A women-to-women missions group will celebrate its 15th birthday by honoring a philanthropist whose family has a long record of generous support for moderate Baptist causes.
Babs Baugh
Leaders of Global Women announced May 9 it would present the Global Heart Award to Babs Baugh, president of the Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation in Houston, at a 15th anniversary birthday gala June 24 at the Sheraton Imperial Ballroom in Greensboro, N.C. The event will be held in conjunction with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 25th anniversary General Assembly.
The anniversary celebration will get underway at the Global Women exhibit at The Gathering Place on the Sheraton third floor and a workshop Friday afternoon exploring the state of women and girls around the world led by Global Women Executive Director Stacy Blackmon.
The Global Heart Award, first given in 2014, recognizes “an extraordinary servant leader who demonstrates commitment to our mission and to using their gifts and abilities to ignite change — for women, for good.”
Blackmon, Global Women’s leader since 2015, said the organization could think of no one more deserving of the award.
The Baugh Foundation, established in 1995 by Sysco founder John Baugh and his wife to carry on their philanthropic efforts beyond their lifetimes, has supported Global Women for six years.
“I can think of no other organization that would put this to as good use as would Global Women,” Baugh said in a handwritten note accompanying one particular check. “You are remarkable, dedicated, honest and living out Matthew. We are delighted and proud to participate with people who believe in miracles — as we certainly do.”
Global Women was launched Dec. 6, 2001, by founders including former national leaders of Woman’s Missionary Union concerned about future opportunities for women in missions in the Southern Baptist Convention. Now a CBF partner, Global Women today works in partnerships addressing issues including sex trafficking, clean water, maternal health, education and economic development for women around the world.
“Global Women believes women have the right to experience life free from poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination,” said Trudy Johnson, the ministry’s associate director. “They envision a world where every woman is empowered by the love of God, valued by her community, and equipped to fulfill her unique purpose.”
Global Women isn’t the only CBF partner celebrating a birthday. The Baptist Center for Ethics, founded in 1991 by Robert Parham, will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a breakfast Friday June 24.
An event description on EthicsDaily.com, the agency’s flagship news and commentary website launched in 2002, says the gathering will be a lighthearted look back at BCE’s history and an introduction of forthcoming resources. BCE will also recognize Molly T. Marshall, president of Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Shawnee, Kan., as EthicsDaily.com’s 2015 Baptist of the Year.