VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 11/17/06) The American Baptist Board of International Ministries (IM) voted unanimously to call Rev. Dr. Reid S. Trulson as the mission society's next executive director. The action of the IM board came following a unanimous recommendation of Trulson by the general board of American Baptist Churches in the USA which included his appointment as a national secretary of ABCUSA. Trulson assumes his new role Dec. 1, 2006.
ABC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley, informed IM's board of the recommendation. In an enthusiastic endorsement, Medley shared that, during visits to the churches of Europe and the Middle East, he had learned firsthand how, "Trulson is loved and respected by church leaders throughout the region he has served." Medley also said, "He will provide strong leadership to our international mission."
The President of the IM Board, Rev. Ray Schooler, celebrated the decision, saying, "Reid has a tremendous heart for mission. He has a great historical perspective, a steady hand and a dynamic vision. Since the first announcement of the nomination by the search committee, we have received overwhelming affirmation of this choice from missionaries, staff, board members and many others."
In response to the vote, Trulson expressed deep admiration and gratitude for the faithful service of Rev. Charles Jones, who led International Ministries as acting executive director for the previous two and a half years. He announced Jones would continue serving with IM by returning to direct engagement with international partners and missionaries as IM's area director for Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
Trulson also thanked the board for their confidence and support, recognizing that "this moment is not about me or about any one of us, but about what the Lord will do in and through International Ministries to bring glory to God." Trulson then led a time of prayer for the members of the board. The board members then responded in kind, laying hands on Trulson as Medley led them in a time of prayer for God's work in and through IM's new executive director.
Additional information on Reid Trulson can be found on the IM website and in the December issue of the IM Update. Click here to request a free subscription.
Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches, USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/
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