CP: ‘Together we can change the world’

LITTLE ROCK – “I believe it’s not too late. Together we can change the world.” This was the message of the theme song sung during the Cooperative Program report presented by Rusty Hart of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention during the Tuesday evening session of the ABSC Annual Meeting Nov. 1. 

Hart’s creative presentation included video, live musical performances and even children waving streamers, all with the goal of showing messengers how the Cooperative Program is at work across Arkansas, the nation and around the world. 

“In the midst of a world being ripped apart by natural disasters and the evil of men, Southern Baptists are actively sharing the message of hope and peace, a message of grace and love, a message without limits,” said Hart, as music swelled in the background. “The Cooperative Program is not dead, out of touch or irrelevant.” 

Through giving to the Cooperative Program, Hart said all Arkansas Baptists could be involved in ministry and missions.

“Working together through the Cooperative Program, we are making a difference,” he continued.

During a slide show presentation, set to music, Hart reported statistics outlining the ways the Cooperative Program provides the means to minister in Arkansas, the nation and around the world. 

Several Arkansas Baptist ministers also gave personal testimonies outlining how Cooperative Program resources provided ministry opportunities.

Joe Garner, Arkansas Valley Baptist Association missionary, said his involvement in disaster relief, which is made possible through the Cooperative Program and other funds, has been the “most rewarding” ministry he’d ever been a part of.

He invited those interested in becoming involved in serving as a disaster relief volunteer to “talk to someone” about the ministry.

Highlighting the necessity of disaster relief, Robby Tingle, who serves as ABSC missions ministries team leader said, “Through the Cooperative Program and Dixie Jackson (State Missions Offering), in the midst of a crisis, together we can share the gospel of Jesus.”

Ministry to the Mapuche people in Chile was the focus of Clint Ritchie’s testimony during the report. Richie, who serves as pastor of First Baptist Church, Hampton, said his involvement in international missions to the Mapuche has led to the formation of a network of pastors and churches who are committed to reaching the unreached people group.

“The biggest impact is that we aren’t focused on ourselves,” said Ritchie, of his church’s mission involvement. “We have a place outside the U.S. I think our vision has expanded.”

“If a church in the least populated county (Calhoun) in Arkansas can be involved in missions, I believe anyone can,” he said, noting there are now four Mapuche people who have made decisions to follow Christ.  

The presentation concluded with Hart, several soloists and a combined choir including the Arkansas Master’Singers, Ouachita Baptist University choir and the Arkansas Baptist Schools high school and elementary choirs singing the final verse and chorus of the theme song ending with, “I believe it’s not too late. Together we can change the world.”

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