LESBOS, Greece – In early September, fires destroyed Moria, the largest migrant camp in Greece on the island of Lesbos. Thirteen thousand refugees were without shelter. Kashef* is an Afghani Christian who lives on Lesbos in order to minister among the refugee communities. Kashef landed on the island in a boat as an asylum seeker, so he can empathize with the communities in the camps. With the camp on fire, refugees were forced to take shelter on the streets. Kashef told IMB worker … [Read more...]
Missionaries in Sub-Saharan Africa commit to reach 55 people groups in five years
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA – While more Christians live in Sub-Saharan Africa than in any area of the world, 27,000 people in the region die every day without knowing Christ. Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the fastest-growing populations in the world and one of the highest rates of child mortality. Many people groups in Sub-Saharan Africa have no gospel presence and no knowledge of Christ. IMB leadership in the region set a goal to start ministering among 55 unreached people groups. The ministry … [Read more...]
Baptists known for excellent medical care in Indonesia
INDONESIA (IMB) – Southern Baptists have a long history in medical missions and have continued to bring hope and healing during the COVID-19 crisis. Field workers around the world use hospitals and clinics as ministry centers to serve communities and offer physical and spiritual healthcare. In 1957, three Southern Baptist representatives—nurses Ruth Ford, Everly Hayes and Dr. Kathleen Jones—founded Kediri Baptist Hospital in the city of Kediri on the island of Java in Indonesia. In 1972, … [Read more...]
Retirees continue to train leaders in South Asia and Latin America
DICKSON, Tenn. – Derick and Celia Cobb* traveled from Tennessee to South Asia to Latin America, training local leaders who would, in turn, train others. The retirees have made multiple trips as volunteers to partner with Chase and Rita Tozer*, IMB workers in South Asia. The Cobbs’ history with the IMB began long before their involvement in South Asia. In the 1970s, they served in the Philippines before returning to their home church, First Baptist Dickson in Dickson, Tennessee. The Cobbs … [Read more...]
Baptists known for excellence in medical care in Indonesia
INDONESIA – Southern Baptists have a long history in medical missions and have continued to bring hope and healing during the COVID-19 crisis. Field workers around the world use hospitals and clinics as ministry centers to serve communities and offer physical and spiritual healthcare. In 1957, three Southern Baptist representatives—nurses Ruth Ford, Everly Hayes and Dr. Kathleen Jones—founded Kediri Baptist Hospital in the city of Kediri on the island of Java in Indonesia. In 1972, … [Read more...]
IMB virtually celebrates sending 61 missionaaries
RICHMOND, Va. (BP) – The International Mission Board (IMB) commissioned 61 missionaries in a virtual Sending Celebration on June 9. Three missionaries with links to Missouri were among the new appointees.. Sending Celebrations provide a forum for Southern Baptists to commission new missionaries and hear their call to missions. IMB trustees voted on and approved 59 of the missionaries this spring in a virtual board meeting. Two missionaries were appointed in January. The commissioning … [Read more...]
Missionary faces pandemic without fear after war, genocide, coups, terrorist attacks
SOUTH ASIA – In the 32 years he’s been on the mission field, Cole Elbridge* has ministered during a war, a genocide, two attempted coups, a civil war, a political insurrection and terrorist attacks. He’s stood up to armed bandits, ministered among Christian communities facing religious persecution, chose homelessness in order to minister to the destitute, was evacuated due to increased rebel activity and survived cancer. Elbridge has lived through famine, floods and cyclones. He’s … [Read more...]