The celebration service featured the youth worship team from Iglesia Bautista Nuevo Desafío (New Challenge Baptist Church). The group lead worship in both Spanish and English. — Photo by James Wilson
CORDOVA — Tennessee Baptists attending the All Nations Worship Celebration during the first night of The Summit, held Nov. 13 at Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, received a preview of what heaven will look like.
Approximately 500 people from an estimated 25 nations gathered to pray, worship and hear God’s Word in a multitude of languages.
Though it was the sixth All Nations Worship Celebration, it is the first one that has been held in Memphis, said William Burton, ethnic evangelism specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. More than 150 ethnic churches are a part of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, he added.
“The All Nations Worship Celebration is an event that draws ethnic churches to a greater connection with the TBC and gives greater value to the relationship with TBMB,” Burton said.
“I think it is an enormous encouragement for our ethnic congregations to come together with other Christians. They realize they are not alone and our Baptist family is a big one,” he added.
Pastor Juan Natal of Nolensville preaches during the All Nations Worship Celebration. — Photo by Lonnie Wilkey
The celebration service featured the youth worship team from Iglesia Bautista Nuevo Desafío (New Challenge Baptist Church). The group lead worship in both Spanish and English.
The concert of prayer was a focused pray gathering led by different pastors in their own language, Burton said.
Juan Natal, pastor of Renovacíon Baptist Church, Nolensville, and part-time new church catalyst for the TBMB, led the worship service.
Preaching from Ephesians 4:1-16, Natal challenged the ethnic Christians to have unity in the body of Christ.
“It is evident that we come from different places but we all same to know the same Savior,” he said. “We are one in the body of Christ.”
Natal shared some of his personal journey. “I am here tonight because someone in India prayed for a Puerto Rican. Only God can do that. That is unity,” he said.
“The church belongs to Jesus and we get to be a part of it, ” Natal said. “The Lord needs all of us to bring the gospel to others.” B&R
