Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, probably felt pretty ordinary to most South Carolina Baptists. But I assure you it was anything but that.
CarterSouth Carolina Baptists, by action of the Executive Board, enabled our convention to count the offerings postmarked in 2012, even though they arrived after the first of January. This allowed us to send the International Mission Board a check for an additional $415,000.
I write this article in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, Feb. 26, because I was awakened by thoughts of what a difference the $415,000 you gave is going to make. How will our missionaries use it? I don’t know, but I do know the difference will be felt by real people.
They may use our money to build an orphanage that will take children off the streets. Or maybe they will open several health clinics that will treat people with inadequate health care. Maybe they’ll save the life of some little boy or girl like my granddaughter, Scout. Maybe it will be used to host a crusade in Sao Paulo or Nairobi, where hundreds will come to know Christ. I don’t know for certain, but I have enjoyed imagining this morning all the good I know that money will do.
The Great Commission Resurgence process started just over two years ago, so this day has been a long time in the making for me. I don’t mind telling you, I find hot tears of joy streaming down my face as I write this.
I must confess there are days when I wonder: Did what I do today make any difference at all? I am guessing you do the same. Well, today, I can answer that. You most assuredly did!
From the depths of my heart, I thank you, South Carolina Baptists. Today, we Experienced Kingdom Living.
– Carter is pastor of Brushy Creek Baptist Church, Taylors, and president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. In 2011, he chaired the state convention’s Great Commission Resurgence Task Force.