By Jim Schremp
I want to let you in on a little secret. Missions and missionaries cannot and will not exist without your giving. In the Book of Ezra we are told about the rebuilding of the temple. One verse always intrigues me. It’s found in Ezra 2:68 and says, “Some of the leaders were able to give generously toward the building of the temple, and each gave as much as he could,” (TLB). As the temple reconstruction progressed, everyone contributed freewill offerings according to his or her ability. No amount was too large or too small. Everyone’s effort was required to complete the task before them.
Recently, a medical team to Honduras reported over 300 conversions. In January, Sam Ramdial (Deputy Director of International Missions) and I visited Juarez, Mexico and learned that Pastor Pedro’s church there had helped birth a new church. They have plans to begin three new churches this year. In June, personnel from the missions office will visit India to welcome 42 new churches into our General Baptist family and ordain 20 new General Baptist ministers. Our international family is growing by leaps and bounds. Sue and I recently took a trip to the Philippine Islands to celebrate with them what God is doing there. We discovered how warm and loving the Filipino people are-their desire and heart is to win people for Jesus. (To see pictures of GB ministries there and learn more about them, scroll down to the bottom of this article.)
It is projected that International Missions will need to raise over $1.5 million this year above and beyond the $350,000 we will receive through Unified Giving. Additionally, we have plans to further expand the ministry we have in Mexico, Honduras, and India. To accomplish this we will need to raise an additional $50-70,000 in the next few months. This brings the cost of ministering internationally to almost $2,000,000 in 2014.
I have been taught to look where God is working and join Him in what He is doing. We have no doubt that He is doing incredible work in places like India, Mexico, and the Philippines. We would like to give you and your church the opportunity to join us on this exciting and amazing journey with God.
There are two ways you can accomplish this:
- First, and above all, pray for the mission staff and missionaries on the field. To stay up to date on current and specific needs, be sure to like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, and sign up to receive GB News emails.
- Secondly, consider giving to International Missions so that we can reach the lost for Christ. Perhaps suggest that your church host a fundraiser, or give personally to help us reach our goal. Any amount, no matter the size, is important.
Together we can do what we cannot do alone, and make a lasting difference in the Kingdom.