By A. Ray Lee

Columnist 

Messengers and guests of the Morgan Baptist Association, composed of 70 cooperating churches, assembled at Westmeade Baptist Church in Decatur Monday night. It was the 102nd annual meeting of the organization, which was formed at Hartselle First Baptist Church in 1919. 

The Rev. Ken Blackwood, director of missions explained the purpose of the meeting like this: “Each year the association gathers to hear reports about the current year’s ministries and to share what the Lord has and is doing in member churches. The annual meeting is an opportunity to celebrate our partnership together for the sake of the Gospel. We are convinced that we can do more together as an association of churches than we could do separately.”     

Southern Baptists have historically been known for their evangelistic fervor and missionary zeal in reaching others with the Gospel. They have been convinced of a call from God and have devoted their united efforts to that end.  

Methods employed over the years have changed. Itinerant preachers often referred to as circuit riders hung up their saddles long ago, and protracted revival meetings lasting two or more weeks with morning and evening services have gradually been replaced with one-day special events or discarded altogether. 

Yet Baptists have not lost their zeal for evangelism and missions.  

Understanding the unity of the body and soul and that the “here and now” can greatly affect choices made for the “hereafter” has broadened their outreach to include ministry to both the physical and spiritual needs of people.  

The MBA has been a leader in such ministries. Sponsored by the association, Project Care is directed by Virginia Alexander and manned by a host of volunteers. Its ministries include the Caring Place, which provides a food and clothing bank.  

The adjacent Sycamore Bargain Center provides clothing at a discounted price to the needy who might not qualify for the Caring Place.  

Other ministries include a well-trained and certified disaster relief team ready to move on short notice to areas of need within Alabama and beyond to help in recovery from floods, storms or other disastrous events.   

The Baptist Campus Ministry is active with students through the academic year and is best known for its annual mission to the Talladega races. An English and More program is provided for those living among us who need to learn our language and customs. 

Baptists and members of all religious denominations continue to be influential leaders in community affairs as they live out their faith. They have been instrumental in the development of Morgan County from its inception and continue to be a bonding presence for our people.  

We thank them for their contributions of labor and love to ensure Morgan County is a good choice for raising a family.