Post  the 140th Annual Meeting of the Ashe Baptist Association Report

 The 140th Annual Meeting of the Ashe Baptist Association was a wonderful time of worship, fellowship, thanksgiving, and planning for another year of service to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For 140 years, churches across the mountains of Ashe County have worked together to share the Gospel, serve others, and advance the Kingdom of God. This year's meeting was another reminder that God is still at work through His churches.

A special thank you goes to Midway Baptist Church and Missions Home Baptist Church for hosting this year's Annual Meeting on Friday, August 21, and Saturday, August 22. Both churches did an outstanding job of welcoming the messengers, pastors, guests, and visitors. Everything was prepared in such a way that it was easy for everyone to come together, worship, conduct the business of the Association, and enjoy fellowship.

The meeting was blessed with excellent special singing and congregational singing, as voices joined together in praise to the Lord. There is something special about churches from across the Blue Ridge Mountains gathering together and lifting their voices in worship.

And, as Baptists often do, we enjoyed some wonderful meals together! The meals on both Friday and Saturday were outstanding. We are grateful to the churches and all those who prepared, served, and helped make the fellowship around the tables such a special part of the Annual Meeting.

Attendance was strong throughout the two-day gathering. More than 60 or more messengers attended both meetings, along with 30 pastors. On Friday, 24 churches were represented, and on Saturday, 26 churches were present. It was encouraging to see so many of our 43 churches taking part in the work and fellowship of the Ashe Baptist Association.

The Annual Meeting was also blessed with powerful preaching. Rev. Nate Wood, Rev. Gene Shumaker, and Rev. Arvil Scott brought meaningful messages centered around The Participating Church, Be True, Give Our Best, and Worship. Their messages challenged and encouraged everyone to remain faithful to Jesus Christ and to continue serving Him with all our hearts.

Representatives from the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, along with its institutions, agencies, and mission partners, brought helpful reports and information. Reports included Baptists on Mission, the Catalysts from Region 7, North Carolina Baptist Children's Homes, NCBAM, Atrium Baptist Hospital, Baptist Retirement Homes, Provision Financial Resources, and the new Blueprint Program, designed to help churches grow and strengthen their ministries.

A particularly meaningful report was given on Friday concerning Persecuted Christians. Rev. Getaneh from Ethiopia shared about the challenges faced by believers who suffer because of their faith in Jesus Christ. His presentation reminded us to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters around the world who continue to stand faithfully for the Gospel.

One of the special moments of the meeting was the recognition of Mr. Jerry Powers. A special presentation and plaque were given in appreciation for his 18 years of service as Moderator and Vice Moderator of the Ashe Baptist Association. We thank Mr. Powers for his faithful leadership, dedication, and willingness to serve the churches of our Association.

Saturday was filled with reports from many of the ministries that make up the work of the Ashe Baptist Association and its partners. Reports were received from the Associational Missions Strategist, Ashe Really Cares, FaithHealth, Baptist Men and Helene Recovery Missions, North Carolina Baptist Women, Disciple Making, Church Music, the Historian, the Baptist Campground, Vacation Bible School, GuideStone, Gideons International, Ashe Pregnancy Care Center, and the Ashe County Sheriff's Office Detention Liaison.

A moving Memorial Service was also held in honor and remembrance of those from our churches and Association who had passed away during the past year. We remembered their lives, their service, and their faith, while giving thanks for the hope we have through Jesus Christ.

During the business sessions, a new Associational budget was approved, and the Treasurer's Report was received and passed. These important decisions will help guide the Ashe Baptist Association as we move forward into another year of ministry, missions, and service.

As we celebrate 140 years of the Ashe Baptist Association, we do so with gratitude for those who came before us and with anticipation for what God will do in the days ahead. The churches of this Association have faced many storms through the years, including the recent challenges brought by Hurricane Helene and the continuing work of recovery. Yet through it all, God has remained faithful.

The 140th Annual Meeting truly was a time to worship, fellowship, pray, sing, learn, plan, and look toward the future. Most importantly, it was a time to remember that we are better together when we are united in serving Jesus Christ.

Thank you to everyone who attended, served, prepared meals, sang, preached, presented reports, conducted business, and prayed for this Annual Meeting. Thank you to Midway Baptist Church and Missions Home Baptist Church for being such gracious hosts. God truly blessed us with His presence. As the Ashe Baptist Association begins another year, may we continue to be faithful, united in mission, and committed to giving our very best to the One who gave His very best for us—Jesus Christ our Lord.                                                                  Your Servant, David