50 years. That is how long Southern Baptists in Pennsylvania and South Jersey have rallied together for Kingdom impact in our region.
This major work in Pennsylvania and Southern Jersey began with the establishment of three missions in 1958, one in Pittsburgh, one in central Pennsylvania at Middletown, and one in Levittown, Pa., northeast of Philadelphia. Shortly thereafter, in 1970, what was then called the Baptist Convention of Pennsylvania/South Jersey was officially organized at the Country and Town Baptist Church, which was then meeting in Camp Hill, Pa.
50 years later, the now called Baptist Resource Network of Pennsylvania/South Jersey seeks to resource nearly 330 churches across our northeastern landscape who seek to push back the lostness in our significantly sized region. Statistics indicate that 14 million people do not yet have a relationship with Jesus Christ! We must continue this work!
Yet, we also want to celebrate all the work God has been doing these past 50 years.
Psalm 100:5 tells us, “The Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” – All generations! We celebrate those who came before us to pave the way for the work God is doing now, and we celebrate those still to come who will continue allowing God to work through them.
Throughout 2021, we will celebrate our rich history in a variety of ways – through powerful stories of transformation, through specific times of prayer, through loving our neighbors in PA/SJ, and so much more. Please tune in to our website and to our weekly e-newsletter, BRN United, to read short bytes about our history and to celebrate all God has done and will do.
And remember, today, YOU are making history, as well!
1 Corinthians 15:58 urges us to “… be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
And Philippians 1:6 reminds us “that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Let’s strive together to reach our neighbors—in our two-state region and in our world— with God’s great gospel! May the BRN’s next 50 years ACCELERATE off the charts in evangelism and discipleship. We are cheering for you! Happy and healthy new year!
