Hello, BRN! I am Ricky Wilson, pastor of Christian Faith Fellowship in Downingtown, Pa. As a board member of the Baptist Resource Network (BRN) and the International Mission Board (IMB), I wanted to draw your attention to the upcoming George Liele Church Planting, Evangelism and Missions Sunday, which I hope you will emphasize in your church.
This special Sunday is an annual Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) event, planned this year on Sunday, February 1, that celebrates African American and Black missionary pioneers.
These pioneers include George Liele, who many acknowledge as the first overseas missionary from the United States. He was a formerly enslaved man from Georgia who used his freedom to take the good news to the nations, specifically Jamaica in 1782.
By 1814, there were around 8,000 Baptists in Jamaica. This number included enslaved, freedmen and some whites. As a result of Liele’s ministry, there were over 20,000 believers in 1832.
We want to be sure the legacy of George Liele is remembered and shared.
That’s why the IMB developed downloadable resources that you can share with your church, small groups and friends. You’ll find videos, a Black Church Missions brochure, information about George Liele’s life and ministry and a missionary prayer guide.
You can also give to the George Liele Scholarship, which encourages the expansion of international missions knowledge and experiences among Black and African American Southern Baptist churches.
You can find these resources and learn more about George Liele by visiting imb.org/george-liele. We hope these resources will be helpful as you plan, promote and recognize this special emphasis Sunday at your church.
You can also give to the George Liele Scholarship, which encourages the expansion of international missions knowledge and experiences among Black and African American Southern Baptist churches.
Let’s remember this powerful legacy as we advance the Gospel even now. Thank you!
