Rev. Anslem Warrick (EST)

https://youtu.be/4RU7yuTZ5ac

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY/TREASURER’S MESSAGE

My Dear Brothers and Sisters, I am Rev Anslem Warrick, EST of the Caribbean Baptist Fellowship(CBF). On behalf of the President and Officers of the CBF, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to bring you this brief message as you gather for worship on this CBF Sunday which is observed every 4th Sunday in the month of June. The Caribbean Baptist Fellowship is truly grateful for the support andencouragement received from every pastor, leader and member of our local churches.

LET US GIVE THANKS As you worship the Lord today, I ask you to join me in giving thanks to God for sparing our lives and bringing us through a devastating pandemic which claimed millions of lives. We again extend sympathies to those members of our CBF family who would have lost loved ones.

Join me also in giving thanks that as a fellowship we were able to assist our brothers and sisters in San Andres, Haiti and St Vincent and the Grenadines who came through and are still battling with the effects of natural and man-made disasters including storms, hurricanes, fires, gang violence and political instability. Let us not stop praying for them as well as families.

Let us also not forget those affected inthe recent tragedy in Guyana where 20 young lives were lost and many more were severely injured dueto a maliciously set fire.My Brothers and Sisters, this year 2023 we are observing CBF Sunday under the theme “Running the Race with Purpose, Patience and Perseverance” taken from Hebrews 12:1-2 and one of the most important achievements I would like us to give thanks for today in relation to our theme, is the completion of the CBF Strategic Plan 2023-2028.

Thanks to all our members who attended and participated in the Strategic Planning sessions facilitated by Dr. Michael Friday at our Executive meeting in Dominica last October. This plan is built upon five key priorities, each essential to our growth and impact as a fellowship. I would like to share our vision statement and quickly highlight the five priorities.

CBF VISION STATEMENT AND PRIORITIES

The CBF’s vision is to be a resilient, and agile entity that is spiritually healthy, mission focused, financially viable and united in bringing the redemptive presence of God wherever there is social or spiritual need especially in the Caribbean region.

We will do this through focusing on the following Priorities:

• Priority #1 Building a Strong Communication Network using modern technology.
• Priority #2 Facilitating engagement in Wholistic Mission through identifying the true missional needsof our region.
• Priority #3 Moving the CBF to Financial Stability by growing the financial base of the CBF so that we are stronger in financial fluidity and integrity.
• Priority #4 Combining Training and Leadership development with Theological Reflection by developing our own clear, indigenous and sustainable approach to theological and leadership training.
• Priority #5 Supporting a viable Publications Agency that produces biblically and culturally sound literature.

Brothers and sisters, the vision is a God sized one, but we know that we are not alone. With the enabling and sustaining grace of God, the prayerful, committed and financial support of all the members of all the CBF member bodies, we are ready and set to run this leg of the race with purpose, patience and perseverance. And we will succeed.

CONCLUSION

So, on this CBF Sunday 2023, please pray for us. Pray for the Officers, Executive members and theprograms of the CBF. Pray for our Caribbean Baptist Women’s Union General Conference in Dominica July 20-24. Pray for CBF Midterm Assembly in Montego Bay, Jamaica, October 25-29.

We look forward to seeing all of you in Jamaica as we begin our work on our Operations Plan to realise our vision. Midterm Assembly information will be sent in the coming days. And do not forget to send your CBF Sunday offering for the ongoing work of the fellowship.

God bless you all, God bless the Caribbean and God Bless the Caribbean Baptist Fellowship.

Sincerely,

Rev. Anslem Warrick

Executive Secretary/Treasurer