Proud to be a Southern Baptist

I am not big on titles because sometimes titles bring about an ego or stigma that hinders people from transparency and fulfillment in relationships.  However, the title we are given when we embrace salvation in Jesus Christ (Christian) is a title that we should be proud to embrace.  After becoming a Christian, one must decide how to link themselves with others that can help them grow in discipleship and fellowship.  Although there are many wonderful groups and denominations that one could choose from, I am thankful that I am a Southern Baptist. 

My thanksgiving for being a Southern Baptist went a step deeper this week when one of our deacons shared with me that our International Mission Board, a Southern Baptist Agency, contacted Claudia Ingram within a day of her missionary husband's death to assure and confirm to her that she would be given his position in Uraguay when she was ready to go back to the field. When I was told this wonderful news on Sunday, my heart was filled with joy and I thought to myself, "That really makes me proud to be a part of a denomination that takes care of their missionaries like that."

On Monday, I had the opportunity to go to the mission house where Claudia is staying and she told me the story of how her husband's supervisor had called to let her know of this wonderful news.  Then she told me that the President of the International Mission Board also called her to offer his sympathy.  As I looked into her eyes, I could see joy behind all the grief and pain she currently feels as she mourns the loss of her 53 year old beloved husband.

We should be thankful and grateful to know that our missionaries, who give such deep sacrifices are being cared for like our mission board is caring for Claudia and her family.

Thank you JESUS.