wfn.org | ABCUSA: AFC OFFERING CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

[RICH.SCHRAMM@ecunet.org]

AMERICAN BAPTIST NEWS SERVICE 
Office of Communication  
American Baptist Churches USA 
P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851 
Phone: (610)768-2077 / Fax: (610)768-2320 
Web: www.abc-usa.org
Richard W. Schramm, Director 
 E-mail: richard.schramm@abc-usa.org

AMERICA FOR CHRIST OFFERING, CELEBRATING 
HALF CENTURY, CHALLENGES CHURCHES 
TO INCREASE GIVING BY 50 PERCENT
 America for Christ, the national offering that has 
given churches and individuals the opportunity to fund 
home and educational mission since 1951, is this year 
challenging American Baptists to celebrate that half-
century anniversary by increasing their support by 50% or 
more.
 The offering traditionally is received in March, and 
early giving figures indicate that many churches are 
responding to the challenge with increased goals and 
successful giving campaigns.  The 50th anniversary theme, 
"When did we see you?," from Matt. 25:31-46, calls 
American Baptists to "see Jesus in the faces of those in 
need and minister...in his name" through generous giving.
 The America for Christ Offering will be a 
significant source of funding that complements the NEW 
LIFE 2010 national vision for American Baptist Churches 
USA-to realize 1,000,010 new Christians, plant 1,010 new 
churches, reach out in a multitude of caring ministries, and 
so transform congregations by the year 2010.
 "I've called on American Baptist leaders to 
strongly consider reaching deeper into their pockets this 
year in honor of the 50th anniversary and make leadership 
gifts to this important offering," said Dr. Aidsand F. 
Wright-Riggins III, executive director of National 
Ministries.  He added: "In addition to supporting our 
emerging values and new vision of mission in this country 
and Puerto Rico, the offering heartily supports the mission 
priorities that National Ministries has been engaged in over 
the years." 
 The America for Christ Offering also supports 
Educational Ministries' initiatives to develop disciple-
making churches.  "We believe that the needs of this age 
demand dynamic disciples who are grounded in a deep 
relationship with Christ, equipped to be about God's work, 
and sent into ministry in God's world," said Dr. Jean B. 
Kim, executive director of Educational Ministries.  "Taking 
discipleship seriously is essential for reaching new 
believers and planting new churches."
 Among highlights of the current AFC campaign 
was a national "Walk America for Christ" held March 17 
and March 18 that included thousands of American 
Baptists across the U.S.  
 One such event, involving 15 members of First 
Baptist Church of Lincoln in the neighborhood adjacent to 
their church building, was reported by the Rev. Donald 
Gaines, minister of Mission Support for American Baptist 
Churches of Nebraska: "This is an ethnically diverse, low-
income area with housing ranging from single family units 
to high-rise apartments.  The Board [of Missions] felt that 
as the congregation was giving money to the offering they 
ought also become personally involved in reaching people 
in their neighborhood for Christ.  Groups of three persons 
were assigned six square blocks each...praying for the 
spiritual, social and economic welfare of the residents 
[and] asking God for guidance in how to relate to the 
neighborhood....  The walkers returned with a new 
understanding of the physical nature of the community; 
serious discussion focused on the possibilities of public 
events to attract the people to the church and ways to 
make personal contact with the people."
 The America for Christ Offering also is a priority 
for First Baptist Church of Marietta in Ohio, according to 
the Rev. Dr. Gary D. Stowasser, senior minister.  He 
noted: "Our members understand the importance of 
missions in the United States, around our state and right 
in our own backyards....  Here in Ohio, America for Christ 
provides training for evangelism, discipleship and lay 
pastors.  It funds youth conventions, retreats and 
leadership training, as well as camping and campus 
ministries....  America for Christ helps plant new churches 
here in Ohio." 
        For more information about America for Christ, visit 
www.abc-usa.org and 
ww.nationalministries.org/mission/2001america.cfm."

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