LETTER FROM THE INTERIM NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
Greetings in the name of our wonderful Lord Jesus!
The arrival of July can mean but one thing: we enjoy the afterglow of our Annual GARBC Conference. Calvary Baptist Church of Grand Rapids and Pastor Jeff Halsted served us with excellence and joy, Nicolas and Venessa Ellen wonderfully served as keynote speakers, and each speaker brought fresh focus to our God of truth! Matt Papa’s music ministry was a special highlight. And beyond all that, the fellowship together was delightful and encouraging.
Perhaps you were unable to attend this year’s conference. Why not plan right now to attend next year, June 26–29, in Salem, Oregon, on the campus of Corban University. Philip De Courcy will serve as our keynote speaker, addressing the theme “The Mandate.”
New Council of 18 members were elected, attendees heard a report regarding the GARBC national representative search, and two resolutions were adopted. All this information may be accessed on our website.
As I watched and participated in the conference, I marveled with appreciation at the hard work of so many. To each of these I share my thanks, and I am reminded to give thanks for those God has provided in my life as encouragers and helpers, those who serve and lead in my life.
Personally, I am thankful for my helpmate of 46 years, my beloved wife, Debbie. I am thankful, too, for churches who lend their pastors so they may extend their ministries by serving our fellowship. And mostly I am thankful to God, for “the Lord is gracious and full of compassion. He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant” (Ps. 111:4–5).
Serving by His Grace,
Dr. David E. Strope
Interim National Representative
“I do not count my life as having any value; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24, CSB).
