Preacher David's Corner

A Spirit of Unity: Reflections on the 139th Ashe Baptist Association  Annual Meeting    

Under the banner of fellowship, faith, and service, the 139th Annual Meeting of the Ashe Baptist Association brought together 44 local churches and 80 dedicated messengers in a powerful two-day gathering held on August 15th and16th, 2025. Hosted at Beaver Creek Baptist Church on Friday and Orion Baptist Church on Saturday, this historic event, celebrating the mission of the Association, while casting vision for the future was spirit-filled. A Gathering of Purpose: From the opening prayer at Beaver Creek Baptist Church on Friday to the final hymn at Orion Saturday morning the meeting was marked by a profound sense of unity and spiritual renewal. There was a total of 27 reports presented. Ten reports were from the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina and seventeen from local committee heads. Attendees received insightful updates and heartfelt testimonies that showcased the vitality and outreach of the Association's ministries. Key highlights from the reports included updates on missions, VBS Youth Programs, disaster relief efforts, and discipleship training. The partnership with the Baptist State Convention continues to strengthen, providing invaluable resources and direction for local churches. Spirit-Filled Worship and Preaching: At the heart of the meeting were three powerful sermons delivered by spirit-led preachers who challenged and encouraged all in attendance. Each message spoke to the theme of faithfulness in an ever-changing world, urging churches to remain rooted in the Word and bold in their witness. Special music filled sanctuaries each day with praise, led by local choirs and soloists whose voices stirred hearts and prepared minds to receive the Word. The blend of traditional hymns and contemporary worship reflected the diversity and harmony of the Ashe Baptist family. Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future: A particularly moving moment came during the sharing of the historical reflections from the two host churches. Beaver Creek and Orion Baptist shared stories of their foundations, trials/triumphs and living testaments to God’s faithfulness through generations. These histories reminded everyone present of the deep roots from which the Association came and still continues to grow. Fellowship Around the Table: No Baptist gathering would be complete without a meal and in true Appalachian tradition, both host churches provided abundant, home-cooked meals following each service. Laughter, conversation, and fellowship flowed as freely as the sweet tea, reinforcing the bonds that connect these 44 congregations beyond the walls of their churches. Looking Ahead: As the final benediction was offered and messengers parted ways, there was a shared sense that the work of the Ashe Baptist Association is far from finished. With hearts rekindled and a renewed commitment to serve, churches left the 139th Annual Meeting with a clear vision to proclaim Christ, strengthen one another, and reach the next generation with the Gospel. In the words of one longtime messenger, “We may be many churches, but we are one body and God is not finished with us yet.”      Your Servant, David