Report from SBCV Missions Committee

                                                                                                                                                                            Vol. VII, No. 4, May 1994

During the organizational meeting of the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia a vision statement was adopted which reads: "We will assist local Southern Baptist churches in Virginia to win the lost to Christ, develop believers, and promote missions and evangelism through a strong organization which will provide sound, biblical teaching (consistent with the Baptist Faith and Message of 1963), inspirational meetings, timely information, and mutual fellowship, undergirded by the prayers of the saints. "

In response to this statement, we, the Missions Committee of the SBCV, see as our assignment the following:

1. To promote missions throughout our state by making the conservative Baptist people of Virginia aware of mission needs in our state and the close surrounding areas.

2. To research and suggest specific areas of missions that need our immediate attention.

3. To develop a missions plan and strategy for the SBCV which will lead our local churches to become more involved in missions both in our state and through the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention.

The Work Begins

On February 17 in Charlottesville, the Missions Committee met and decided to recommend to the SBCV Executive Committee five recommendations. Three are discussed in this report. One was sent back to the committee for further study and research. One was denied, and the Missions Committee concurs.

Recommendation 1: Aid to First Southern Baptist Church of Hurt.

Upon reviewing a request from the First Southern Baptist Church of Hurt and studying related information, the committee unanimously recommended that $5,000 be sent to the church to help in construction and completion of their new building. A letter is to be drafted and sent to the pastor and congregation encouraging them in their endeavors.

The Executive Committee unanimously passed this recommendation.

Recommendation 2: Establishment of a Scholarship Fund.

At the urging of several people from around our state, the Missions Committee believes there to be a great need for a scholarship fund to help students who are seeking education to fulfill a call to full-time Christian service. This fund would be available to college or seminary students and would be designed to help students significantly during their educational careers as long as the student meets certain guidelines.

The SBCV Executive Committee unanimously approved $5,000 for this budget year to begin such a scholarship fund and referred to the Missions Committee the task of drawing guidelines, applications, procedures, and promotions for the use of the fund.

Recommendation 3: Expense Money for Missions Committee Work.

The Missions Committee recommended that $150 be set aside for the work of the Missions Committee during this budget year to be used by the Missions committee chairman, Bob Jackson, for postage, printed materials, phone calls, etc.

The Executive committee approved.

Further Study and Work:

Following the Executive Committee meeting, the Missions Committee again met on April 19 in Charlottesville to consider the work referred to them. Extensive work was done on the scholarship fund and application process.

Information Concerning the Scholarship Fund:

Anyone interested may apply to the SBCV Missions Committee for tuition assistance by writing Chairman Bob Jackson, New River Baptist Association, P.O. Box 923, Galax, VA 24333. Application forms and other pertinent items are being developed now by the committee. The following general guidelines have been set:

1. Scholarships may be awarded up to but not exceeding $500 per student per semester.

2. The student must reapply using a short application form each year during his academic career.

3. The student must maintain at least a "C" average and be considered a full-time student with at least 12 course hours per semester.

4. The student must attend or plan to attend a theologically conservative, evangelical institution (i.e., one of the six Southern Baptist seminaries, Mid-America Seminary, Dallas Theological Seminary, Luther Rice Seminary, Liberty University, Pensacola Christian College, etc.).

5. The student must have been a member of a Southern Baptist church for a minimum of one year prior to applying for assistance. Primary consideration will be given to students who are members of SBC churches affiliated with Virginia Baptists.

6. The student must be enrolled in a course of study that leads to full-time Christian service.

7. The deadline for applying for the fall 1994 semester will be July 15, 1994. Applications MUST be post-marked not later than July 15, 1994.

Applications will cover such data as personal information, spiritual background, testimonies of salvation and call to ministry, academic information, financial information and need, and information concerning the institution to which the student is applying.

The Missions Committee of the SBCV urges the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia to continue their missions endeavor with their money, prayers, and encouragement. Remember, the SBCV fully endorses the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention and urges all SBCV churches to maintain a strong level of support for the Cooperative Program of the SBC.