This Gracious Work

In the spring of 2009, something unprecedented in International Ministries’ history occurred.  Churches, individuals and new donors gave, with love and sacrifice, over $800,000 in gifts for the support of our missionaries.  These gifts were matched by a group of major donors.

 

“How wonderful, how marvelous, and our song shall ever be…” as we reflect on what you have done!

 

You see, the long-term sustainability of our mission endeavors was at risk, due to the economic crisis and changing patterns of giving for missions.  Our missionaries faced the possibility of having to return from their fields of service. 

 

Thanks be to God for your generosity, this “act of grace on your part.” (2 Cor. 8:6, NIV)

 

The Vision

Our mission society is not out of the red yet, but we can say that the future looks brighter.

 

We recognize that these gifts represent your hearts’ desire.  The desire of all our hearts is not simply our survival.  The heartbeat of American Baptist churches and individuals is to enable missionaries to do good in all parts of the world, sharing the Gospel, meeting human needs, and equipping churches to change their world for Christ.  We all want to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.  You have told us by your gracious giving that you want to be part of the change the Gospel brings, even to the “uttermost parts” of the world.

 

We believe Jesus’ vision when he started preaching was that people would be so changed by the Gospel that they will be called “oaks of righteousness,” people who “build up the ancient ruins.”  (Isaiah 61:3-4)

 

The World Mission Offering lets you be part of the change the Gospel brings.

 

You are Stakeholders in These Peoples’ Lives

These are some of the people we serve who are becoming noble “oaks,” who are changing their world.

 

Magaly Peña leads the women’s group in Lanco, Chile called Lanas del Sur (Southern Wools).  Women in the church gather weekly to spin and dye wool.  They also invite neighbor women to participate, and in this way they practice friendship evangelism and economic development at the same time!  Their yarns and knittings are sold in U.S. churches and, under Magaly’s leadership, they are increasing their income. 

 

A Major Development for the Weavers in Chile!

In August, a major U.S. yarn distributor agreed to purchase a large quantity of their natural black yarn and help them develop a niche in the U.S. market.  We will be working with this group and another when we return to help them meet the quality and production standards.

 

What a privilege it is to watch people move from poverty to productivity, to become noble “oaks.”

 

Please share a part of your heart through the World Mission Offering this year.   It makes a difference in the lives of people like Magaly and the weavers.

 

You may give through your church, or directly by mail:

 

International Ministries

World Mission Offering

P. O. Box 851

Valley Forge, PA  19482

 

As always, you can give online, too.  www.internationalministries.org

 

Thank you.

 

Where are the Bolicks now?

 

We are living in Round Rock, TX for our Home Assignment through the end of January, to be closer to family.  So far, we have spoken in churches in Pennsylvania and Maine, and in October we’ll speak in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Texas.  We especially enjoyed being with our home church, Grace Baptist Church in Blue Bell, PA. 

 

Jack is continuing his school work with the Colegio Bautista via internet and Skype.  Will and Jack are both enjoying Sunday School and Wednesday night activities at Highland Park Baptist in Austin.

 

 

We invite you to:  

• WRITE to us, with your questions, comments and ideas.
• PRAY for us, and let us know of your prayer needs.
• GIVE and be part of the change the Gospel brings. 
• SHARE these and other stories of Gospel change with your friends.

 

Grace and peace,

Dwight and Barbara Bolick

dbbolick95@yahoo.com