Greetings,

I was privileged to spend a week with 19 IM missionaries and their families who returned home to the U.S. for a home assignment of 6-months to 1 year. The annual Conference for Missionaries (affectionately called C-FM) took place at Eastern University in St. Davids, PA. What a blessing is for me to "rub elbows" with the people who are committed to bring the love of Christ and the Gospel  to those in need worldwide. 

I must confess that prior to C-FM I worried a bit about the missionaries' response to the matching gift effort launched in the spring to bring their support to target levels.  According to all sources, the effort had been a big success. We had projected new revenue of about $500 K. Thanks to a tremendous outpouring of support, we ended June 30 with $814 K.  A real show of confidence in these difficult economic times.  Wow!  God is definitely working in the hearts of people in local churches who love global mission.

However, with all the success, I still worried that the missionaries would come home exhausted and stressed out. That they would resent the home staff for asking them to take time away from their precious ministries to work on fundraising.

Well, in most cases, I was wrong. The missionaries seemed tired but excited about what God had done in the hearts of American Baptists. In fact, they were encouraged to spend time with the home staff and see how excited we are about our future.  The buzz words at the conference were "sustainable growth."  Reid reinforced his core belief that IM will not only get by these rough times, but will grow with new energy and commitment to introducing people to Christ all over the world. 

I continue to be blessed to work with the missionaries, staff and churches and my energy for missions is renewed.  We must just hold onto our faith during these dark days and know that if we're acting in accordance with God's will, he will provide. Amen!