EVANSTON, Wyo. (BP)–Messengers to the Nov. 14-15 Wyoming Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting approved a .25 percent-of-budget increase in Cooperative Program gifts to Southern Baptist missions and ministries.
The convention now will forward 32.25 percent of receipts from Wyoming churches to Southern Baptist national and international causes. Next year’s anticipated CP giving from the churches has been set at $489,640.
Messengers approved an overall convention budget of $1,327,605 from all revenue sources, an increase of more than $75,000 over the current budget.
The convention’s 19th annual meeting drew 89 messengers, representing about 35 churches, to Aspen Grove Baptist Church in Evanston.
All officers were re-elected without opposition: president, David Wells, pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Riverton; first vice president, Lester Fatheree, pastor of First Baptist Church in Kemmerer; second vice president, Gerald Crites, pastor of Grand Avenue Baptist Church in Laramie; and recording secretary, Pat Wells of First Southern Baptist Chapel in Kaycee.
The convention’s theme, “Open Doors,” was based on Jesus’ words in Revelation 3:8, “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”
Before the convention, a missions banquet featured Bob and Judy McEachern, International Mission Board missionaries who formerly served at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Riverton.
Messengers heard reports from representatives from Woman’s Missionary Union, Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, Southern Baptist seminaries, LifeWay Christian Resources, Annuity Board, North American Mission Board and International Mission Board.
Nominees for the convention’s executive board, Mt. Top Baptist Assembly board of trustees and the Wyoming Southern Baptist Foundation all were approved.
The 2003 annual meeting will be Nov. 13-14 at College Heights Baptist Church in Casper.
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