Sunday, July 26, 2009

Compassion in mission

Raquel Contreras

BWA and EBF leaders
pose with models in period costumes on Bakkerstraat

EBF President Toma Madga and General Secretary Tony Peck
unveil plaque marking birthplace of Baptist movement

Walking through Amsterdam

Christian mission should be undergirded by compassion, said Raquel Contreras, a vice president of the Baptist World Alliance, during Amsterdam 400, on Saturday, July 25.

Contreras, who is also the former president of the Union of Baptists in Latin America and current president of the Union of Evangelical Baptist Churches of Chile, stated that “compassion often takes second place behind administrative needs and theological reflection.” But compassion is important as it is the way to “identify with the other.” Love is the ultimate expression of the compassionate lifestyle, she said. “It is impossible to have a lifestyle of compassion if there is no love among us. Compassion is the reflection of our Christian lifestyle.”

The Latin American Baptist leader also cautioned against using compassionate acts, such as medical teams, as “bait for mission,” that is, using these only as a means of attracting persons in order to reach them with the gospel. While such compassionate acts are important in meetings needs, they should be part of an overarching program to doing mission – a practical expression of the love of God for people. “Compassion should foster partnership for mission,” she said.

Earlier in the day, the EBF sponsored a tour throughout Amsterdam, including to Bakkerstraat, the likely location of the first Baptist church, which was formed by British exiles escaping religious persecution in their country, in 1609.

Reports were also heard about ministry in Poland, among the Roma people in Romania, Baptist ministry in Middle Eastern countries, the work of the EBF in combating human trafficking, and the effects of war on the work of the church in Lebanon.

The EBF-sponsored Amsterdam 400 is being held July 24-26.