Luther Rice was excited about his new horse. His old horse carried him only four miles an hour. The new horse could make his work more effective….at five miles per hour! And what was his work? Rice was contacting Baptists throughout the 19 states (the size of the US by the spring of 1817) urging them to respond to Christ’s call to “make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19).
Five years earlier, Rice, along with Adoniram and Ann Judson, had gone to Asia as Congregationalist missionaries. After Rice and the Judsons embraced believer’s baptism, Rice returned to conclude the ties with the Congregationalists and to encourage Baptists to support the new Baptist mission which God had so surprisingly brought into existence in Burma.
Rice’s journal entry of March 24, 1817 reflected his efforts to serve the churches, their response, and his great encouragement for the future of Christ’s mission.
In reviewing the year past, much occurs to awaken emotions of thankfulness and gratitude to the Father of Mercies. My journeyings have been great – commonly lonely and sometimes a good deal fatiguing; but my life, health and limbs have been preserved. Strength has, indeed, been equal to the day. Praised be the name of the Lord.
By my Journal, it appears, that I have traveled [this year] 7,800 miles and since leaving Philadelphia, the 25th of last July, have received from various sources and on various accounts, $3,629.44 ¼. ….As this money has been mostly contributed
for missionary purposes, the fact, and the amount, furnish gratifying proof of the progressive state of missionary views, impressions, and zeal among the Baptists in the United States. May this cause advance with increasing vigor and success, till the world shall be of the knowledge of the Lord.
The home staff of International Ministries (IM) is continuing Rice’s work and vision. In fact, IM has just welcomed David Worth, Catherine Nold and Ray Schooler into its staff. They join us in offering service to local churches to help them engage in global mission with faithfulness, effectiveness and integrity.
We believe the services that we offer can enable you and your church to make a difference in the world “with increasing vigor and success.” One effective way to provide the resources needed by your missionaries and the global partners they serve is to join me in becoming a member of the Luther Rice Global Stewardship Society. To discuss membership, please contact Jim Wiegner, our director of development for individual donors. Call Jim at 800-222-3872 ext. 2387 or email him at Jim.Wiegner@abc-usa.org.
Reid S. Trulson