As the rain moved out, the sun shone brightly in the historic city of Natchez, MS, welcoming 138 registered churches across the State to the Spring Session of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of MS. Inc. 

The three-day session, which focused on Christian Educators and Church Leaders, convened at the Natchez Convention Center from March 10 to 12. 

Excitement filled the air as delegates renewed friendships and engaged in fellowship over coffee and refreshments. The registration team did an outstanding job with badges, bags, and booklets, informing delegates of all that would take place during the week. 

President Reginald M. Buckley called the session to order with a soul-stirring introduction, reminding the convention that, even as we meet in historic Natchez, with its background that saw our ancestors enslaved and facing insurmountable odds, and even now as we face challenges and uncertainty that seem to threaten the advances made by our people, by the grace of God, we can handle it because “We’ve been here before.” 

These words seemed to resonate across the week as devotional speakers and session leaders encouraged delegates each day to remain steadfast in the work of Christian Education. 

The convention welcomed past State and National President Dr. Jerry Young as its opening day plenary speaker. Dr. Young gave an inspiring testimony to God’s work of grace through Jesus Christ and his steadfast love toward us. 

Monday evening’s worship service was spirit-filled! The Antioch Missionary Baptist Association Choir led the singing, and Rev. Greg Oliver, Sr. of Canaan MB Church in Shreveport, LA, preached a stirring message from Psalm 92.

 As he preached topically about the palm tree in the text, He reminded the church that our display must mirror our depth. We might bend but won’t break. And we must be sure to see the real thing. Everyone left the service with a spirit of joy and the image of waving palm branches in their hands. 

Dr. Christopher Davis, pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, and General Secretary of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., was Tuesday's plenary speaker. Dr. Davis, also one of the session presenters, preached from Jonah 3:1.  He kept the audience on the edge of their seats with attentive anticipation as he narrated the story of Jonah’s call and subsequent recall of his mission to Ninevah.  Indeed, the Lord’s presence was in the place, bringing about an atmosphere of “Church”. 

The session's highlight came on Tuesday afternoon when President Buckley invited the convention to tour the restored Huddleston Memorial Chapel on the grounds of Natchez Seminary. Many delegates witnessed the first phase of the Baptist Heritage and Arts Center and were thrilled to see the work done.

They remembered the building and how it looked in the past and were ecstatic to see the shiny hardwood floors, painted columns, upgraded restrooms, and other features that will once again serve as the home base of our beloved Convention. 

Although it had been a long day, delegates were eager to return to Pilgrim Baptist Church for another night of worship. 

After heartfelt greetings from Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson, a music ensemble comprising students from several of the state’s HBCUs, under the direction of Dr. Kevin Towers, rendered several selections, setting the stage for President Buckley's sermon. He picked up where Rev. Oliver left off by also taking a text from the book of Psalms, chapter 37. His message to the church was Everything Is Gonna Be Alright. 

True to form,  the President was passionate and prophetic as he encouraged the church to remember that God don’t like ugly. What goes around comes around. And Trouble don’t last always. 

Shouts of praise resonated throughout the sanctuary, and the night ended with everyone renewed and ready for the next day. 

Wednesday morning’s session allowed delegates to hear summarizations from several seminars offered during the week. A panel discussion on the "Church and Its Mission: Where Are We" followed the summaries and was informative, inspiring, and engaging. 

The Rev. Stanford Cruel closed the morning session with a sermon from John 20:30-31, "If You Just Believe." The message was right on time and on target as we continued to embrace the Convention’s theme to Follow Him.

The Christian Educator and Church Leaders Conference saw an average daily attendance of 270 students, with a high of 323 on Monday. Thirteen (13) different seminars were offered. Auxiliary meetings were held for the Ushers, Chaplain, Minister’s Wives, Women, Laymen, Youth, and Young Adults.

President Buckley adjourned the Spring Session in prayer and bid safe travels to all, anticipating meeting again for the Annual Session in July in Jackson, MS. 

Humbly Submitted,

Dennis M. Grant, General Secretary 

Reginald M. Buckley, President