The sad news was announced in May, 2009. Due to the economic crisis and reduced giving, International Mission Board (IMB) trustees had to make the heart-wrenching decision to approve the suspension of new appointments to two short-term missionary programs. They also made the decision to cut back on the overall number of missionaries to be appointed for the remainder of 2009.
The immediate reason for the cutback was because the 2008 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (LMCO) fell $29 million short of the $170 million goal. In 2007 $150 million was collected.
The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is specifically designated to fund and support international missionaries. The shortfall in the annual offering was a severe blow to the agency.
The IMB’s missionary force stands at 5,600 units. Due to the budget shortfall there will be 400 fewer units on the field by the end of 2009. If the shortfall continues it could mean 700 fewer units deployed by this same time next year. The majority of the reductions will occur through normal atrition, through retirements and completed assignments. However, many those leaving the field will not be replaced.
The sad truth is that 43,000 Southern Baptist churches collected more than $12 billion last year. Remarkably, only 2.5% of that made it to the IMB. Greater than 90% of offerings collected were spent here at home where only 5% of global Christians reside.
What Can We Do?
Sardis Baptist Church will hold a special offering in August to supplement our Lottie Moon giving. We will have Christmas in August on Sunday August 23rd, 2009.
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YouTube DirektChristmas in August
Begin saving now! Discuss this in your Sunday School class. Dig out your change jars. Have a yard sale for missions. Cut back on vacation plans. Let’s sacrifice so that Christ’s Name can be spread to the ends of the world!
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