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Being a Virginia Baptist means being part of a diverse family of believers who partner with others to spread the gospel of Christ. Focus partnerships of the BGAV at this time are with the Panama Baptist Convention, the International Baptist Convention and the Southwest Virginia Partnership. Church teams and individuals with a variety of ministry skills can become involved through these partnerships.
Not a vacation
The beautiful resort town of Interlaken, Switzerland, attracts thousands each year. For the fourth summer, it will be the destination of a children’s ministry team from Virginia who will provide VBS and discipleship activities for children of pastors and leaders of the International Baptist Convention during its summer assembly in Interlaken. The IBC is a fellowship of more than 65 English-speaking churches in 23 countries.
Lisa Dockery, minister of children at Marion Baptist Church, Marion, will lead the Virginia group to Interlaken on July-6-16. She says it’s a great experience for the first-time as well as the seasoned mission person. While some may chide that serving God in one of the most beautiful parts of the world is a vacation, she will tell you the team’s ministry to the children of these leaders provides a needed time for them to rest and hear the voice of God before returning to their mission field to reach people for Christ. It’s definitely a mission trip. The team for 2011 is looking for a few more members.
New partnership with Panama
Virginia Baptists recently embarked on a 5-year partnership with the Panama Baptist Convention to assist them in reaching people with the gospel and fulfill the Great Commission. Craig Waddell, missions partnership coordinator for the glocal missions team at the VBMB, says a recent assessment of local needs in Panama provides numerous ways to become involved.
Mission teams are needed to conduct Vacation Bible school for the Kuna Indians. A team is needed for construction on a chapel. Leadership training has been requested, so volunteers for Christian education/discipleship training, as well as an alcohol and drug education team have been requested. Several teams to provide sports camps can be used. Medical professionals are needed for three clinics scheduled this summer.
No passport needed
A passport is not necessary to be involved in the Southwest Virginia Partnership. This partnership with Clinch Valley, Powell River and Wise Baptist associations, seeks to assist churches there to be the hands and feet of Christ to those dealing with poverty.
The associations and churches request volunteers for projects and on-site coordinators, Tony and Jan Johnson, match the projects with teams willing to serve. As many as 56 people can stay comfortably in the volunteer housing facility with a full kitchen for teams to prepare meals.
Many teams are choose the summer months and the calendar fills quickly, but the Johnsons would welcome teams willing to serve throughout the year. Projects include construction, social ministry, backyard Bible clubs, outreach and other community ministries.