FAIRBANKS, Alaska (BP)–A three-year partnership between Baptists in Alaska and Far East Russia was inaugurated during the 53rd annual meeting of the Alaska Baptist Convention, Aug. 11-12 in Fairbanks.
Gennady Abromov, superintendent of the Russian Baptist Federation in Far East Russia, addressed the meeting at University Baptist Church, with interpretation by Randy Covington, a missionary with the Southern Baptist International Mission Board in Far East Russia.
Messenger representation totaled 161 from the convention’s 68 churches and 24 missions.
Messengers approved without discussion a 1999 budget of $1,723,226, a 1.03 percent increase over the current year. The budget includes anticipated Cooperative Program giving by Alaskan Baptists of $572,000, with 33 percent to be allocated for Southern Baptist Convention causes.
In a two-nominee race, Jim Hamilton, pastor of Muldoon Road Baptist Church, Anchorage, was elected convention president over Terry Hill, pastor of Rabbit Creek Community Church, Anchorage.
Marvin Owen, pastor of First Baptist Church, Anchorage, was re-elected first vice president, while Georgie Owen of Sunset Hills Baptist Church, Anchorage, was elected by acclamation as second vice president.
Owen delivered the convention’s annual sermon.
No resolutions were passed.
Next year’s meeting will be Aug. 10-11 at First Baptist Church, Wasilla.
