SEARCY, Ark. – Arkansas Baptists gathered in Searcy on Sunday to celebrate what God is doing around the state.
Arise, an Arkansas Baptist State Convention event recognizing the cooperative effort of Arkansas Baptist churches and God’s work throughout the state, was hosted by First Baptist Church in Searcy.
The night was comprised of worship led by a choir of individuals from various churches throughout the region followed by words from Church Health + Evangelism Team Leader Warren Gasaway and Missions Assistant Team Leader Clint Ritchie. The two shared about their respective teams and the impact of Arkansas Baptists working together furthering God’s Kingdom.
Gasaway touched on Arkansas Baptist Women’s Ministry Networks, Vacation Bible School trainings, Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Explore Your Call, Worship Leader Networks, the Evangelism Conference, Lead Defend, Beach Reach, and more.
“For the first time since the late 1980’s, the SBC has seen four consecutive years of growth in baptisms. It is the highest level since 2017 just in these last four years,” Gasaway said. “God is doing something. He is on the move, and we are very grateful to be a part of that.”
Ritchie shared about Statewide Baptism Day, April 27, which concluded their Spring Outreach Strategy, Medical and Dental Missions, church planting, and Disaster Relief, as well as the recent vision trips Arkansas Baptists took to the Dominican Republic and Liberia, West Africa.
“You are a part of God doing great work across our state, in our communities, throughout Arkansas, and to the ends of the earth,” Ritchie told attendees. “You are a part of a great movement of God changing lives and meeting needs and as we meet needs, pointing them to Jesus. Thank you for your efforts and cooperation.”
The evening concluded with Executive Director Dr. Rex Horne, who brought a message on facing the battles of life and the power of cooperation. He focused on scripture from 2 Chronicles 20.
“I hope that we leave here believing, as we have just seen and heard in so many different ways, that we are in this together and together we are able to accomplish great things in our communities and churches and associations and state convention and around the world,” Horne said. “It is because of your faithfulness and your giving through Arkansas CP, the Cooperative Program, Dixie Jackson, but also the service that you render, manpower, and the work that you are doing, volunteering your time, joining together with people across the state to accomplish wonderful things. It’s fantastic to see that.”
Following Horne’s message, attendees were invited to a dessert fellowship. The homemade desserts were provided by members of First Baptist Church in Searcy.
ABSC Director of Convention Advancement and News Craig Jenkins said the night celebrated and highlighted an important truth, “We are better together.”