We will be gathering next week for our annual BFM Thanksgiving Conference in New Hope Baptist Church, Dearborn Heights MI. I have been asked to prepare and present a brief historical sketch of the origins of Baptist Faith Missions: how BFM, as we know it, got started and where we have come from to be where we are today.

Since there are so many intricate details providentially woven into the history of our origins, and since some may have forgotten some of the connecting persons and events and others may have never heard of them, I wanted to get some paper copies of the presentation produced so that the attendees could follow the PowerPoint presentation with a more detailed paper manuscript in their hands. But the cost was prohibitive.

So here’s the next best thing (maybe): I have created this post with the text of the manuscript.

Due to time constraints for the presentation, I have left out volumes of details, but I pray this ‘skeleton’ outline of “BAPTIST FAITH MISSIONS: ‘In the beginning…’” will be helpful and encouraging. And may we all be as burdened for the glory of Christ through worldwide missions as these were who got us started on our way.

We don’t want to ‘rest on our laurels,’ but we are so indebted and thankful to be standing on them. And we want to wear them well as we continue running our race with perseverance.

“Now to Him who is able to strengthen you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages, but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.”

~Romans 16.25-27