wfn.org | ABCUSA--IM Reaffirms Hope in Avoiding Missionary Recalls

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

Title: ABCUSA: IM Reaffirms Hope in Avoiding Missionary Recalls

by Eleanor Lundy, American Baptist International Ministries

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 9/2/04)--Responding to the concerns of American Baptist church leaders about potential missionary recalls, International Ministries has reaffirmed that such recalls would be a last resort to be averted by a dramatic increase in this year's World Mission Offering. Articles mentioning the possibility of missionary recalls have appeared in such independent publications as Ethics Daily and the Associated Baptist Press. 

"In July, International Ministries sent a series of letters to all of our missionaries," said the Rev. Charles H. Jones, International Ministries' acting executive director. "The letters updated missionaries about our budget shortfall, the need for an extraordinary effort in this year's World Mission Offering promotion, and the potential of missionary recalls." Jones emphasized that although this information is not secret, the letters were intended as internal organizational communications, and that copies were not sent to independent news organizations. 

Jones reiterated that during the recent World Mission Conference at Green Lake, Wis., International Ministries leaders openly shared information about the need to close a budgetary gap of $1.5 million. Conference leaders explained that in spite of deep cuts in programs, home office staff, national partner grants and operating costs, this year's World Mission Offering must increase from $4.2 million to $5.7 million, or 36 percent, in order to sustain existing ministries and keep all missionaries on the field. Leaders expressed hope and confidence in God's provision and appealed to American Baptists for increased support. Conferees responded with offering receipts of some $85,100, and missionaries, board and staff members also have pledged over $100,000 to date in an effort to reduce the deficit. 

The World Mission Offering, promoted during September and October each year, provides direct support for more than 130 American Baptist missionaries engaged in global ministries of evangelism and discipleship, equipping leaders, Christ-like mission, urban mission, mission education, and mission explosion. The offering is received in American Baptist churches throughout the year. 

K/2004ABNS/04ABN99

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