VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (ABP) — American Baptists will not be forced to recall large numbers of foreign missionaries from their places of service, thanks to an increase in giving to an annual missions offering.
“A dramatic increase in giving, combined with extraordinary cost reductions due to the actions of missionaries and staff, have allowed us to avoid a mandatory recall of missionaries this year,” said Charles Jones, acting executive director of the American Baptist Churches' International Ministries, according to the denomination's news service.
Jones said American Baptists used their World Mission Offering and other denominational giving channels in 2004 to increase giving to the agency by more than $1 million.
The denomination had announced last summer that a $1.5 million budget shortfall meant many missionaries would have to be recalled. However, Jones said, the additional giving and a “voluntary recall” offer taken by more than a dozen missionaries kept Jones from forcing the recall.
“We praise and thank God for the amazing movement of the Spirit and the generous response of our brothers and sisters in the churches,” Jones continued. “We will continue praying fervently for the sustained support of global mission efforts through International Ministries and our partners, even while actively working on strategies to continue the great momentum of the 2004 World Missions Offering.”