Dr. Wallace C. Smith, President of the Seminary, praised Lauran for her commitment and contributions to working for more than two decades on behalf of women and children who have been exploited and abused.
In her address, entitled “Am I My I.D.?” based on 2 Corinthians 4:7, Bethell reflected on her travels around the world as she collaborates with government agencies, non-government organizations and a broad spectrum of Christian ministries. She explained, “If there’s anything I’ve learned in ministry it’s that showing up is most often the best we can do. Showing up, and then having confidence that it will be God’s Spirit that speaks more loudly than any words we can say—bringing peace, bringing joy, showing love.”
In her battle against human trafficking, Bethell has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate committees encouraging legislation. In 2005, she received the Human Right Awards of the Baptist World Alliance, presented to her by former President Jimmy Carter. Two years later the Whitsitt Society conferred on her its “Courage Award.”
Rev. Dr. Reid Trulson, Executive Director of International Ministries, stated: "We give thanks to God for Lauran and for all of the missionaries of International Ministries who are working against human trafficking and the entrapment of people in abusive labor and forced prostitution.”
American Baptist International Ministries (IM), organized in 1814, is the first Baptist mission agency formed in North America. IM serves more than 2,500 short-term and long-term missionaries annually, bringing U.S. and Puerto Rico churches together with partners in more than 70 countries in cutting-edge ministries that tell the good news of Jesus Christ while meeting human needs.
For further details on this event, go to: www.internationalministries.org/artifacts/11371.
For more information, please contact Catherine Nold at Catherine.Nold@abc-usa.org or 800-222-3872, ext. 2182.
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.