Sunday 5th February
HEBA moves in with IMC
Thursday, 15 January 2009 00:00

ENHANCED mission possibilities could be the result of an office move which has brought two Baptist organisations side-by-side.

 

Alan Pain (IMC), Karen Martindale (HEBA), Marie Davis (IMC), Keith Judson (HEBA)


This week saw the Heart of England Baptist Association (HEBA) move into the International Mission Centre (IMC) in Selly Oak, Birmingham. The move came about after HEBA’s board of trustees realised that a concerted programme of refurbishment was needed at its base in Newhall Street in the centre of the city.

Immediately following a meeting to discuss the future of the office, regional minister, the Revd Keith Judson, had a chance conversation with the Revd David Kerrigan, BMS general director. An invitation to explore the use of the IMC followed. A part of the centre was identified as suitable space for HEBA to use, and the arrangement was subsequently approved by both boards.

Referring to his chance meeting with Mr Kerrigan, Mr Judson told The Baptist Times, ‘It’s easy for Christians to confuse providence with expedience but I honestly don’t think this is such an occasion. ‘The manner in which the possibility of moving to IMC came about, the
enthusiasm of all concerned and the timing as far as the work of HEBA, BMS World Mission and others is concerned all suggest the Lord is withus on the journey!’ Mr Pain added, ‘Clearly, there is a great deal of mutual convenience about this move. ‘But there is more to it than that. ‘We are all excited about a move that has gone incredibly well so far which we believe will enhance our commitment to effective mission,
whether local or global. ‘It’s up to us now to deliver the goods for the HEBA churches and the world mission of BMS.’

by PAUL HOBSON