In his book Markings, Dag Hammarskjöld, Swedish diplomat and second Secretary General of the United Nations, wrote, “For all that has been —Thanks; for all that shall be — Yes!”
Scribbled in his personal diary in 1953, perhaps after learning he had been named to his prestigious post at the United Nations, Hammarskjöld expressed that deep human emotion of gratitude, even gratitude that cannot be adequately expressed in words. 
For all that has been — Thanks! This issue of Visions is the last one produced, edited, and shepherded to completion by Melissa Kremer, as she is officially retiring by the end of the summer. Melissa joined the CBFGA staff in February 2015, after her husband Richard came to Macon to be pastor of Vineville Baptist Church. From the beginning of her time, Melissa has been a conscientious and good member of our staff. As she assumed the role of editing and overseeing our printed publications, you saw firsthand her commitment to excellence and support or the work of CBFGA. Her vast and varied vocational history — summer college missionary to California and Liberia, seminary graduate, congregational minister, hospice chaplain — has informed her work and ministry among us. But it has been her unique giftedness — excellent writing, organization, deep knowledge of Baptist life, and unwavering commitment as a woman minister of the Gospel — that has truly set her work at CBFGA apart.
As she moves toward retirement, Melissa and Richard plan to relocate to be nearer to children, grandchildren, and friends. CBFGA’s gratitude to Melissa for her work, witness, and partnership through the years can hardly be expressed. She has made an indelible imprint on our state and our organization and we’re the better for it.
For all that will be — Yes!
As Melissa retires, the staff structure of CBFGA will change. Rachel Greco, currently Assistant to the Coordinator for Administration and Programming, will become Assistant to the Coordinator for Communications. Rachel has already been overseeing our digital (social media and website) communications work and, going forward, she will coordinate our printed communications efforts as well. This will allow us to streamline some of our communications processes as well as provide the consistency and constancy of communication across all our platforms.
Additionally, Cheryl Browning, recently retired from full-time work as staff accountant at the United Way of Central Georgia, has joined our staff as our Financial Administration Assistant. Cheryl’s addition to our staff allows Rachel to hand over her previous work of handling our financial administration. Cheryl will be handling our day-to-day financial work, including depositing and recording gifts and financial support given to CBFGA, as well as working with our new accounting firm, Missional Business Services, as they provide accurate and timely full financial reports of our organization.
In Life of the Beloved, Henri J.M. Nouwen wrote, “What fascinates me so much is that every time we decide to be grateful it is easier to see new things to be grateful for. Gratitude begets gratitude, just as love begets love.” So, it is with these staff members and all of the changes going on at CBFGA. I am grateful for Melissa and her friendship and service; I am grateful Rachel is taking on new responsibilities; and, I am grateful Cheryl has joined our team. As the dog days of summer wear on, fall is surely coming, followed by winter and spring soon enough. May we have the vision to look for ways God is moving in our world, and may we have the courage and the gratitude to respond, “For all that has been — Thanks! For all that will be — Yes!”