Jamaican Baptist Making History
Jamaican Baptist Makes History
A Jamaican Baptist is set to break then shape Global Baptist history. Rev. Neville Callam, pastor of the Tarrant Baptist Church, Kingston Jamaica is the only nominee being recommended for the position of General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA).
Callam is an Internationally recognized theologian who has served the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the BWA on several committees. In Jamaica, he has served in every office at each level of the Jamaica Baptist Union, including two terms as president. He has served in and still holds positions on various civic committees, including Jamaica’s Media Commission, and the University Council of Jamaica.
Mini JBU Assembly for Ghana 2007?
Listen, let me make it very clear from now…I am accepting donations toward my airfare!! 
Imagine ALL, and I mean ALL eyes will be trained on Africa in July 2007. The vote for General Secretary will take place during the BWA General Council meeting in Accra, Ghana, in July of this year. A descendant of Africans will make history in Africa!
Who can miss the significance of this occasion, even as we commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the trade of Africans for enslavement. This might not have been what the BWA Search Committee had in mind. However the significance did not escape Robert Marus who penned the headline – BWA committee nominates Jamaican as first non-white general secretary.
No doubt there will be a trek, something like a pilgrimage of Jamaica Baptist Union members heading to Ghana for this landmark occasion.
Worldwide Baptists In For A Unique Experience
Marus makes this observation in his article:
If elected in July, the 55-year-old Jamaican pastor will be the first non-white chief executive of the group, which represents approximately 110 million Baptists in national and regional bodies across the planet. He would also be the first general secretary in the group’s 101-year history to hail from somewhere other than the United States or Europe.
Marus in reporting on the nomination cites the commendation of John Sundquist (Chair of the Search Committee) and Neville Callam’s response. Anyone who knows Callam, can appreciate this response -
Callam, in response, said he would offer only one sentence: “All I have to say is, if this is how the Lord is leading us, I am willing to follow.”
I extend personal congratulations to Rev. Neville Callam. I know that the Lord will certainly use him to help shape the new direction of Baptists worldwide. This Jamaican Baptist in Panama is extremely overjoyed and pray that the Lord’s will be done. You follow Rev. Neville, we offer you our support to the Glory of God.
Peace,
Marvia
Read more on this story:-
BWA – Baptist World Alliance nominates new General Secretary
APB – BWA committee nominates Jamaican as first non-white general secretary
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March 11th, 2007 at 12:57 am
I too would like to congratulate Rev. Callam, not just because of the many 1sts that will result from his appointment but for what seems to be his obedience to God’s will for his life. Its pretty obvious that events like these dont just happen to coincide ( I believe everything is relevant). Just thinking about July is exciting and if I had money i would surely send some for you to go to Accra, im nice like dats
The Baptist in Jamaica are known as forerunners and history finds us making many 1sts – well you should know you’re recorded among those 1sts too Marvia.
Once again Big Up Rev Callam! and to whom much is given much is required but im sure he knows this and will fulfill all requirements with God’s help.
Derri
March 11th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
Well Said Derri!
Sorry too that you have no money
The thought that you would give me some warms my heart! Bless you chile..
Love,
Marvia
June 28th, 2007 at 11:52 pm
[...] The Election of the General Secretary Rev. Neville Callam of Jamaica is the sole nominee up for election. He is set to succeed Denton Lotz and I’ll add my little biased commentary and say – when [...]