Reflections On The 160th Joint Annual Session of GABKY - Moderator Rice

The 160^th Annual Joint Session of the General Association of Baptists in Kentucky was a profoundly impactful session.  We experienced powerful Biblical preaching and teaching, deep fellowship with our fellow disciples in Christ, and a positive overall experience.

Let me take this moment to thank you all for your attendance, partnership, and participation in the 160^th Annual Session.  The Moderator’s Cabinet and I are grateful to all who played a crucial role in moving the mission and vision of the Association forward. 

We were encouraged each day and night and, in every session, to be aware of the times in which we live.  The repeated refrain, “Understanding the Times!” reverberated throughout the entire session.  As always, every sermon was worth remembering and revisiting if you secured the recordings.

The continuing and growing success of our Objectives should be a source of inspiration for us all. Simmons College of Kentucky, the American Baptist News/Publishing Board, and the State Mission Board are alive and healthy.  Yet we must remember that you don’t have to be sick to get Better!  As Simmons College of Kentucky grows, the Publishing Board evolves, and the State Mission Board stands, supporting churches, families, and pastors, we still have work to do.

The vendors played an essential role in helping round out our constituents’ experience at the Session. We enjoyed a mix of informational and retail vendors who, by all accounts, found the session valuable and rewarding.

As I reflect on the genius of the men and women who founded the General Association over a century ago, I am encouraged and buoyed by the belief and faith that the best is yet to come. Why, because I see and know the brilliance of the women and men serving in our auxiliaries, in their districts, and in churches.  I am reminded of the passage of scripture from Matthew 9:35-37 (KJV), which recounts the compassion of our Lord and Elder Brother, Jesus, which says,

35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Let us press on and Stand. And let me close for the moment with the lyrics from Donnie McClurkin’s iconic Gospel Jewel,

“You just STAND and endure. GOD has a purpose, yes, GOD HAS A PLAN. Hold on, just be strong - GOD will step in. You just STAND!”

There is so much more I want to say, yet I will not try to say it all here. Thank you, May God Continue To Bless You and Yours as we Stand Together!

Reflections On The 160th Joint Annual Session of GABKY - Moderator Rice.

With My Deepest Gratitude, Peace and Blessings!

Rev. Dr. Michael Rice, Moderator,

The 161^st Session of the General Association of Baptists in Kentucky Is Open!