Dear Friends and Fellow Graduates,
I am greatly honored with the privilege of serving as National Alumni President for Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary this year. I have read that Alex Haley treasured a large office picture of a turtle sitting on a fence post. He referred to it often saying, “Whenever you see a turtle on a fence post, you know it didn’t get there by itself.” His story serves as a reminder to all of us that none of us are where we are by ourselves.
Midwestern has served as one of “God’s Hands,” lifting us up and placing us in ministry opportunities we would never have had on our own. Midwestern was a fledgling school when some of us were there, struggling to find its way. Today, Midwestern is making a world-wide impact with trained and equipped graduates serving Christ.
I have been asked what goals I have for us as Alumni and Friends this year. I would like to see us continue the goal of last year’s National Alumni President, Doug Richey, providing essential books for the school’s Ph.D. program. These books, known as the “ANRW” series, consist of well over 100 volumes which cover Roman law, history, medicine, religion, etc., in the 1st Century. These areas are relevant as they are mentioned in the New Testament, or, provide essential background information. The individual volumes can cost as much as $700 to $800. MBTS has a few volumes, but the entire set is needed. Our goal is to raise $10,000. Consider your personal gifts to this. Consider informing family and friends of this need and inviting their financial response. We honored posthumously our graduate friend, Dr. Fred Winters, who was tragically killed March 8 preaching the Gospel in his own pulpit, at our annual luncheon in Louisville. Consider giving your gifts in honor of Fred.
Please let me know if I can serve you in any way this year. Let’s keep MBTS in our prayers for God to continue to be magnified through its ministry.
In His Name,
Gary Taylor
Director of Evangelism
Missouri Baptist Convention