Dear Friends,

This is the second of a series of letters we're writing to you in support of the American Baptist Churches (ABC) World Mission Offering.Last week we wrote explaining that International Ministries of the ABC is in the throes of a financial crisis.You may know that 100% of the World Mission Offering goes to the support of ABC international missionaries and programs.At current levels, this offering funds nearly half of the budgeted needs with much of the other half coming from endowments.United Mission supplies a portion of funding as well.This year, and for the next several years, the World Mission Offering needs to increase by 36% just to maintain the existing number of missionaries through the coming year.

This week we would like to explain a little more about how International Ministries came to have this problem, why you might not have heard more about it already and what the future plans are.

Last week we wrote about the trend of many churches and members moving away from centralized support of missionaries toward more personalized support.As this was happening, endowments became increasingly important for the American Baptist mission support.These endowments were invested and the income generated was used to balance the budget.During the 1990s, the huge up turn in the stock market was well publicized and on paper, the value of these endowments mushroomed.Many in the financial world predicted that with booming technology companies leading the way, a new era for investments was just getting started.It was decided that International Ministries was not an investment company, but should use some of this bounty for ministry.So missionaries were added along with staff at Valley Forge.Of course the boom went bust and we now face the return to a long term, sustainable reality.

These financial problems were seen developing but were not really emphasized.The philosophy has been to accent the positive things that have been happening in ministry around the world.The feeling was that if word could be spread about how the Lord was working through the various ministries around the world then people in the churches in the US would get excited and want to support this work at increasing levels.While it is truly exciting to see how the Lord is working through our many ministries, the message never translated into increased funding.

Another reason you may not have heard of this problem earlier relates to the way the denomination is organized.The several branches within the denomination are given different time periods throughout the year when they can make appeals for their programs so that the churches are not overwhelmed by any one branch.So, while an individual church is free to collect their World Mission Offering whenever they would like, International Ministries can only promote themselves and explain their situation during August, September and October.

Looking ahead, over the course of the next several years, missionaries are being asked to form Missionary Partnership Teams (MPTs) in an effort to more personalize the relationship between ABC missionaries and the US churches and members that support them.Eventually, it is hoped that these teams will help churches and members feel a close link and interest in their missionary and have a real investment and partnership in the missionary's work and life.The goal would be that these teams would lead to adequate support financially, emotionally and spiritually.At the same time, the World Mission Offering will continue and support our many international partners and programs around the world.

But for at least the next several years, we need extraordinary prayer, extraordinary promotion and extraordinary generosity to increase the World Mission Offering 36% or more to keep the current level of missionaries and ministries.But we have an extraordinary God who can make it happen with your help.You aren't alone.Missionaries and International Ministries' staff at Valley Forge have already committed over $150,000 toward this year's World Mission Offering through special gifts and salary deductions.We hope you too will make every effort to support the World Mission offering so that together, we'll see extraordinary results.The hope and prayer is that not even one missionary will have to be recalled.

There are several ways to help.The easiest way is to contribute to the World Mission Offering as it is collected in your church.This entire offering goes to support the international mission work.If your church wants to contribute to a particular missionary or program, then your church treasurer should note that in the form used to submit contributions in the section headed "For What Work or Missionary".

Be careful of the terms used.A contribution "Directed" to a particular missionary is counted as part of the World Mission Offering, used completely for that person or project and helps the overall international mission effort as well.A contribution "Designated" for a particular missionary or program will be used for that purpose, but will be counted as part of International Ministries' portion of the United Mission funds.So a designated gift helps support the missionary or program as well as the total denomination.

Some of you receiving this do not attend an American Baptist Church or perhaps your church is not participating in the offering.If you would like to contribute, a check can be sent and made payable to:

International Ministries

American Baptist Churches, USA

PO Box 851

Valley Forge, PA19482-0851

Make a note that your contribution should be used for the World Mission Offering.If you want your gift to be used toward our support or for a particular work, that should be noted as well.

These first two letters have given the background of the problem we face.Starting next week we'll change gears and start to take a look at the work we are all a part of.Thank you for making it possible for us to be here on your behalf.

Yours in Christ,

Duane & Marcia Binkley