This week's newsletter from Steve

Have you prayed for a missionary today? I know, that sounds like a cliché, but seriously… have you thought about our missionaries this week? Even if you do not know one by name, God knows their name. Right now, there are about 4,800 Southern Baptist missionaries spread across the globe doing all kinds of ministry, such as aid work, pastoral training, church planting, working to stop sexual slavery and human trafficking, humanitarian work, and much more. From the brothel-laden streets of Bangkok, to the remote villages of Africa, there are people just like you and me that are working to share Christ with the nations.

Recently, the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention announced that due to a serious decrease in church giving over the past 10 years, cuts were going to need to be made immediately to continue forward. Over the next few months, the IMB will be asking 400-600 of our seasoned veteran missionaries to strongly consider taking an early retirement from the field in order to help make this happen. I have been in contact with many of these personnel throughout the world, and they are concerned. They are not concerned just for their jobs. They are concerned about what the future holds for how we continue to do missions. Friends, it is the churches in America who need to step up and realize that without our help and funding, the IMB cannot function correctly.

Please pray for our missionaries. Pray for strength and guidance for them and their leadership as these changes unfold. Pray for their children, as you know that uncertainty is often hardest on children. Most of all, pray that the name of Jesus will continue to be proclaimed to the world! Maybe God is using this situation to awaken His church here at home! Pray about how we can be a part of the solution!