by Wayne Faison, BGAV Executive Director

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Once upon a time, town criers would call out, “Hear ye, Hear ye!” to signal that something important was about to be said—something the whole town needed to hear. It wasn’t just tradition; it was a wake-up call. A summons. Today, I echo that same spirit with a new cry that is just as urgent, just as vital to the life of the BGAV: “Mission Forward!”

As we bring this year’s powerful theme for BGAV’s Annual Meeting to the forefront, and as we prepare our hearts for what lies ahead at next year’s annual meeting—Heart for the Not Yet—let us not overlook the bridge that connects them both: our faithfulness.

Faithfulness isn’t just about belief; it’s about trust. It’s our way of saying to God, “Thank you for trusting us with your mission. Thank you for blessing us to join you, God, in what you are doing. Thank you for every open door, every answered prayer, every miracle we’ve witnessed.”

And let me tell you—I firmly believe that God already knows the incredible plans he has for BGAV in the years and decades to come. God’s word assures us in Jeremiah 29:11 that they are plans for peace and not harm, plans to give us a future filled with hope. Even in uncertain times. Even when the world shakes. Even when we don’t see the full picture—God is still encouraging us to join him in moving his Mission Forward.

So I’m inviting you to join us, not just with your ears—but with your hearts, your hands, and your faith—in “Mission Forward!” Let this be more than a powerful theme—let it be a movement. A declaration. A way of life. Because when we join God in what he is doing, we position ourselves to follow him—just as Philippians 3:14 says: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

My Virginia Baptist family, let’s forge ahead. Let’s walk boldly into the future. Let’s press on, win the prize, and with faith and expectation move God’s “Mission Forward” for such a time as this.

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