wfn.org | American Baptists Consider International Ministries Plan

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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

GENERAL BOARD/BIENNIAL MEETING UPDATE: June 25, 1999

NEWS FROM THE GENERAL BOARD/PROGRAM BOARDS
Des Moines, Ia. / June 18-21, 1999

BOARD OF INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES CONSIDERS NEXT DRAFT OF
STRATEGIC PLAN
  DES MOINES, IA.--The American Baptist Churches USA
Board of International Ministries considered a new draft of
the strategic plan that will guide its mission priorities
and outreach for the decade 2000-2010.
  The draft document, based on additional input from
Board members, staff and others, is the product of "the most
inclusive process we could come up with," according to
Executive Director John Sundquist.  Dr. Stanley Slade,
associate director of the Overseas Division and director of
Planning for International Ministries, noted that the
current text reflects a deliberate "attempt to listen to
God's people" as International Ministries prepares to meet
the ongoing and new challenges of mission.   The plan, among
other components, articulates a mission statement, mission
priorities and mission principles.  The Board will revisit
the strategic plan during its November meetings.
  In his report to the Board Sundquist recalled the
impression left by the Christian community during his recent
trip to China.  Citing the "integrity of faith and the sense
of the Holy Spirit in their lives," he praised church
leaders in that country.  Noting that on average nine
churches open every five days in China, Sundquist also
reflected on the accomplishments of Amity Press, long
supported by International Ministries, which now has
produced 23 million Bibles in Chinese.
    As a means of dealing with potential crisis
conditions in one of the most volatile mission areas
supported by American Baptists, the American Baptist Board
of International Ministries approved a policy detailing
understandings necessary for missionaries serving in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo.  The action of the Board,
based on a recommendation from its Area Working Group for
Africa, Europe and Middle East, follows.
  "Missionaries who request the opportunity to serve in
the Democratic Republic of the Congo will do so with the
following understandings: 'We assume that no help beyond
that of local colleagues (and, for those in Kinshasa, the
U.S. Embassy) will be available in the event that another
evacuation should become necessary.  Missionary families
will not be permitted to live geographically separated on a
regular basis. Missionaries will have to rely almost
exclusively on local infrastructure for life and ministry
(i.e., the traditional network of life and mission support
services cannot be assumed to function).  Mission support
services traditionally provided by a mission correspondent
or mission treasurer may not be available. Missionaries who
subsequently choose to evacuate will need
to remain outside the country until their return is fully
negotiated by International Ministries and CBCO [Baptist
Convention of Western Congo].'"
    At the Board meetings several missionaries shared
with Board members aspects of their ministries.  Among them
were Dr. Gustavo Parajon, longtime missionary in Nicaragua,
who noted that political leaders from different parties have
sought counsel and input from Baptists because of their
"holistic ministry" and their commitment to improving life
in that country.  Lauran Bethell, director of the New Life
Center for young women at risk in Thailand, praised God's
calling of many persons worldwide to deal with "the
incredible needs of many millions who are exploited."
Bethell also shared that she would be leaving her current
position to pursue mission service in other parts of the
world.