South Africa

The Cape of Good Hope

This week Erica and I travelled to South Africa for the 21st Baptist World Alliance Congress in Durban. On our way, we stopped for a few days in Cape Town. And enjoyed touring around the stunning coast and beautiful vineyards and jagged peaks of Stellenbosch.

BWA Congress Durban, South African

The Baptist World Alliance is a global movement of Baptist churches sharing a common commitment of bearing witness to the love and healing power of Christ in a lost and hurting world. Formed in 1905 during the first Baptist World Congress in London, England, the BWA has a membership of 231 conventions and unions in 121 countries and territories. Today the BWA is comprised of approximately 40 million members in 177,000 churches.

The 21st Congress is being hosted in part by the South African Baptist Churches. The opening ceremony features a beautiful presentation and song in Zulu that included the flags from every country in Africa. A highlight of the evening was seeing the representation of the Baptist family from around the world. We cheered with our Canadian friends and with our brothers and sisters from India, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and South Sudan. 

The theme of the 21st Congress is "Jesus Christ, the Door" and we are being challenged by Christian leaders from around the world to consider the dimensions of this reality for all people! On the first evening, Reverend Peter Chin, from South Korea, challenged us to "Shine On" as Christ has shone upon us.

Erica with Gato and Anne Marie Munyamasoko

We are also excited to be here to celebrate a special award for our CBM friend and colleague, Rev. Gato Munyamasoko, for his work ad commitment to peace building in Central Africa. Tonight Gato will be receiving this award as part of the evening theme gathering "Jesus Christ, the Door to Liberty".

Dr. Harry Gardner of Acadia Divinity College speaking this morning
on Jesus the Open Gate. A powerful challenge for all Christians to be
inclusive and to reach out to those who have become discouraged and
frustrated with the Church.

Cape Town

We are so thankful for the opportunity to participate in this gathering and to connect with members of the Baptist Church from so many part of the world. It is deeply encouraging to see first hand the impact God is making through local churches committed to living out their faith is generous and courageous love for others.