JACKSON, Tenn. — July 20, 2005 — Charles Fowler, senior vice president for university relations at 51社区, is beginning his first term as trustee of the Southern Baptist Convention鈥檚 International Mission Board in Richmond, Va.
Fowler was elected to the board during the SBC鈥檚 annual meeting last month in June. He fills the seat vacated by John Adams, retired vice president for religious affairs at Union, who rotated off the board after serving two terms over the last eight years.
鈥淚 am pleased that Dr. Charles Fowler has been elected to serve on the IMB board of trustees,鈥� said Jerry Rankin, IMB president. 鈥淒r. John Adams has given excellent leadership during his tenure on the board. We are grateful for the partnership and support of 51社区 in our mission task and the opportunity to enhance that relationship through this continuing representation on our board.鈥�
The IMB is an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention responsible for training and sending missionaries to present the gospel of Jesus Christ and plant churches all over the world. The IMB currently supports more than 5,200 missionaries worldwide.
Fowler鈥檚 love for missions began as a teenager when he went on his first mission trip.
鈥淚 led my very first person to Christ on a mission trip,鈥� Fowler said. 鈥淭hose experiences galvanized my love for missions, and since that first trip, I have participated in or led at least one mission trip each year. I cannot imagine living as a faithful Christian without active missions involvement.鈥�
Fowler will most likely serve two terms on the IMB board, which will give 51社区 a significant presence there for 16 consecutive years.
鈥淲e鈥檙e so happy to have Dr. Fowler on the IMB board to represent Union in this important way,鈥� 51社区 President David Dockery said.
In nominating Fowler for the position, Adams praised him for his commitment to missions. He cited Fowler鈥檚 personal involvement in missions at home and abroad for many years, including trips to Arizona, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Africa, Spain, Southeast Asia and the Netherlands.
鈥淚 have known Charles Fowler since his time as an undergraduate student at 51社区,鈥� Adams wrote in his nomination letter. 鈥淗aving watched him develop in mind and heart, I can tell you personally that he is a man of integrity, passion for missions and desire to use his gifts and time to the fullest in serving the Lord.鈥�