75th Anniversary Vision Banquets

The first of many 75th anniversary banquets was held in Iloilo City, is the birthplace of ABWE's missionary efforts, on January 31, 2002. The 220 guests came from the far reaches of the country, some at great personal sacrifice. Many were men and women who have served the Lord for decades.

A 94 year old pastor, came from the distant island of Palawan. He is the only living pastor who personally knew ABWE's first missionary, Dr. Raphael Thomas. As a young teen, Rev. Alejandro Caspe was led to Christ by Dr. Thomas. Russ Ebersole, who chaired the banquet, interviewed Pastor Caspe. His quick wit and enthusiasm captivated the audience. When asked what he remembered most about Dr. Thomas, he quickly replied, "He was always saying, 'You must be born again!'"

ABWE's third president, Wendell Kempton, spoke both at the banquet and the outdoor rally held at Doane Baptist Bible College the next night when over 800 were present. They were stirred by the 75 voice choir of the Doane Baptist Church singing "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."

The audience was also startled by the unexpected finale: a display of fireworks which included a large, lighted replica of ABWE's 75th anniversary logo.

Lakeland, Florida
The Lakeland Civic Center was the site for the first North American ABWE banquet on February 23 with 360 in attendance. Michael Loftis acknowledged ABWE Board members, ABWE missionaries and missionaries from other agencies, volunteers who had gone to a mission field, and parents of missionaries. Special recognition was given to the following missionaries who were appointed in the 1940s to serve with ABWE. Edna Hull, Ron & Gladys Meznar, Helen Paige, Ruth Large Rife, and Dick & Betty Sterkenberg. Fred & Rachel Patton, and Frank & Doris Jertberg, who were unable to attend, were also mentioned.

Fellowship Baptist Church in Lakeland provided special music. Michael Loftis presented ABWE's vision to enhance partnerships with nationals which will develop into mission movements in target countries. Jerry Lancaster, pastor of Starkey Road Baptist Church, challenged the attendees to catch the vision.

Central Baptist Church, Brantford, Ontario
Through the morning of March 14, the Canadian Council met for its annual business meeting. During that time, Jo Beth Loftis spoke to the missionary women and council members' wives in a time of prayer and fellowship.

The evening celebration, which 210 attended, included the banquet where supporting pastors, Canadian Council members, ABWE missionaries, and parents of missionaries were recognized. Art & Joyce Cavey, Mel & Romilda Cuthbert, Ivor & Ruth Greenslade, and Joyce Hatch who served for many years in South America were also honored.

Canadian director, Frank Bale led the service which followed the banquet. ABWE MK from Brazil, Terry Cuthbert, brought greetings from the Evangelical Fellowship of Baptist Churches in Canada. Terry's father, Mel, joined Miriam Tyers and Tim Bahula in giving testimonies of their missionary service titled a "Look Back," a "Look Within," and a "Look Ahead." Rev. Elbern Latorilla, pastor of Commonwealth Avenue Baptist Church in Toronto, echoed what his father said in Iloilo, "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for ABWE." Even Elbern's name reflects his family's long relationship with the mission. He was named for ABWE pioneer missionaries Eleanor and Bernie Bancroft.

Jo Beth and Michael Loftis presented a pictorial history of ABWE interwoven with global events. He again stressed ABWE's vision to establish church planting movements which will develop into missionary movements in each country where ABWE serves. The audience was inspired by musical selections from the Benton Street Baptist Church choir in Kitchener, Ontario with one song expressing the theme of the 75th anniversary celebrations: "Were it Not For Grace."

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