Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, right, presents Anthony L. Jordan, BGCO executive director-treasurer, with an official citation (above) declaring May 15, 2012, “Baptist Messenger Day” in Oklahoma. Gov. Mary Fallin also signed the joint declaration. (Photo by: Brian Hobbs)
For a century Oklahoma Baptists have looked to the Baptist Messenger for information and inspiration, what an amazing story of stories. From horse drawn wagons to smart phones, the Messenger has shared the events, places, people and stories of God’s faithfulness. In a way, the Messenger has served as a modern book of Acts, detailing God’s work through and around Oklahoma; though I am confident that Oklahoma Baptists would not accept their writing as Scripture!
Thank you to the past and present staff and leadership of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma who have worked so hard to keep the format relevant, the news accurate and the Messenger alive. You will never know how many lives have been impacted by the information you shared. Keep telling the story; we never tire of hearing how God is working through those who authentically serve Him. Thank you as well to the pastors and churches around Oklahoma who commit to subscribing to the Messenger so their congregation can connect with the Baptist family worldwide. As Baptists, we are all voluntarily connected with each other by our commitment to the mission for sharing the good news around the world. The Messenger helps us all keep in touch with our part of that mission.
Rep. James Lankford
Congressman for Oklahoma’s 5th congressional district
I am thankful for the faithful service the Baptist Messenger has provided Oklahoma Baptists for 100 years. My hope and prayer is that its best days are still ahead! I am confident this will indeed be the case.
Daniel L. Akin
President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Congratulations to the Baptist Messenger for 100 years of ministry, encouragement and information for Oklahoma Baptists. Having served twice in Oklahoma, I know the value of the publication and the work that goes into it. May God bless you as you continue to share the message of hope with Southern Baptists.
Michael Catt
Sherwood Baptist Church, Albany, Ga.
Sherwood Pictures
I want to offer a special word of commendation to you for this 100th anniversary of the BGCO’s Baptist Messenger. What an incredibly powerful communications tool the Baptist Messenger is. As we go into this digital age, it is great to know we have it in print and also get a digital format from the Messenger. Something many people never consider is that the absolute best and most sure way of communicating with Baptists in any state convention is through their state newspapers. There is no other tool that can effectively reach as many people as quickly as the Baptist Messenger. For that reason, I have been grateful not only to participate in interviews the Baptist Messenger has had, but I also have benefitted from the Baptist Messenger telling the story of international missions, or of churches I had the privilege of pastoring while I was in Oklahoma. To all of you who are involved with the Baptist Messenger, my hat is off to you. Thank you for keeping the Good News out there for us to read, for telling the Truth, and for keeping us together across the Southern Baptist Convention by the way you, with integrity, tell all that is happening. God bless you. 100 years? Just the beginning!
Tom Elliff
President, International Mission Board
For a century, the Baptist Messenger has delivered the news of God’s Kingdom expanding through Oklahoma Baptists. Thank God for this ministry and its important role of informing Baptists and promoting Baptist work!
Jeff Iorg
President, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary
It is with great pleasure that I write today to congratulate you and the staff of the Baptist Messenger on your 100th anniversary. Since its inaugural edition on May 15, 1912, under then-editor C.P. Stealey, the Baptist Messenger has been an indispensable resource for Southern Baptists, not only in Oklahoma, but also throughout the Southern Baptist Convention.
Richard Land
President, SBC Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission
Congratulations to the Baptist Messenger of Oklahoma on the paper’s 100th birthday today (May 15th, 2012). A century of service to Baptists.
Al Mohler
President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Congratulations to the Baptist Messenger in this Centennial celebration! What a great milestone for a paper to reach. For 10 decades, the Baptist Messenger has been a source of encouragement to the Baptists of Oklahoma. Few states have reached the level of success and effectiveness that Oklahoma Baptists have attained. I credit this not only to the great leadership of leaders such as Anthony Jordan, but also to the faithful sharing of news by the Baptist Messenger. Should Jesus tarry, I pray that the Baptist Messenger will continue for many more decades to be a source of news, inspiration and encouragement to the dear people of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. Congratulations Baptist Messenger!
Frank S. Page
President and Chief Executive Officer, Southern Baptist Convention
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and its president, Paige Patterson, congratulate our friends and co-laborers at the Baptist Messenger for one hundred years of selfless service to our Lord. As a servant to Oklahoma Baptists and the world mission enterprise, the Messenger has captured the respect and honor of us all. May the days ahead be the brightest yet for Brian Hobbs, the staff and all Oklahoma Baptists.
Paige Patterson
President, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Oklahoma is a vital partner in Southern Baptist efforts to reach the United States and world for Christ, and the Baptist Messenger is a key part of that great work. On behalf of LifeWay Christian Resources, congratulations to Anthony Jordan and the entire Oklahoma Baptist family on reaching this important milestone.
Thom S. Rainer
President, LifeWay Christian Resources
Congratulations to you and the Baptist Messenger on your 100th anniversary of publishing. Thank you for including the “Dave Says” column in your pages, and I wish you continued success in the future. God bless!
Dave Ramsey
Personal finance expert, nationally syndicated radio talk show host and New York Times bestselling author
For 100 years the Baptist Messenger has supported missions, discipleship and expansion of the Kingdom of God through effective print and now digital communication resources. Congratulations to Editor Brian Hobbs and the staff of the Baptist Messenger for achieving this significant milestone of service to Oklahoma Baptists and Southern Baptists.
Ed Stetzer
Vice President, LifeWay Christian Resources
