Virginia Baptist Bible Conference

                                                                                                                                                                        Vol. III, No. 1, January 1990

The first annual Virginia Baptist Bible Conference met at the Salem Airport Sheraton on the evening of Monday, November 13. Attendance was super with a headcount recording 410 present, not including the choir.

Each of our three speakers brought thoughtful, stirring messages. Gary Burden spoke from Acts 2 and examined the characteristics of a dynamic New Testament church. Vander Warner addressed the problem of standing in the face of opposition and recounted the extreme experiences of Charles Simeon. For ten years and more at Oxford his opponents within his congregation chained their pews shut so that those who wished to hear Simeon had to stand in the aisles and outside the windows. Jimmy Draper focussed on the need for Christians to bring encouragers. He referred to the pain we all cause to other brothers and to that they cause us, and used Barnabas' early relationship to Paul as the model for us to emulate.

The stirring music provided by Pam and McKenneth King, the choir under the direction of Dave Johnson, and the congregational singing touched our hearts and prepared our spirits to receive the three outstanding messages described above.

All who were present owe sincere appreciation to the committee who worked hard throughout the year to complete the many preparations. The smoothness with which the event proceeded testifies to the diligence with which the committee worked.

If you were present, you will certainly want to return next November. Encourage others to come and share our worship also. If you were not present, you missed a wonderful experience as these three men of God shared from their hearts. Plan now to join us in Richmond on Monday, November 12, 1990. The Banner will inform you of the time and place as planning progresses.