Members of International Ministries’ Luther Rice Society and new donors from around the United States combined their vision and efforts to give nearly $1,000,000 in new support for missionaries serving in 24 countries around the globe. Almost half of the funds came initially from the Society as a challenge to those who wanted their donations matched dollar for dollar by June 30, 2009. As a result, more donations were received in the month of June than ever before in the 195-year history of International Ministries.

James Wiegner, Director of Development for Individual Donors, celebrated this seeming miracle during difficult economic times by saying, “This reminds me of the story of the loaves and fish in Matthew 14. God’s Spirit truly moved among those who want to do the work of Christ around the world.”

The Rev. Raymond Schooler, Director of Development for Church Relations added, “The Luther Rice Society’s matching fund provided a vehicle that touched the hearts of people who have a passion for mission. They were able to respond at a critical time when support for missionaries is urgently needed. What a great gift--seeing the hearts of so many opened to God’s leading.”

The Luther Rice Society, which was established in 2001, was named after the industrious Baptist who dedicated his life in the early nineteenth century to raise support for Baptist missionaries sent from North America. The matching gift fund was created so that new support in amounts from $200 to $2,000 would be generated toward the living allowance, medical coverage and retirement costs of missionaries. Missionary housing, transportation, ministry funds, etc. are still funded by the annual World Mission Offering and by a portion of United Mission gifts.

“Everyone has been blessed by this ‘Legacy of Love,’” observed Wiegner. “A blessing is on the major donors of the Society who initially contributed to the fund and who now see their dollars doubled. The new donors, who have been motivated by practicing good stewardship, are also blessed and know that their dollars have been multiplied by two so that vital ministries will continue. And the missionaries themselves are bountifully blessed as they anticipate future work made possible by new, committed supporters. It’s a huge, three-fold blessing all the way around!”

If you were not able to participate in doubling your missionary support through the "Legacy of Love" matching fund, still every dollar you give now will fill a critical need. International Ministries missionaries combine their efforts with the Christian leaders who invited them into their countries--that produces one of the best investments for your desire to fulfill the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Click on GIVE at the top of this page to select the missionary or country where you would like to direct your support.