January 13, 2025
Of all the stories covered in The Christian Index in 2024, perhaps none had a greater impact than the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene and the Georgia Baptist Mission Board’s response.
Helene, arguably the most devastating natural disaster to hit the state of Georgia, provided many opportunities for Georgia Baptists to serve their neighbors. Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers, supported by supporters from many other states, sprang into action to provide meals, clear debris, and offer emotional support for victims of the deadly storm.
In addition, the Georgia Baptist Mission Board allocated $500,000 dollars specifically to support Mission Georgia's efforts to provide direct assistance to Georgia Baptist churches, impacted ministerial staff, and community support. The Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation approved a matching grant of $500,000.
More important even than providing food and support, volunteers had the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ as they ministered to those impacted by Helene. At least eight salvation decisions were reported.
For one associational missionary, Helene made the transition into a new role more tumultuous than expected. However, Jeff Parmer hit the ground running at the Ogeechee River Baptist Association and quickly organized local churches to make a continuing impact for Christ in their area.
The Georgia Baptist Convention held its 202nd annual meeting, hosted by First Baptist Statesboro. At the meeting, executive director W. Thomas Hammond, Jr., announced a partnership with the North American Mission Board to plant new churches in Georgia.
Georgia Baptists also conducted several items of convention business during the meeting. They elected new officers, with First Baptist Alpharetta’s Steve Browning assuming the role of president, approved new governing documents, and voted on a new budget.
Hammond also unveiled plans for an evangelism campaign to reach the 7 million lost people in Georgia, and encouraged Georgia Baptists by sharing how they are ‘leading the way’ in reaching the state for Christ.
The GBMB made several important announcements regarding changes in leadership. Ty Salter was named to replace David Melber as CFO. Melber left to lead the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina. Additionally, Andy Childs moved into the role of assistant executive director, leaving his position as a pastor wellness catalyst. Mark Marshall, the former assistant executive director, moved into a new role as senior lead strategist for church strengthening.
In December, GBMB and Friends of Kaleo, Inc., announced the formal signing of an agreement that both groups hope will keep Camp Kaleo operating for the foreseeable future.
The mission board’s impact continued to grow, as the Spark church strengthening conferences saw record attendance in 2024. Meanwhile, the Baptist Collegiate Ministry’s Confluence event saw a 40% jump in attendance. And, hundreds of students attending Georgia Baptist camps during the summer made salvation decisions.
Preachers from age 11to 100 stepped up to the pulpit in Georgia in 2024, faithfully expounding on the Word of God and sharing the gospel.
Georgia Baptists said farewell to several state leaders who were called home in 2024. Among them were Henry Blackaby, Willie Edmondson, Clint Sullens, and others.
