By Craig Webb, HPBC executive director-treasurer

Reflecting on the profound experience at the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, the event was a testament to our collective strength in fulfilling Christ’s commission and our commitment to biblical faithfulness. Over 16,000 messengers and guests participated, including 27 Hawaii Pacific Baptists.

The high point of the gathering was the International Mission Board’s (IMB) sending celebration, where we witnessed and participated in the commissioning of the newest cross-cultural missionaries. More than half of the 83 missionaries being sent out were behind a screen, so we could only see their silhouettes and hear their voices. These men and women will serve in countries where it is either illegal to share the gospel or Christians are strongly persecuted. I was moved to tears as I considered the cost of following Christ. I was renewed and resolved in my personal commitment to supporting these and the 3500 missionary personnel (and their 2700 children) serving around the globe. 

When you give to your local church and your church gives through the Cooperative Program, you support these IMB missionaries, thousands of Send Network church planters, and theological training through our six Southern Baptist seminaries. Every contribution, no matter the size, is a significant part of this collective effort.

You also support missions and ministries in Hawaii. You are involved in Collegiate Ministries, Women’s Ministries, ministry to pastors and their wives, support for churches between pastors, leadership training events, retreats, our annual meeting, our Hawaii Baptist Academy, and the Hawaii Baptist Foundation.

The Cooperative Program is an important part of accomplishing our mission and expresses the essence of working together for the gospel. We can achieve much more by working together than by working alone. Hawaii Pacific Baptists, it is an honor to be united with you in following Christ together.