“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times -” So begins the 1859 classic, “A Tale of Two Cities” by novelist Charles Dickens. Those words might hold some relevance for us in this first decade of a new millennium. Daily we are bombarded with the latest terrorist threat, unstable economic markets around the world, rising gas prices, the perplexing issue of illegal immigration, and an ever-increasing number of other newsworthy concerns.
Mike MoodyAs South Carolina Baptists, we could choose to sink into the malaise of cynicism and despair. But being “a people of the Book,” we have to remind ourselves of the hope recorded in Jeremiah 29:11, when he said, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (NIV).
In just a few weeks, we will have the 187th annual gathering of our South Carolina Baptist family in Florence. This year’s theme is “A Story To Tell.” God has blessed us with a hope and a future. That surely is a story worth telling. All across South Carolina, and even beyond, our Baptist family is telling that story through missions, ministry, evangelism and a renewed vision for Empowering Kingdom Growth.
I trust you will make plans to join us for an exciting time beginning with the Pastor’s Conference, Monday, Nov. 12 at Calvary Baptist Church in Florence. The president of our Pastor’s Conference, Danny Burnley, has arranged an outstanding line-up of inspirational preaching and spirit-filled music for our edification and enjoyment. Then we will be gathering in the Florence Civic Center on Nov. 13-14 in celebration of our “Story To Tell.”
Certainly our story is worth telling. That story is a story of a future and a hope. That story is a story that transforms the worst of times into the best of times. I look forward to seeing you in November!