By Michael Edwards, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of BIMI

June 8, 2010, was a day of great importance to Baptist International Missions, Incorporated. On that day not only did we celebrate 50 years of service to the Lord in the matter of world missions, we also inaugurated a new president of BIMI. Dr. James Ray, who has faithfully led our organization for many years, is transitioning into the ministry of International Representative for the 100 Nations Project and the International Bible Ministry, while Dr. David Snyder has assumed the position of President and General Director.

This time of transition is of great importance to our Mission. The steady hand and the inspiring vision that Dr. Ray has provided will not be easily replaced. However, Dr. Snyder will have the Spirit of God to lead and provide him with a vision for the continued work of BIMI. Transition means change. Sometimes in our current cultural and political climate we can be suspect of change. It is comforting to remember that even though persons in leadership may change, God and His Word never change. BIMI was founded by godly men who stood for the authority of the Word of God and the local church. Our foundation on those truths will not change. In her wonderful history of BIMI entitled Embracing the World, Dr. Mary Ray states "On September 29, 1959 a special committee meeting of the Congo Gospel Mission, later to become BIMI, was held in the office of Dr. Lee Roberson. The purpose of that meeting was defined as being 'to survey the possibility of broadening the sphere of the work of the Congo Gospel Mission to embrace the world needs.'?" The principle of that meeting is still guiding the ministry of BIMI today: to embrace the need of this world to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Dr. Snyder is genuinely humbled by his selection to lead the work of the Mission. He is approaching it in the same spirit of prayer and dependence upon God as did Solomon when he took the place of his father, David. BIMI has experienced transition in leadership before. Each occasion has been wonderfully blessed because there was careful deliberation in seeking the will of God. The Board of Trustees acted deliberately and prayerfully in this present matter and unanimously voted in favor of Dr. Snyder for the office of President and will vigorously support him as he assumes leadership.

There are many ways we all can support Dr. Snyder. The most important is to regularly lift him up in prayer. Pray that God will give him understanding as he leads men and women of great experience and passion for the work of God. Pray that God will give him wisdom in the matters of administration that will come before him. Pray that he will be discerning, compassionate, firm and clear in communicating his vision. Of course, not only should we pray for Dr. Snyder, but also remember that this transition to the office of President includes changes for his wonderful wife, Barbara, and their two sons, Caleb and Kyle. Let us purpose to be an encouragement. A word, a call or a personal note to let him know you are praying for him and are ready to help if the need arises will be a blessing. Knowing someone stands with you is a great comfort when the way is difficult. Let all of us join with Dr. Snyder in the great work of world evangelization. No one man or no one organization can do it all; but we can work as part of a team with him to expand the influence of BIMI and embrace the need of the world to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

For 50 years BIMI has been one of the world's preeminent missionary organizations. Our emphasis on the authority of the local church, the inerrancy of the Word of God and planting New Testament Baptist churches has been at the core of that success and that will not change. Our directors, missionaries, and home office staff are some of the most dedicated and hardworking men and women to be found anywhere. They are committed to a smooth transition and a ministry that continues to work at the professional level we have all come to appreciate. Dr. Snyder, while being careful to appreciate the landmarks that have been set before, will with his energy and vision seek opportunities to increase the influence of BIMI in reaching the world. There is a generation of young believers to be inspired concerning missionary service. There are countries not yet opened, people groups that have never heard and new possibilities that need to be explored. There will be challenges and adversaries; but with the help of God, the work of BIMI can continue to grow and expand its influence.

Dr. Mary Ray concludes Embracing the World with these words: "I have read their stories. I have researched their lives. I have followed their footsteps. I have been challenged, encouraged, and inspired by these wonderful men and women who...embraced the world." The story of BIMI has been the story of courageous believers who, being called of God, step forward to pioneer the work of God in places others may fear to go and to accomplish what others are not sure can be done. With God's help they make a way that others can follow. We follow in the steps of great men and women of faith. Under Dr. Snyder's leadership we must continue to embrace the need of the world to hear and to help make the way that others may follow until our Lord returns. May our eyes be upon the Lord and His blessings upon us.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Douglas & Becky Sisson -  PHILIPPINES
Mrs Judith Skates -  ASSOCIATE - RUSSIA
Brett & Patricia Skillen -  MILITARY - GERMANY