This weekend is graduation at Baxter Institute in Teguigalpa, Honduras–the last official event of the 49th year of Baxter’s existence. It is also the weekend of the annual board meeting in Honduras. For me as chairman of the board, that always means a lot of time spent in preparing documents, reports, agendas, and for various activities.
The weekend is always special: a committed group of Christians whose hearts are set on mission work and the advancement of the Kingdom of God in Latin America assemble, the fellowship is sweet, the conversations stimulating, and new graduates are sent forth with prayers and celebration.
This year’s graduation celebrations and events will be special in other ways. The amphitheater, now covered with a permanent roof, will be dedicated in honor of Armando Pacheco. The Baxter family will say good-bye to Howard and Jane Norton as they complete three years of service as President and First Lady. The Baxter family will welcome Steve and Dianna Teel to the family as they begin the transition to being the next President and First Lady.
Finally, the entire Baxter family–board, administration, faculty, employees, and students–will celebrate God’s goodness as we share together the continuing journey. Next year will mark Baxter’s 50th year. Baxter has more than 500 graduates of the residential program, several thousand more from the weekend and extension programs. Baxter has made and is making a difference in the growth and leadership of the church across Latin America, and also among Spanish-speaking churches in the U.S. What will the next 50 years hold? Only God knows, but the weekend ahead will be an opportunity to celebrate the God who will make incredible and marvelous things possible.
“There are no impossibilities–only people who believe that they have limitations.”