with courage and compassion. Through our worldwide partnership, we are able to visit and provide encouragement to Baptists ministering in difficult contexts. We provide humanitarian aid when disasters strike. We speak out and advocate with government leaders when religious persecution is threatened. We share the love of Christ in a world where three billion remain unreached. We develop and equip a new generation of leaders. After more than 115 years, the opportunities for the Baptist World Alliance and BWA Baptists to pursue our mission “to impact the world for Christ” truly remain as vibrant and as vital today as ever. Please join me in celebrating how God is moving and in praying for God’s continued guidance as we serve together! Partnering Together,
Rev. Elijah M. Brown, PhD General Secretary & CEO
STR E N G TH E NI NG Worship, Fellowship & Unity
Centered in Jesus Christ and rooted in deep spiritual life, we strengthen our worldwide family through ongoing gatherings, pastoral presence, mutual friendships, and the cultivation of worship, fellowship, and unity.
PICTURED: Baptists from 50 nations participated in the Bahamian Cultural Night at the 2019 Annual Gathering in Nassau, The Bahamas.
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Whether at our Annual Gatherings, at our home office in Virginia, USA, or visiting ministry leaders around the world, we are honored by the opportunity to worship with our Baptist sisters and brothers.
38,000
people attended an event around the world where they heard messages and missional updates from a member of the BWA team.
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countries were directly impacted through pastoral visits, BWAid assistance, and direct mobilization of Baptist leaders for global engagement and advancement.
1,000+
prayer warriors united weekly to pray for the world. Join the weekly “Baptists One in Prayer� email list by visiting bit.ly/BWAEmail.
OUR GROWING FAMILY
The Zomi Baptist Convention of Myanmar (ZBCM) joined the BWA in July, making it the 240th member body within the global Baptist family. ZBCM has 15,777 members in 190 churches and has convention offices in Kalaymyo, Myanmar.
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S T R E NG T H ENING Worship, Fellowship & Unity
BWA HERITAGE & MISSION WELCOME CENTER OPENED MARCH 2019 The BWA building is much more than a building. It is a repository for more than 100 years of BWA history, the site of instrumental ministry planning meetings, and a place of encouragement for the many Baptists who visit from around the world. Knowing its value to the global Baptist family, member bodies in the 1905 Founders Circle collaborated and contributed a financial gift for the creation of the BWA Heritage & Mission Welcome Center. The Center includes a world map wall highlighting the 125 countries and territories represented within the BWA, a mission wall that highlights the BWA’s five key ministry areas, and a history wall highlighting the impact of the BWA throughout its first 100 years.
HONORING PRESIDENT PAUL MSIZA In recognition of his faithful leadership as BWA
President, the BWA hosted a a tribute luncheon at the 2019 Annual Gathering in Nassau. President Msiza has traveled extensively since 2015 to preach God’s Word and provide spiritual encouragement for Baptists around the world. He is pictured with a special gift presented by All Africa Baptist Fellowship, his home regional fellowship. President Msiza’s ministry has also included diligent planning alongside the Congress Committee in preparation for the 22nd Baptist World Congress scheduled for July 7-10, 2021. Featuring a lineup of dynamic communicators and gifted artists from every region of the world, the event will include an opening sermon by President Msiza and a celebration of Tomás Mackey as the new BWA President.
STRENGTHENING Worship, Fellowship & Unity 5
Rooted in our history is the commitment to follow in the footsteps of nineteenth century Baptist leader Johann Gerhard Oncken, who taught “every Baptist a missionary.” As a result of global mission efforts over the last decade, the BWA has grown from 36 million to 47 million.
The BWA family has grown in the last ten years.
31%
At the 2nd Annual General Secretary’s Dinner in March, the BWA helped highlight evangelism efforts around the globe, including special messages from Baptist evangelists serving in Syria and the United Kingdom. Pictured is featured speaker Kwame Adzam, President of Christ Foundation Evangelistic Ministry and a former BWA Emerging Leader participant.
Over the last year, the BWA... • Resourced open-air evangelistic gatherings in South Sudan that resulted in more than 200 professions of faith and provided support for discipleship classes to equip these new believers • Supported ministry efforts at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya to evangelize and disciple 500 youth refugees • Provided a grant to a Baptist church in the Middle East to facilitate the distribution of more than 400 coats for children who have been orphaned and displaced by war, a gift that opened the door for additional Gospel witness • Supported Venezuelan missionaries who are spreading help and hope across their country, including planting 32 churches over the last year
LE A DIN G Mission & Evangelism
General Secretary Elijah Brown traveled to Bangladesh in February 2019 and was honored to meet Martin Biswas who has plan ted 60 Baptist churches over the course of his 40-year ministry.
Compelled by the Great Commission, we lead with a passionate commitment to Gospel witness in every context and people group, foster multidirectional partnerships that connect individuals and churches, and encourage global mission and evangelism.
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90,000 90,000
Baptists live in Bangladesh,
a nation of more than 164 MILLION and the home of the largest unreached group in the world. Join us in prayer and support for Baptists as they share Gospel witness with the Shaikh people, a population of 133 MILLION with 0% professing Christians.
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R ESPO ND IN G through Aid, Relief & Community Development Challenged to generously love our neighbor, we respond to people in need, collaborate in times of crisis, network agencies, support sustainability and creation care, build capacity, empower local church engagement and resource aid, relief, and community development
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In 2019, BWAid supported
20 17 24,000 PROJECTS in
COUNTRIES, impacting more than
PEOPLE
2020 marks the 100-year anniversary of Baptist World Aid. In its storied history, BWAid has responded to people in need with around the world, distributing millions of dollars in aid and resources in more than 100 countries. To usher in the next century of ministry, the BWA launched the Baptist Forum on Aid and Development (BFAD), drawing together Baptist aid agencies into a roundtable in order to nurture greater collaborative response, efficiency, and communication. After Cyclone Idai struck Mozambique in March, BFAD Facilitator Rachel Conway-Doel was in the country within a week to provide training and assistance to local Baptists as they responded to this disaster as well as facilitating inter-agency coordination. Within its first year, BFAD already includes 15 Baptist agencies from around the world and will continue to strengthen the impact and reach of the BWA in the years to come.
RELIEF
DEVELOPMENT
CAPACITY BUILDING
$118,000
$104,154
$12,220
58% • Refugee Support 31% • Hunger 11% • Hurricane Relief
33% 27% 12% 11% 10% 7%
• Refugee Support • Sex Trafficking Survivor Assistance • Youth • Agriculture/Husbandry • Domestic Violence Prevention • Water
81% • Workshop Support 19% • Training / Education
RESPO N D IN G Aid, Relief & Community Development 9
DEFENDIN G Religious Freedom, Human Rights & Justice
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Committed to a biblical understanding of the image of God in every person, we defend an ethic of life, support religious freedom for all, stand in solidarity with the marginalized, advocate at every level, train and network proactively, and mobilize for religious freedom, human rights, and justice
Gregory José Pérez, Executive Director of the National Baptist Youth Union of Venezuela, was arbitrarily arrested alongside 30 others in January 2019. In partnership with the National Baptist Convention of Venezuela and the Union of Baptists in Latin America, the Baptist World Alliance composed and distributed a letter to government authorities within Venezuela, urging that human and legal rights be honored, including the removal of all charges against Pérez and the others arrested unjustly. Thankfully, these efforts aided in his release. In addition to justice efforts, the BWA offered $5,000 emergency grants to six Baptists conventions and organizations working alongside Venezuelan refugees. This included ministries providing support within the country and those offering basic care and employment for displaced Venezuelans.
Heshan de Silva, President of the Sri Lanka Baptist Sangamaya and Chairman of the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka, was instrumental in leading a response to the tragic church bombings on Easter Sunday 2019. The Baptist World Alliance offered support in the immediate aftermath and in the months that followed, including a dedicated time of prayer for the people of Sri Lanka at the 2019 Annual Gathering. Burchel Taylor, seasoned pastor within the Jamaica Baptist Union and global Baptist leader, received the 2019 Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award for his long-standing work in the areas of healthcare, education, legal aid. Established in 2006, the award is given by the BWA for significant and effective activities to secure, protect, restore or preserve human rights. The BWA supports 6
representatives engaged in service and advocacy through the United Nations.
D E F ENDIN G Religious Freedom, Human Rights & Justice 11
Over the last year, the BWA... Sent a global delegation of 20 people to Warsaw, Poland, for the ongoing bilateral dialogue between the BWA and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity centered on the topic of “Challenges to Common Witness” Mobilized 16 BWA Commissions comprised of more than 400 leaders from around the world to engage in meaningful theological reflection on today’s critical issues, enhance collaborative action, and produce resoures for the global church Awarded a Certificate in Christian Leadership to 24 people from 12 countries at the 2019 Annual Gathering
TRAINING FOR YOUTH & CHILDREN LEADERS HORIZONS was created by bringing relevant training, gathered from numerous global experts and practitioners of youth and children’s ministry, into an easy-to-use format. The free online training at BWAHorizons.org is available in 14 languages, making it affordable and accessible to leaders across the globe.
74
new participants enrolled
In the last year, two additional HORIZONS Regional Directors were appointed and trained mentors were established in each of the six BWA regions.
People under 18 years of age make up more than a quarter of the world population.
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mentors in training
ADVANCIN G Theological Reflection & Leadership Development Called to discipleship, we advance multicultural and multilingual training, empower next generation leaders, encourage meaningful dialogue and praxis, and engage in relevant theological reflection and transformational leadership 12
The BWA hosted the 9th Baptist International Conference on Theological Education (BICTE) in Nassau, The Bahamas, from July 5-7 focused on the role of women in Baptist life today. Drawing more than 200 attendees from 33 countries, the event included three days of plenaries, breakout sessions, roundtable discussions, and panels. 13
PARTNERING TOGETHER | FISCAL REPORT We are incredibly thankful for the faithful and generous support of our ministry partners around the world, including member bodies, churches, and individuals. Together we are making a global impact!
SUPPORT & REVENUE $2,231,691* $619,922 $530,818 $400,726 $396,399 $283,826
The Baptist World Alliance has connected me to a global network of Jesus followers dedicated to serving God and humanity. Because of BWA, I now have friends and professional contacts around the world. More importantly, BWA is making a difference in countless lives, especially among those with physical and spiritual needs. By connecting Baptists in highly resourced areas with those in areas of need, BWA is bringing the world together to move toward a better day for all. - Ferrell Foster
Churches, Individuals & Others Meeting Income Miscellaneous Income Member Organizations Rental Income
* Support revenue totals do not include investment UR gains or losses
EXPENSES $2,110,447 $1,580,889 $ 239,584 $ 149,709 $ 140,265
Program Services Administration Building Fundraising
BAPTIST WORLD ALLIANCE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President
Ngwedla Paul Msiza
General Secretary Elijah M. Brown
First Vice President Jan Saethre
Vice Presidents
Ernest Adu-Gyamfi Jerry Carlisle
Jules Casseus Tapan Chowdhury Miyon Chung Michael Okwakol Dimitrina Oprenova Jorge Quinteros Luiz Roberto Silvado Naomi Tyler-Lloyd Anslem Warrick
Treasurer
Carolyn Fossen
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Immediate Past President John Upton
Women’s Auxiliary President Ksenija Magda
Youth Department President Amanda Haines
Regional Representatives
Samson Olasupo Ayonkunle Edwin Lam TomĂĄs Mackey Tim McCoy Jan Saethre William Thompson
Global Representatives
Paul Baxley John Beasy Joina Dhlula Lynn Green Melvin Harris Johnathan Hemmings Karl Johnson Thomas Klammt Roy Medley Adebola Samson-Fatokun Terry Smith Kang-San Tan Steve Vernon
PARTNERING TOGETHER | FISCAL REPORT
We highly value effective stewardship with a commitment to utilize all resources with integrity and to share results with transparency. SUMMARIZED STATEMENTS OF POSITION 2019*
2018
2017
$929,180
$952,034
$784,487
$540,248
$470,290
$220,691
Total Current Assets
$1,469,428
$1,422,324
$1,005,178
Property and Equipment Net Investments
$2,416,291
$2,445,923
$2,453,620
Endowment Fund Investments and Other Investments
$3,786,196
$2,782,142
$3,272,081
Total Investments
$6,202,487
$5,228,065
$5,725,701
$1,277,775
$1,128,149
$1,234,371
$0.00
$100,000
$99,505
$1,277,775
$1,228,149
$1,333,876
$8,949,690
$7,878,538
$8,064,755
ASSETS
Cash and Cash Equivalents Receivables and Prepaid
Other Assets Beneficial Interest in Perpetual Trusts Pledges Received – Net Total Other Assets TOTAL
* unaudited (all figures in the report reflect United States dollars)
ONLINE: BaptistWorld.org
MAIL: 405 N. Washington St • Falls Church, VA 22046 USA
PLANNED GIVING: BWAGift.org
PHONE: +1 (703) 790-8980
* The Baptist World Alliance is a registered 501(c)(3) organization within the United States, ensuring your generous gift is tax-deductible.
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405 North Washington Street Falls Church, VA 22046 USA
Follow Us on Social: @BaptistWorld
Visit our microsite to discover how Baptist World Aid has impacted over 100,000 people in more than 80 countries during the coronavirus global pandemic and discover how you can stand together with Baptists around the world at this critcal time.
BaptistWorld.org/covid19 N E T WOR KI N G THE B A P TI ST F A MI LY T O I M PACT T HE W O R L D F O R C HR I ST
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COUNTRIES & TERRITORIES
240
MEMBER
BODIES
47
MILLION
PEOPLE