Beloved Baptist men,
I welcome you to the first ever virtual General Council meeting of the AABMF. This virtual meeting is the result of the new normal occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world. Despite its seeming setbacks and limitations, we in Africa has seen in it the opportunity to reach more, meet more and also save scarce resources on travels and other logistics. Indeed, everything works together for good to them who are the called according to His good pleasure.
We thank God for bringing us to the end of an eventful tenure. They were unforgettable moments of sharing and fellowship. Our account of stewardship is contained in the End of Tenure attached to this address,
When we assumed office, we had a clear vision of what we wanted to achieve during our five years tenure. Going through our End of Tenure report, you will realize that we met our target and even surpassed them in some areas.
We are very aware of the challenges we face as men’s ministry in Africa. This has worsened with the COVID-19 pandemic. In the midst of this, we still see our men resolute and committed to attain our goals. I thank you all, I celebrate you all.
Also, at the global level, we have continually played a leading role in the BWA Men’s department. Our activities interestingly have inspired men in other continents of the world, Nigeria is currently occupying the office of president with our Brother, Mr. Ayo Badejo. We congratulate him for his leadership.
We are equally challenged by the leadership of our parent body led by President Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi and General Secretary, Dr. Duro Ayanrinola. We cannot quantify the enormous support we received from them.
You will recall that our congress was scheduled to hold in Yaoundé, Cameroun this October but we decided to make it a virtual meeting because one is unsure if things will return to normal in the next 8 months or thereabout.
Even in the midst of uncertainty, one thing has remained constant and that is the doggedness of our men and boys in pursuing our mission agenda. Before now, many have doubted the ability of our men to drive their own internal affairs, forgetting sometimes the entire general body is led by men. I salute you all for proving them wrong.
I want to salute the members of my executive who served with me this past 5 years. I celebrate Bro. Collins Boakye (Vice President), Bro. Yuniwo Edison Chimi (General Secretary), Deacon Lemuel Sherman (Treasurer), Rev. Rodwell Norbert Chabata (Missions and Evangelism), Bro. Elliot Menda (Regional Co-ordinator). I thank them for their commitment and selfless service to the fellowship and wish them well in their future endeavours.
I have no doubt that the incoming leadership will not only build on what we have done but will do even better. We have resolved to make ourselves available to offer advice and share experience when called upon to. Let me advice here and now that our style will not be the same and so we should make the necessary adjustments as the new leadership emerges.
For me, the last five years has been an honour and privilege by God and all of you to lead this fellowship. The challenges were enormous, the ride was bumpy sometimes, and at other times the fun and pleasure was equally unforgettable. In all God showed up for us and we celebrate him today as Ebenezer, the One who has helped us thus far.
We may not have done as we ought to in some areas, we may also have hurt some in our effort to aggressively drive our agenda. We seek your forgiveness. Truth is if God were to use human standards devoid of His grace to decide who should take up this assignment, we may never be considered. So, we feel honoured by the opportunity to serve and we are leaving this office with fulfilment because in our estimation, we have done our best in the circumstance we found ourselves.
I am confident that today’s handover and transition will not only consolidate on the progress made but will take the fellowship to greater heights.
Once again, welcome to this session. I wish you all a happy deliberation.
God bless you.
Dr. Dawari George
President
13/02/2021