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Wyo. Baptists touch ‘ends of the earth’ in prayer


CASPER, Wyo. (BP)–Prayer was a central fixture during the 20th annual meeting of the Wyoming Southern Baptist Convention Nov. 13-14 in Casper.

While celebrating unity and Christian love within the convention, the 110 messengers and guests meeting at College Heights Baptist Church took time to pray often. During one session, they were led in focused times of prayer following the Acts 1:8 model so that Wyoming Baptists could touch “the ends of the earth” in Kingdom-minded prayer.

Messengers approved a budget of $1,360,605, with $515,000 in anticipated CP giving. The total budget represents a $33,000 increase over the current year, and the anticipated giving increased by $25,360. The amount forwarded to SBC Cooperative Program ministries remains at 32.25 percent.

John Scudder, pastor of Wilson Community Fellowship, was elected president. Gerald Cites, pastor of Grand Avenue Baptist Church in Laramie, was elected first vice president, and Justin Morgan, pastor of Antelope Valley Baptist Church in Gillette, second vice president. Vickie O’Brien of Warm Valley Baptist Church in Pavillion was elected recording secretary.

The convention theme was “A New Day in Wyoming,” and Scudder delivered the president’s message focusing on what Wyoming Baptists must do to make that new day visible to all observers.

First, Wyoming Baptists must take courage and be willing to step out in faith as God leads, Scudder said. They also must resolve to follow the plans He reveals and be loyal to God, His vision and His people. They are to be a people of vision who seek a clear word from God, and they should be pure in relation to Him and to one another, Scudder said.

A report from the executive board noted that for the first time in several years, there are no associational or state search committees in Wyoming, meaning God has blessed them with full staffs.

Randy Sprinkle was recognized as the convention’s new executive director. He filled the position in June after nearly 10 years as director of the International Prayer Strategy Office at the International Mission Board in Richmond, Va.

Sprinkle reported on the creation of a servant leadership team consisting of directors of missions and state convention officials to give leadership in state ministries. He also spoke of the formation of a vision and strategy team to seek the Lord over the next year and capture His vision and priorities for the convention.

Messengers heard a report about Mountain Top Baptist Assembly entering into a three-year “affinity ministry” with Camp Pinnacle in Georgia. With the approval of the convention, a capital campaign will begin to build a new worship center at Mountain Top. The chapel will be named in honor of Bob and Marlene Robbins, who have volunteered their time and resources as caretakers of the camp for 18 years.

The Wyoming convention has approximately 90 churches and missions. Three new churches were welcomed at the annual meeting: First Baptist Church of Worland, Hope Baptist Church in Afton and Primera Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida in Evanston — the first constituted Hispanic church in the state.

Next year’s annual meeting will be Nov. 11-12 at Antelope Valley Baptist Church in Gillette.
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