BY DR. JOHN SULLIVAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-TREASURER
FLORIDA BAPTIST CONVENTION

Sullivan shares Sumner Wemp’s witnessing experience

What a great joy to convene the Florida Baptist State Convention meeting on the Southwest Coast of our beautiful state. Our Florida Baptist State Convention President, Dr. Hayes Wicker, serves as pastor of the First Baptist Church, Naples, located in this area of the state. As president, he has given excellent leadership during the past two years—inspiring us in the areas of evangelism and moral concerns. His recent decision to lead the Naples congregation to increase Cooperative Program giving by two percent is outstanding! Thank you, Hayes, for your faithful gospel preaching; wonderful mission spirit and your exceptional leadership.

As hosts of our state convention meeting, McGregor Baptist Church has gone beyond the call to welcome Florida Baptists to Fort Myers and this wonderful church. It is difficult to realize how much work and energy is expended on getting ready for a meeting of this size and nature. Thank you, Dr. Richard Powell, pastor of this dynamic congregation, and your staff for the “extra mile” service you have rendered to your fellow Baptists in Florida. Thank you, also, for leading your congregation to give the second highest amount in the state through the Cooperative Program in 2005-2006.

There is excellent discussion going on in the Southern Baptist Convention as it relates to Cooperative Program giving. For the first time in many years we have had healthy discussion that will make a difference in kingdom work.

I would encourage those attending the state convention meeting to meet Dr. Ed Johnson, our new leader for Cooperative Program promotion in Florida. Dr. Johnson served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Ocala for over 20 years and guided his congregation to become a statewide leader in Cooperative Program giving. We are delighted that Dr. Johnson has agreed to assume this role.

I am committed to continue to making the Cooperative Program the most visible and viable missions delivery system in the world. To accomplish the Great Commission we must find ways to go into all the world; all the time; at the same time with all of the gospel. The best method I know is the Cooperative Program.

We are delighted that many of you are in attendance at the state convention meeting. We will do some business; hear wonderful preaching and singing; elect new officers and have wonderful fellowship. May the spirit of God meet us in this place as we honor Him with our very best. Be conscious of those around you. Say a good word about Jesus in their presence. May His grace be evident in all we do.

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You may contact Dr. John Sullivan at 1-800-226-8584, ext. 3015, or by e-mail.