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. Continue reading »