October 31, 2024
By Kristen Thomanson
When it came to global missions, the question for Ardmore Baptist Church (ABC) in Winston-Salem, N.C., was not whether to become involved in mission work, but how? “ABC has a strong missional calling and has for many years,” said Amy Gallaher, minister of missional engagement at Ardmore Baptist. Growing up as a CBF “missionary kid” herself, Gallaher knows the important role churches play in God’s mission and what they can learn from other Christians around the world. She helped the congregation at ABC discover these truths for themselves as they explored their missions calling.
“Before the pandemic, our church was at a crossroads of trying to discern the path of global outreach that God would have us to follow. As we researched, prayed and discussed the possibilities, we were drawn to the Encourager Church initiative because of its emphasis on relationship,” Gallaher said. CBF Encourager Churches partner with field personnel around the world, providing support financially, administratively, in prayer and with short-term missions engagement. “The Encourager Church initiative has ensured for us that missions is a two-way street of learning from one another, growing in faith and building the Kingdom of God.”
ABC chose to join CBF field personnel Janée Angel and her Syrian husband Hary Khano as they minister to the Arabic-speaking community in Antwerp, Belgium. “Coming alongside Janée and Hary as they minister to refugees and immigrants in Belgium has affirmed a renewed, energizing and intergenerational missions outlet for our church.” Twice a year ABC sends mission teams to Antwerp to do outreach to Arabic women and children who traditionally don’t receive faith instruction and discipleship training. Between visits, they receive regular updates and prayer requests from those to whom they have ministered in Belgium.
Their participation in the Encourager Church initiative has not only made a difference in the lives of the Arabic community in Antwerp, but has also impacted ABC’s ministry in Winston-Salem. “This relationship gave us a unique perspective into what life is like for a refugee/immigrant,” said Gallaher. “It helped us to realize that those needs exist in our very own community here in Winston-Salem.” After consulting with CBF personnel Kim and Marc Wyatt, ABC converted a neighborhood house owned by the church into a Welcome House for refugees.”
“It felt like God had and was continuing to equip us to do the ministry of welcome in our own backyard. We partnered with World Relief to create a relationship of accountability for bringing in refugee families. They took care of the governmental check list while we welcomed and loved them.” Families screened by World Relief can stay at the Ardmore Welcome House for a few days or a few months. During that time, members of ABC help them navigate the logistics of Winston-Salem and traditions of American holidays. They also share meals, arrange playdates and clean the house between guests. Janée and Hary were so inspired by the Welcome House in Winston-Salem that they created one for refugees in Belgium.
For its willingness to embrace refugees in its own community and across the globe, the Missions Council of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship awarded Ardmore Baptist Church the Global Church Mission Excellence Award. “I would encourage every church to discern their role in growing the Global Church,” said Gallaher. “Find the right fit for what your church feels called to do and gravitate towards mission opportunities that will use your strengths and harness your passions to make bold steps in the Global Church.”