Global Baptists Gather in Turkey
by Jim Hill, Executive Director
In July, I had the privilege of representing Churchnet at the Annual Gathering of the Baptist World Alliance. Forestal Lawton, Director of the Men’s Department of the BWA and Vice President of Churchnet, and Brian Kaylor, Communications & Engagement Leader for Churchnet, also attended the gathering, which was held in Izmir, Turkey. We had the opportunity welcome a small group of Baptist congregations in Turkey, who recently formed an alliance. to the global Baptist family. Every year the gathering offers the opportunity for Baptists from around the world to come together for commission and committee meetings, fellowship, worship, and the general council meetings to conduct the business of the BWA.
One of the highlights every year is the presentation of the Human Rights Award. This year Ilie Coada, a Baptist pastor in Moldova, who worked tirelessly against human trafficking and the sex trade in his country, was presented with the 2014 Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award. The award is given for significant and effective activities to secure, protect, restore, or preserve human rights as stated in the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other declarations on human rights. Coada established a relief association to manage his various projects. He opened a shelter for vulnerable girls, many of whom were raised in orphanages, to live and complete their education. He also founded a community center that offers after-school programs to more than 500 children. He began an elder-care program in connection with the children’s center so senior adults could share meals and build relationships with the children as adopted grandparents.
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ABOVE: Churchnet Executive Director Jim Hill speaking at the BWA Annual Gathering.
BELOW: Ilie Coada recieving Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award
(both photos by Brian Kaylor)