LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – The Board of Directors of the Arkansas Baptist Foundation (ABF) held its regularly scheduled Quarterly Board Meeting on Thursday, November 11, 2021, at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC).
Vince Blubaugh, Church Planting Team Leader, ABSC, gave the opening devotional covering Matthew 5:43- 44, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Blubaugh shared how we often come ready to fight and defend but instead we should work to build relationships and love and pray for our enemies.
Highlights of the Board Meeting included:
- Staff profile of Joy Estes, new Ministry Assistant at ABF, who shared about her role assisting with the legal and ministry services of the Foundation, as well as assisting with communication needs.
- Derek Brown, Executive Director, Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries gave the agency report celebrating the rapid growth they have experienced and how they are working to meet the growing needs of families and children across the state.
- Recognition of Jay Shell, current ABF Chairman, for leading the Board this past year as well as acknowledging Larry Walker, Mark Conine, and John McMorran for completing their six-year terms of service on the Board.
- Approval of 2022 Amos distributions and review of how this fund has supported mission work in Israel and among the Israelite people in the last 20 years.
- Finalization of the Foundation’s 2022 operating budget.
- Approval of the Executive Committee’s motion to continue to use Landmark PLC as the Foundation’s auditor. As well as approval of 2022 officers, which will include Tommy Vaughan as Chairman, Eric Brown as Vice Chairman, Jim Harris as Secretary, Bobby Thomas as President, Dillon McClain and Patrick Henry as Vice Presidents, and Eric Davis as Treasurer.
- President’s Report from Bobby Thomas highlighting the 13th Mission:Dignity check, a ministry of GuideStone, which exists to honor retirement-aged Southern Baptist pastors, denominational workers and their widows.