State Conventions Kindle Evangelism

Fervor for evangelism ensues as new campaign for greater evangelism continues

By Pauline J. Chang, Christian Post Reporter Friday, December 03, 2004

Following the new evangelism camapaign set forth by the president of Southern Baptist Convention, Bobby Welch, many members have pledged to double the number of baptisms in 2005.

According to the Baptist Press, the state conventions of SBC have shown following examples of evangelical fervor:

-- evangelistic witness to a Somali man who was a parking lot attendant. After faith-related chats with a series of three Minnesota-Wisconsin messengers exiting the lot, the native African told the third witness he wanted to ¡°learn Christian.¡±

-- the final phase of a three-year "Light Up Alaska" emphasis that will focus on evangelism in 2005.

-- a simultaneous revival campaign in 2006 in Arkansas.

-- a challenge to Hoosier Baptists to ask God to provide every Southern Baptist in the state an opportunity to lead at least one person to faith in Christ in 2005.

-- an Iowa Baptist emphasis called "Year of the Harvest" to promote evangelism and increased baptisms.

-- prayer among Georgia Baptists for a "tsunami" wave of revival next year as a series of evangelistic meetings are slated across the state next spring.

-- the long-range goal by Kentucky Baptists to increase baptisms by more than 40 percent by 2010.

-- New Mexico Baptists filling the front of the auditorium as a commitment to the evangelistic cause Welch is championing.

-- Pennsylvania-South Jersey Baptists celebrating an 11.5 percent increase in the number of baptisms over the previous year.

-- Michigan Baptists preparing for a two-year evangelistic emphasis named "What Now, Michigan?"

-- Mississippi Baptists setting aside one day a month for prayer and fasting for revival.

-- Oklahoma Baptists resolving to share the Good News of Jesus through a renewal of evangelism and missions.

-- West Virginia Baptists making a missions and evangelism strategy the theme of their meeting.

-- Southern Baptists of Texas Convention messengers launching the Year of the Double Harvest.

-- The Northwest Baptist Convention committing to pray for Welch and do their part in reaching the SBC-wide goal of baptizing 1 million people in 2005.