wfn.org | ABCUSA: Anderson Resigns International Ministries Positions

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Richard.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

by Eleanor P. Lundy, American Baptist International Ministries

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 4/30/03)--The Rev. Dr. John
A. Sundquist, executive director of American Baptist International
Ministries, has announced that Donna Anderson, associate executive director
and director of missionary/church relations, has resigned effective March
31.  Anderson has been on medical leave since late December 2002.

Several years ago Anderson was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma.
Although she has had expert medical care, none of the treatment protocols
have stopped the progression of the disease so far.  She therefore has
chosen to go on disability in order to devote more of her time and energy to
combat the disease.  

"Donna Anderson is deeply loved and admired by all of us at International
Ministries," said Sundquist. "She has been a valued colleague, fully
participating in mission from the local to global levels.  She will be
greatly missed by our missionaries, our staff and a host of American
Baptists across the country and partners around the world." 

Anderson joined the staff of International Ministries in October 1993 as
director of the Overseas Division, supervising the work of area directors
and the recruitment office, working with partner conventions in 24 countries
and serving on various denominational and ecumenical committees.  During her
tenure International Ministries was able to increase the number of
missionaries and overseas partners and expand the pastoral care ministry to
missionaries and their families.  When the Go Global strategic plan was
adopted by International Ministries Anderson became team leader of mission
personnel.  More recently she assumed responsibility for missionary/church
relations.

Anderson holds a master's degree in home economics education from California
State University. She worked as a public school teacher before beginning a
team ministry with her husband, David, at Arbuckle Community Baptist Church,
Arbuckle, Calif.  In 1976 Donna and David Anderson were commissioned as
missionaries of American Baptist National Ministries, working among Native
Americans at the Tahoe Indian Parish in western Nevada.  She later served as
minister of missions and stewardship education for American Baptist Churches
of the West, and then became associate director and director of stewardship
services for American Baptist World Mission Support.  From 1989 to 1993 she
served as executive director of American Baptist Women's Ministries. 

Ruthann Stevenson, International Ministries' acting director of
missionary/church relations, now will assume the title and responsibilities
of that position. Lisa Rothenberger, acting associate executive director,
now will assume the role of associate executive director. 

K/2003ABNS/03ABN63

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (800)ABC-3USA x2077
/ (610)768-2077; fax: (610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org;
richard.schramm@abc-usa.org