This past weekend I attended TN CBF’s General Assembly held at Immanuel Baptist Church in Nashville. One of the best experiences of this event for me was something that the folks on staff didn’t even plan for – the presence of 20 plus Karen refugees!  These Baptist brothers and sisters from half-way around the world have experienced tremendous persecution, have been kicked out of their homeland of Burma, have lived in camps along the Burmese-Thai border, and now find themselves relocated to many cities across the U.S., including Nashville, TN. With the help of folks like Catherine Allen and her daughter, the Karen delegation made their way to the Assembly seeking to find friendship and Christian community among the Baptist family called CBF.

I marveled at their attire, desiring to know more of the meaning behind the knotted fringe that bordered their collars. I rejoiced in their bright smiles and beautiful songs that they shared during our lunch meal. I struggled to learn a few words so that I might express my delight in their presence among us. I found myself trying to make them feel welcome in a place that was not “my home.” I too was a guest at this meeting. It dawned on me, though, that hospitality doesn’t care if the place I’m in is MY home or not.

Other highlights of this meeting were (1) the presention of the Betty Galloway Advocacy for Women in Ministry Award to Eileen Campbell-Reed and (2) the challenge from Mike Young, TN CBF’s missions coordinator. Mike stated that CBF  (and churches) must do more than deliver religious goods and services and offer religious tourism trips. Rather, each one of us must ask ourselves what  gifts of “hand, head, and heart” we possess, as well as what it is that we are passionate enough about to get up off the church pew and do. The answers to these questiosn will guide the work of  the fellowship.