Posted on Oct 13, 2006 | by Staff

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FAIRBANKS, Alaska (BP)--Alaska Baptists celebrated their 61st annual meeting by emphasizing evangelism and expressing support for members of the military deployed to the Middle East from their state.

The meeting’s theme was “Alaska Kingdom Challenge ... Everyone Can Acts 1:8,” based on the challenge issued by Bobby Welch, immediate past president of the Southern Baptist Convention, urging Baptists to witness to, win and baptize 1 million people during one church year.

With members of the U.S. military, including the 172nd Striker Brigade Combat Team based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, continuing their deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan, Alaska Baptists passed a resolution offering “continued prayer and support to the troops and family members.” They asked that a copy of the resolution be transmitted to the commanders and chaplains of the Alaska-based unit.

Messengers to the Alaska Baptist Convention approved a 2007 budget of $1.9 million, a 3 percent increase over 2006. The budget includes anticipated Cooperative Program giving of $715,327 from affiliated churches plus additional funding from the North American Mission Board and LifeWay Christian Resources. The convention will continue to allocate 33 percent of Cooperative Program receipts to national and international missions and ministries.

Gary Cox, pastor of University Baptist Church in Fairbanks, was elected president for 2007. Charles Worthy, pastor of First Baptist Church in Willow, was elected first vice president; Ed Gregory, pastor of First Baptist Church in Anchorage, second vice president; and Colleen Cannon, a member of First Baptist Church in Anchorage, recording secretary.

Attendance for the Aug. 15-16 sessions at First Baptist Church in Fairbanks included 119 messengers and 37 guests representing 34 churches and missions.

The convention’s 2007 meeting will be Sept. 25-26 at Birchwood Community Church in Chugiak.
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Based on information provided by David Baldwin, executive director of the Alaska Baptist Convention.