Reflections from South Africa
by Forestal Lawton, Vice President
The highlight of the Baptist World Congress for me was the meeting of the Men's Department. Although we have a very limited amount of funds, we have been able to hold a workshop for each Annual Gathering and again during the Congress. We held a session on Friday during the Congress and a workshop which was held offsite. Both sessions were attended by approximately 150 men. Greetings were brought by both President John Upton and General Secretary Dr. Neville Callam and an inspirational address by the new President of BWA Rev. Paul Msiza.
The installation of Officers for the Men's Department was conducted by Jim Hill, president of the North American Baptist Fellowship. Bro. Ayoola Badejo from Nigeria is the new president of the Men's Department. He succeeds Owen Crooks from Jamaica. The Treasurer is Lucky Ray, Executive Director of American Baptist Men, USA. Topics for the workshop included a presentation on "Leadership Skills" by myself and "Developing Positive Relationships Among Men" by Lucky Ray. The men were challenged by both presentations. A special presentation was made by Rev. Brian Jenkins, Director of Chosen 300, on a strategy to reduce and eradicate hunger in Africa.
Following the Congress I was able to visit Johannesburg and Cape Town to relive part of the journey to freedom witnessed by Nelson Mandela. This proved to be a very enlightening venture.
Part of the welcome presentation by South African Baptists at start of
Baptist World Congress. It included many images of Nelson Mandla.