RICHMOND, Va. (IMB) – An International Mission Board report, available to the public, shows growth in global mission work in 2020. “I have to admit that I’ve been a little nervous about that report,” said Paul Chitwood to IMB field personnel and staff last week. Citing the disruptions and unforeseen circumstances of 2020, Chitwood admitted he wondered what statistics would show regarding the progress of mission work. “Honestly, I expected a drop off in the vital statistics we track to … [Read more...]
People group in Congo Basin share Bible stories in heart language
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA (IMB) – International Mission Board missionary couple Jay and Kathy Shafto understand the importance of people hearing the gospel in their own languages. The Shaftos currently serve in the Congo Basin of Sub-Saharan Africa. Throughout this area, a significant number of people groups have yet to hear the gospel presented in their heart language. In partnership with Seed Company, a Bible translation organization, the Shaftos and their partners in the Congo Basin are … [Read more...]
125 Baptist high school students kidnapped in Nigeria
KADUNA, Nigeria (BP) – About 125 students kidnapped from a Baptist church school in northern Nigeria are especially in danger because of their Christianity and the unwillingness of local authorities to pay a ransom, a leading persecution watchdog group told Baptist Press. “There have been many kidnappings of school children over the past few years,” said Nathan Johnson, International Christian Concern’s (ICC) regional manager for Africa. “In this case it is a Baptist school, so most of … [Read more...]
Scattered believers connect to care for those imprisoned and persecuted
The Christians in one Muslim region are working hard in recent days to support their brothers and sisters who have been imprisoned for their faith. Though scattered because of current persecution, they send cryptic messages through social media and text apps and try their best to keep each other informed. Many of these believers live in different cities or even countries. In the last six months, their messages often speak of the rise of persecution and how to care for those in prison. … [Read more...]
IMB introduces Church Connections
RICHMOND, Va. (IMB) – What would happen if the more than 47,000 churches in the Southern Baptist Convention were directly connected to International Mission Board missionaries and actively engaged in fulfilling the Great Commission? IMB leadership estimates that almost 50% of Southern Baptist churches have no known connection to an IMB missionary. Church Connections was recently introduced to remedy this gap in relationships and directly connect IMB missionaries to Southern Baptist … [Read more...]
Baptists in Panama continue history of donations to LMCO
PANAMA (IMB) – La Unión Femenil Bautista Misionera Helen Stuart donated $1,180.88 to the 2020 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® (LMCO). The group is a part of the Baptist Convention of Panama’s Woman’s Missionary Union and has faithfully donated to the International Mission Board (IMB) for many years. Dr. Paul Chitwood, president of the IMB, expressed his gratitude to Panamanian Baptists. “This gift, and the many years of sacrificial giving to the IMB from our brothers and sisters in … [Read more...]
Former Hands On student leads anti-trafficking organization in Italy
ITALY (IMB) – At age 15, Cristhina Danies knew God was calling her to work with women and children overseas who were victims of wars, human trafficking and exploitation. Danies moved to Miami, Florida, from Colombia, South America, when she was 11 years old. She became a believer in her teens and sensed God’s direction to serve in missions soon after. While in high school, Danies took Italian language classes and fell in love with the culture. “I started praying for Italy,” said … [Read more...]
Missionary kid turned journeyman remains steadfast to task after death of mother
ENGLAND – In March 2020, Sophia Roberts* was scheduled to fly to Southeast Asia to begin her term with IMB’s Journeyman program. As she was signing the contract on the sale of her car, her phone lit up with the news that her next day flights were cancelled. “What do I do, Lord?” Sophia prayed. She got an instant response. “Continue with My last instructions until I tell you otherwise,” she understood the Lord to say. And that is exactly what Sophia has done. After leaving her job … [Read more...]
Timing proves critical to sharing gospel with refugees
GREECE (IMB) – Time is never a guarantee when Christians meet a refugee in Greece. They may have years, months, weeks or just hours to share the hope that is found in Jesus. This is why International Mission Board missionaries and ministry partners who serve in Athens, Greece, developed an eight-hour, eight-day and eight-week ministry strategy to share the gospel and disciple refugees based on the time available. “You never know how long you are going to have with someone,” Derrick … [Read more...]
Mississippi doctor uses specific skills overseas, realizes continuing volunteer opportunities
NEW ALBANY, Miss. – Dr. Justin Lohmeier, M.D., had no idea how valuable his skills as a healthcare professional could be, when he was first presented the opportunity to volunteer overseas with the International Mission Board. Growing up, Lohmeier said he loved reading and hearing stories about IMB missionaries in church, especially during the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® season. While he admired IMB missionaries, he never thought of himself as someone who would serve in that … [Read more...]
IMB missionary on the brink of death from COVID healed in answer to prayer
UGANDA – George Smith’s COVID-19 test came back positive. The diagnosis began a months-long battle of prayer and physical challenges for Smith and his wife Geraldine, IMB missionaries in Uganda. George contracted the virus in January 2021 while attending a training event in a small Ugandan village. A week after he returned from the training, he received a call from friends at the training letting him know that they had COVID. Since George had a small cough, he decided to get tested just to … [Read more...]
Southern Baptists appoint 64 missionaries in Sending Celebration
Four missionary families with ties to Missouri commissioned NASHVILLE (BP) – International Mission Board President Paul Chitwood made a confession to the thousands gathered in the Music City Center on Monday (June 14). As 2020 dragged on, he said, challenge after challenge made the IMB’s goals seem further and further beyond reach. “I questioned at times if we would be able to do everything that is necessary to appoint, train and deploy new missionaries in the midst of a global … [Read more...]
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