Point of View

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We had a wonderful Florida Baptist State Convention meeting in Fort Myers. The music, preaching, fellowship and affirmation could not have been better.

It all began with the Pastor's Conference, under the leadership of Dr. Alan Floyd, pastor of First Baptist Church of Middleburg. Dr. Floyd had a great conference planned with some of Southern Baptists' choice preachers. I was not able to attend all of the conference because the State Board of Missions meets prior to the Convention during the conference. But all I saw and heard was highly complimentary.

The McGregor Baptist Church pastor, staff and lay volunteers made the convention one of the most pleasant we have had. They bent in every direction seeking to make us comfortable and happy. They are to be commended. The church facilities were conducive to a convention of our nature. How we appreciate Dr. Powell for his leadership in this effort.

Dr. Hayes Wicker, pastor of First Baptist Church of Naples and our Florida Baptist State Convention president for 2006, presided with grace and dignity. He and the Committee on Order of Business had done its work well. The many pieces of the multifaceted puzzle all fell into place at the proper time. Thank you, Hayes and the convention officers, for your exemplary leadership.

Dr. William (Willy) Rice, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater, was elected the new president of the Florida Baptist State Convention. He is well qualified by training and experience to lead us in 2006-2007. Dr. Rice served as pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Pensacola before going to Calvary. He knows our state well.

Fortunately we had little controversy during the meeting. One item requested the Florida Baptist State Convention to develop an exit strategy for removing students from public schools. This was rejected by the Committee on Order of Business because we have spoken to the same issue in two prior conventions.

The State Board of Missions renewed partnership for three more years between the Florida Baptist Convention and Haiti and Cuba. We also entered into a partnership to assist the Hispanic ministry of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. At this time, the relationship will be a church-to-church partnership with involvement from the Florida Baptist Convention Hispanic Fellowship. Florida Baptists are pacesetters in work among language groups. It was the right thing to do.

There is no one in Southern Baptist Convention life as generous as Florida Baptists. We as convention leaders state our priorities and you give generously through the Cooperative Program to fund them. The State Board of Missions reported our Cooperative Program income is above budget for 2006. Thank you for your great spirit, generosity and support of your convention staff. Know of my deep love and appreciation.