New missionaries prepare for service; Oklahoma Baptists commit to sending more

During a missionary Sending Celebration held in conjunction with their 2019 Annual Meeting, hundreds of Oklahoma Baptists from across the state witnessed how their giving enables the International Mission Board to send missionaries around the globe. The IMB appointed 29 missionaries, voted on and approved by IMB trustees, at Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on Tuesday, November 12. Dr. Paul Chitwood, IMB President, preached the message at the service, challenging and encouraging the missionaries and attendees to do the good work God has called them to.

November 2019 Sending Celebration

Family members, friends and pastors of the missionaries joined Oklahoma Baptists at the service of celebration. As the missionaries walked across the stage to introduce themselves and share their calling, the crowd was asked to pledge their support through committed prayer.

One supporter was Gordon Fort, IMB’s Prayer Ambassador and brother of missionary appointee, Gregg Fort. The Fort family has more than 200 years of missionary experience in their immediate family. Both Gregg and Gordon previously served overseas in Africa, and the Forts’ parents, the late Milton Giles Fort Jr., and the late Wana Ann Fort, served as medical missionaries in Zimbabwe for nearly 36 years. Wana Ann Fort’s story is captured in her 2013 autobiography, “A Thousand Times Yes: Two Doctors Who Answered God’s Call.”

“I am proud of my brother who is following our parents’ legacy of faith that they left us; their career as medical missionaries in Africa. I am proud to see them go back in this critical time in Christian history,” said Gordon.

Sent by First Baptist Church of Round Rock, Texas, Gregg and Donna said that they are returning to the field with eager hearts for the harvest they know the Lord has made ready in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Gregg and Donna Fort

Gregg and Donna Fort, from First Baptist Church of Round Rock, Texas, share their plans for reappointment. The couple previously served with IMB and will be serving in Sub-Saharan Africa. (IMB Photo by Chris Carter)

“God’s heart for the nations is expressed in Psalm 67. God blesses His children that the nations might know His character and His saving power,” said Donna. “The fields are truly white, and the harvest is ready. Will you join us in praying, as we are sent by First Baptist Church, that God’s glory will be made known among the peoples of Durban, South Africa?”

Made for something like this

For missionary couple Aubrey and Ryan Curry, the call to go was solidified through their individual overseas trips.

“After returning from my first overseas trip, a woman from church asked me to tell her about my experience. As I recounted different stories to her, I knew God was leading me to serve in an international context and shared, ‘You know, I think God has made me for something like this,’” said Aubrey.

Ryan added, “God opened a door to international missions while I studied at Morehead State University in Kentucky. Early on I learned that the job of a missionary is not to save people from their sin. Missionaries go in obedience to share the story of how God provided salvation.”

Oklahomans commit to sending more

During the annual meeting, Oklahoma Baptists committed to sending 20% more missionaries by 2025. Under the leadership of Dr. D. Hance Dilbeck Jr., Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma Executive Director-Treasurer, the goals of Oklahoma Baptists for the next five years focus heavily on missional support. Along with sending 20% more missionaries, Oklahoma Baptists committed to a 20% increase in Cooperative Program giving.

Sending Celebration November 2019

Oklahoma Baptists and mission supporters filled the 1,576-seat sanctuary at Quail Springs Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Others stood in the back to participate in the celebration. (IMB Photo by Chris Carter)

Chitwood commended Oklahoma Baptists for their giving and commitment to growing their already strong support of missions.

“In terms of the percentage of gifts that come in from the churches, through the Cooperative Program, you are the most generous convention of churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. Oklahoma Baptists lead the way and model cooperative missions,” Chitwood said.

Dr. Paul Chitwood, Sending Celebration, November 2019

Dr. Paul Chitwood, IMB President, challenges and encourages new missionaries and their supporters to do the good work God has called them to do. (IMB Photo by Chris Carter)

Called to a great work

Preaching from Nehemiah 6, Chitwood stressed the importance of dependence on God and the pivotal role Southern Baptists play in the great work detailed in Matthew 28:19-20 and Revelation 7:9. Whether going and serving overseas or supporting those who are going, Chitwood encouraged the congregants to ask themselves, “How can I be a part of God’s great work?”

At the close of the service, Chitwood charged the crowd to go and take action.

“Go. Be a part of the great work. There are other things you can do with your life, but there is nothing better. There is nothing better than the great work.”

Editor’s note: Oklahoma Baptists and mission supporters celebrated the sending of 31 missionaries—29 newly appointed and 2 returning missionaries, who were on leave to be married and are now returning to the field with their new spouses.