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IRVING, Texas ? Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Youth Evangelism Associate Tom Cottar wanted to “hammer” home the concept of cooperative efforts in reaching the state of Texas with the good news of Jesus Christ. While brainstorming for a new name for the annual SBTC State Missions and Ministry Offering, Cottar felt impressed to record the importance of reaching the lost in a song called Reaching Texas.
“Our number one goal is to ‘Reach Texas’ with the gospel of Christ, working together to build the kingdom of God,” Cottar said. “The message is really very simple. I wanted to hammer the message that we are to reach people with the love of Christ.”
Intended for use in a promotional capacity for the SBTC Reaching Texas Offering, Cottar said he hopes the song inspires individuals and churches across Texas to work together by contributing the annual offering.
“It’s not about equal giving, but equal sacrifice,” Cottar said. “By working together as the Body, God has given us an incredible opportunity to be a part of something eternal. By working together, we can answer the call to ‘go and tell’ and give hope to those that are living in darkness! It doesn’t get any better than that!”
In addition to the song, the CD includes a full mix (radio mix) churches can use in radio spots, websites or background music in worship services. The CD also contains an accompaniment track that can be used for choral or solo performances during worship, as well as an instrumental track. Worship leaders can also insert the CD into a computer and print of lead sheets and chord changes to use with a praise team. Background vocals on the CD are provided by SBTC staffer Jennifer Dean.
Currently, the CDs are being mailed to each SBTC church with the Reach Texas Offering promotional packet; however, extra copies are available upon request.
“My hope is that the song will remind us whatthe missions offering is really about,” Cottar said. “As a childwe learned the words to the song JesusLoves Me. The tragedy is that there are a lot of people who only know the words and still don’t know theSavior. My prayer is that this song will remind us that we are not about programs but about people – peoplewhose eternity can change in an instantfrom an encounter with the true, living God. Texas is waiting.”
