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It was 1978 on the way home from a meeting when God burdened the heart of a young, black businessman. Shortly thereafter, Lou Baldwin would surrender to the call of God, attend Bible college and commit his life to reaching his people.
In 1981, he and his family were commissioned to plant an independent, fundamental Baptist church in the Washington, DC area. The church grew as God would have it, and many men were called to the gospel ministry. It became increasingly clear that God had special plans for Crossroads Baptist Church.
Pastor Baldwin continued to share his burden for his "kinsman according to the flesh" in churches, fellowships, conferences and Bible colleges around the country. His belief that Black America was a figurative "Samaria" in the Great Commission often alienated him from his Christian brethren black and white. Yet he fervently advanced a deeply-held notion that Black America, though religious, was ripe and ready for spiritual awakening.
In the summer of 1994 several dozen people from Crossroads and other churches gathered in Chester, Virginia for the first "Conference on Evangelizing Black America." Realizing the great need they committed to building a cross-cultural, independent Baptist effort to plant churches among one of the world's most neglected people groups. Thus, COEBA was born.
More than a decade has passed since that first meeting in Chester. The number in attendance at the National Gathering has increased from a couple of hundred to as many as a couple of thousand. However, the vision that God gave Dr. Lou Baldwin remains unchanged. Pastors and churches gather each summer to show their support and learn what more can be done. Bible colleges and Christian ministries make their resources available. A great choir sings, powerful sermons are delivered and decisions are made at a tear-stained altar. As the Spirit of God moves it is evident that America's Most Unusual Fundamental Baptist Conference is in session.
We hope you'll plan to join us for the next COEBA National Gathering. Come and witness what God is doing in places like Houston and Birmingham, Memphis and Oakland. Once more, come and be a part of the work that God is accomplishing in the hearts of His people -- bringing us together, breaking down barriers, so that together we can reach Black America and the world for His honor and glory.
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