ON A MISSION
`Sending Ceremony' features stories of dedication to spreading Gospel globally
`Sending Celebration' in OKC features stories of dedication to spreading the Gospel globally
The Rev. Gregg and Donna Fort thought they had left their life as overseas missionaries behind when they settled down in Oklahoma several years ago.
Gregg had accepted a position as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Bartlesville, and the two were content until they felt led to return to Africa.
The place where they had served as missionaries for 30 years was calling them back.
“God just began to stir our hearts,” Gregg Fort said. “That God would call us back, we feel overwhelmed, we feel deeply humbled and deeply dependent on Him.”
Tuesday, the two were among 31 missionaries from across the country who participated in a “Sending Celebration” hosted by the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board, in partnership with Quail Springs Baptist Church, where the event was held.
A crowd of 1,500 listened as each missionary talked about their dedication to spreading the Gospel around the globe and their particular missionary destination. The Forts shared brief remarks about their missionary history as the spotlight shone on their faces. Several other missionaries did the same. Some, however, appeared before the crowd in silhouette because their identities as missionaries could place them in danger in their
missionary destination.
Earlier in the day, International Mission Board trustees officially voted and approved the missionaries during a meeting at Quail Springs Baptist. The Sending Celebration was held in conjunction with the Oklahoma Baptists 113th annual meeting at the northwest Oklahoma City church.
In his welcoming remarks, the Rev. Hance Dilbeck, executive director of Oklahoma Baptists, thanked attendees for coming out in such strong numbers. He said he wasn't surprised at the crowd because Oklahoma Baptists have been leading the way as financial contributors to the Southern Baptist Convention's missionary organizations.
“This is a big deal to us,” Dilbeck said.
Missionaries, he said, not only receive much monetary support from Oklahoma Baptists, but the state faith group also sends numerous Oklahomans through the “missionary pipeline.” He said at least nine of the missionaries participating in the celebration were from Oklahoma or had Oklahoma ties.
“We stand behind them. We support them,” Dilbeck said.
`Called to a great work'
The Rev. Paul Chitwood, International Mission Board president, delivered an inspirational message but not before he praised Oklahoma Baptists for their support of the IMB's work. He said the organization has missionaries serving in more than 120 countries throughout the world.
He said he intentionally chose Oklahoma as the site for the first Sending Celebration since he became president “because of your unparalleled generosity.”
“Oklahoma Baptists lead the way. We praise the Lord for you,” Chitwood said.
The minister based his message entitled “Called to a Great Work” from Nehemiah 6. He said the missionaries preparing for their new assignments could have something else to do but nothing better to do than the “great work” of spreading the Gospel. He said there are still more than 3,000 people groups around the world who have not heard the Gospel despite the Church being commanded to go make new disciples as part of Jesus Christ's Great Commission.
“We have been called to a great work yet unfinished,” Chitwood said. “We must do our jobs because eternity hangs in the balance.”
After Chitwood's message, the missionaries' parents, friends and other supporters were encouraged to gather around them to pray for them. Other attendees also went to the missionaries closest to them to add their prayers for the individuals' safety and the success of their Gospel work.
Gregg Fort said he and his wife are excited about going back to Africa, where friends and fellow ministry leaders had been encouraged them to return to continue their missionary endeavors. He said over the years, they helped plant churches, set up clean water projects and provide for orphans in Zimbabwe. They plan to continue their work in Durban, South Africa, the third-largest city in South Africa.
The couple's shortlived retirement didn't surprise their friends because of the missionary legacy of Fort's extended family. The late Milton Giles Fort Jr. and Wana Ann Fort, Gregg Fort's father and mother, both medical doctors, served in medical missions in Africa for almost 36 years. Gregg Fort said he and three of his four brothers were born in one of the hospitals their parents founded in Africa.
“We're just excited that God would call us back,” Gregg Fort said.