Just a reminder - Jesus taught us to love one another.
Partnership Missions
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your PARTNERSHIP IN THE GOSPEL from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1 : 4-6, NIV
Over the last 25 years, Baptists of North Carolina have engaged in various partnerships with other Baptist bodies, both domestic and international. These ongoing relationships have truly been blessed opportunities for mutual encouragement and edification in service to our Lord.
Following are brief sketches of some of the partnerships in which BBC have been
actively involved.
*** South Africa ***
"Developing Friendship"
NC Baptists entered into partnership with our fellow Baptist sisters and brothers in the Republic of South Africa in 1995. Numerous volunteer mission teams have trekked to do evangelism, training, sports camps, music, and other types of ministry. The results have been gratifying as the Lord has blessed these efforts. One particular area of significant growth has been in new church starts, aided by these volunteer mission teams, which has translated into reaching countless people with the gospel.
"A Two-Way Street"
But this partnership has been far from one-sided. Volunteers have been blessed during their visits by whole-hearted South African hospitality, breath-taking landscape, and the rich diversity of their worship and culture. We also have received many guests from South Africa, black and white, who have graciously shared their Spiritual gifts in our churches, homes and communities.
"Trevor and Marilyn Eayrs"
This remarkable couple has been especially good friends of the partnership. Trevor serves as the pastor of Central Baptist Church in Pietermaritzburg in SA, with "Mally" as his devoted helpmate. They also direct the work of "Macedonian Ministries", an agency committed to reaching southern Africa for Christ. Trevor and Mally early grasped the possibilities of partnership and extended invitations for teams to come regularly to help spread the gospel. Through the Eayrs' assistance, teams have preached, taught, evangelized, done AIDS ministry, built, and otherwise proclaimed the Word in Zululand, in Transkei (among the Xhosa people), and in neighboring Mozambique. Marilyn and Trevor have also made several trips to the States as friendships have flourished.
"Trent, Mark, Tanya and Little T"
In addition to Trevor and Marilyn Eayrs, other members of the family have become part of ours. Their son, Trent, graduated from Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, NC and has returned to pastor a church in Johannesburg, SA's largest city. Trent is also quite active in mission to the Zulu people. Then sister Tanya and her husband, Mark Wilby, followed and also received degrees from SEBTS. While in the States, the Wilbys joined BBC and blessed our fellowship immensely. Our church was able to support this young couple with finances and prayer during their seminary years. Mark and Tan have also returned to SA and serve as Associate Pastor and wife in North Durban. Troyden, "Little T", was a welcome addition to the family circle in January '07. To read up on the happening with the Wilbys, check out their blog
"Partnership Status at BBC"
BBC has been very active in the South Africa Partnership since the arrival of Ken Boaz as pastor in March 2003. Since then, three teams have made the long journey to this beautiful land. The most recent team returned on July 4th, 2007 after another blessed experience, with yet another grand report for the church. Future plans for additional teams to go or guests to come our way are in the "prayer stage". Stay tuned here for updates on how you might be involved in this partnership.
