GBCNJ Laymen Mission Project Successful
Newark’s Good Neighbor Baptist Church hosted the 117th Annual Session of the General Baptist Convention of New Jersey, October 8-10. The three-day event brought Baptists from around the state to Brick City, with others attending the various panels, workshops, and programs virtually.
At these sessions, the organization brings together the people who make the church work— clergy, ushers, nurses, arts, music, youth ministries, etc.—providing skills development and best practices for those dedicated to spreading the word of God.
One of the most active ministries is the laymen. We had the opportunity to speak with Laymen President Vincent Bryant, who delivered remarks and words of encouragement to the laymen of New Jersey on Auxiliary Night. During his remarks, Bryant recognized three districts for their outstanding work and support of the laymen movement:
• Bethany District: Rev. Dr. Andre E. Brown, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Magnolia; and Benjamin Whipple, Tabernacle Baptist Church, Burlington.
• New Hope District: Rev. Paul M. Graves, Sr., Clearway Missionary Baptist Church, Newark; and James Calhoun, Blessed Assurance Christian Life Center, Newark.
• North Jersey District: Rev. Reginald Steele, St. Paul Baptist Church, Passaic; and Calvin Lee Pearson, Clear View Baptist Church, Newark.
Bryant said he was extremely pleased by the support from across the state organization’s mission project—the purchase of new clothes for the Burn Center Closet of Saint Barnabas Hospital in Livingston, the largest burn center in North America. The clothes are given to patients when they leave the hospital.
A dual effort with the women’s department, led by President Janet Jasper, the donation will supply clothes for years to come according to the burn center director, who was “overwhelmed” by the gift.
