August 19, 2022
“I am evidence of the great work of Lott Carey,” said Rev. Thembalani Jentile, general secretary of the Baptist Convention of South Arica.
Rev. Jentile was trained and prepared for the ordained ministry at the convention’s seminary. Lott Carey was instrumental in the establishment and maintenance of the institution, an important development in post-apartheid South Africa.
Previously, the convention was affiliated with the white-dominated and -controlled Baptist Union of Southern Africa. After the Baptist Convention of South Arica was established in 1994, Lott Carey became a supporting partner in 1997.
“The first people to come along was Lott Carey,” Rev. Jentile told the 125th Annual Session of Lott Carey in New Orleans, held August 15-18. That help included putting in place the structure and infrastructure of the convention, such as the theological college.
“Lott Carey is the backbone of the convention,” he told the hundreds gathered in-person and virtually in New Orleans.
In addition to the college, Lott Carey helped to establish the convention office. “The convention has a home because of that,” the Baptist leader said.
Other partnership initiatives include assistance in HIV/AIDS education and support.
“When others stopped giving during Covid-19, Lott Carey gave monthly,” Rev. Jentile said. Through the worst of the pandemic, Lott Carey paid staff, pastors, and assistance to others.
The personal touch of Lott Carey representatives was special. Rev. Jentile said few missionaries stayed in local homes of Baptists whenever they visited his country, some of which were in humble settings. Not so those visiting from Lott Carey. He recalled how participants in the Pastoral Excellence Program stayed in homes and ate the local food.
The Annual Session incorporated Bible Study, worship, mission education classes, mission service opportunities, and presentations on issues of concern such as human trafficking, voting rights and social justice. There were special events for children and youth, among other activities and programs.
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