In around 10 days, the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Centenary Congress will commence in Birmingham, England. As the host of this great international event, the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) has entered the final period of preparations. From the major programs to accommodations of the overseas participants, the BUGB has made efforts in full-scale.

Over 12,000 people from 112 countries are expected to attend the Baptist World Congress. Demonstrating unity in diversity, which the Baptists have always emphasised, the Baptist Churches in the West Midlands, England, are preparing to receive overseas visitors to stay in church halls and members' homes.

Around 2,000 people, who would not be able to afford to stay in hotels or guesthouses in Birmingham during the Congress, have arranged to stay in local homes and churches halls.

Karen Martindale, Administrator and Company Secretary of the Heart of England Baptist Association, believes that the overseas visitors to the Congress will have an impact on Baptists in the West Midlands.

"If we really grasp this, the potential is amazing," Karen says. "If we really use the opportunity of the thousands of people who are going to be here and have so much to share with us, then I think just about anything could happen."

Rugby Baptist Church will be hosting twelve people from Thailand in church members' homes and thirty people from India in the church hall. Another two members, Pat Whitehead and Mary Hooper from Rainbow Hill Baptist Church in Worcester are having Thai women stay in their homes.

Ten Africans will be sleeping at the Rainbow Hill Baptist Church hall as well, with volunteers coming in every morning to provide breakfast and a packed lunch. The church will transport all their visitors into Birmingham for the Congress each day.

The scale of the event is enormous. It will mark the 100th anniversary of the Baptist World Alliance, which was formed in London. A special birthday party in Victoria Square will be held on Sunday 31st July afternoon. There will also be bible studies and international music performances in Centenary Square. Prominent evangelical leaders are invited to speak on the Congress, including Tony Campolo, Steve Chalke and Rick Warren.