VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 10/1/09)—The Rev. Dr. José Norat-Rodríguez, area director of Iberoamerica and the Caribbean with American Baptist International Ministries (IM), was recently notified that he will receive the Orlando E. Costas Community Service Award. The annual award is bestowed by Palmer Theological Seminary each year along with other Costas awards in the fields of social justice, missions, prophetic teaching, preaching and mentoring.

The late Costas was a theologian, missiologist and social activist who taught at Palmer in the 1970s and '80s. The awards, now in their third year, honor individuals or organizations that best represent the values for which Costas stood.

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith, president of Palmer, noted that Norat-Rodríguez was selected due to his work both through IM and outside the mission board.

"The witness of Orlando Costas was a significant voice in global missiology," said Rev. Reid Trulson, IM executive director. "It is entirely fitting that Palmer Seminary should recognize José's contribution to the world mission of Christ's people through the Orlando E. Costas Community Service Award. He encourages us all as he works with faithfulness, integrity, a servant's heart and humility."

Norat-Rodríguez will be recognized formally at the Seminary during a luncheon scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2009.

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.