The ceremonial handover of the General Secretary in the Federation of Baptist Churches took place on October 18th. After more than 30 years of loyal service, Walter Klimt was given a well-deserved send-off into retirement. Anyone who knows Walter Klimt knows, however, that he will not sit still. With his retirement in mind, he already has many plans for how he wants to continue being involved in the Kingdom of God. He is particularly passionate about the world mission and the Donauhof – but many more projects are sure to follow.
Over the years, he has networked with many people and organizations both nationally and internationally. Furthermore, he encouraged and supported many brothers and sisters to work together in the Kingdom of God. This was evident in the many words of thanks that were expressed during the celebration.
Many guests from home and abroad attended this celebratory church service. Representatives from the USA (Virginia), Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland and Romania were among those present. Representatives of the European Baptist Federation, the Evangelical Alliance of Austria, the Free Churches in Austria, and other churches in Austria were also present.
The sermon in the church service was given by an international team (Christoph Stieba, BEFG, Mira Ungewitter, projekt:gemeinde, Otniel Bunaciu, Romanian League, and Alan Donaldson, European Baptist Federation) on Philippians 3. All four preachers emphasized the central importance of gratitude in this letter. Alan Donaldson concluded with a powerful appeal for love. He combined Paul’s gratitude with love for the community and called on us Christians to be one, just as the Father and Christ are one. For the world will recognize us by the love we have for one another!
The blessing of the new Secretary General, David Bunce, was conducted in a form that he particularly appreciates – liturgical. It was a mutual promise. A diverse group of siblings offered prayers and words of blessing.
After the church service, various greetings were offered, including one from Oliver Stozek of the Austrian Evangelical Alliance. Stozek reminded those present that Baptists had played an important role in the founding of the Evangelical Alliance from the very beginning. He also emphasized that a radical belief in the word of God is a special characteristic of Baptists. He wished David Bunce and the Baptist Union God’s blessing for the challenge of courageously implementing God’s word, even in these times. The event concluded with a meal and celebration.
Bericht: Fritz Kaiser
Fotos: Tanja Schulz
