Fund helps two missionary families return to field_102003

Posted: 10/17/03

Fund helps two missionary families return to field

DALLAS–Texas Baptists are helping support two missionary families through a newly established conduit that funnels money from churches and individuals to former Southern Baptist Convention missionaries.

Four other missionary families are in the process of applying for funding.

Through the funding channel, any church or individual can send money to missionaries who resigned, retired or were terminated due to the International Mission Board's requirement that missionaries affirm the Southern Baptist Convention's 2000 Baptist Faith & Message.

At least 77 missionaries have left the IMB due to the board's stance regarding the controversial faith statement.

“Our goal is to assist our churches as they assist missionaries to fulfill their calling from God,” said E.B. Brooks, director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Church Missions and Evangelism Section.

Funds must be designated for specific missionaries who want to return to their field of service. If a church does not know a specific missionary needing assistance, Texas Partnerships staff will provide information on those who are eligible to receive support through the conduit.

Missionaries must have an anchor church that essentially serves as the sending agency and holds the missionary accountable. Applicants for funds also must be invited to return to the field by a national Baptist entity, preferably one that is offering some support.

Don Sewell, director of the BGCT Texas Partnerships Resource Center, reiterated that the convention is not serving as a missionary-sending agency. “We are nothing more than funneling money to specific missionaries,” he said.

The conduit was created in response to a motion at last year's BGCT annual session.

For more information or to donate money to a missionary, contact Sewell at (214) 828-5183 or sewell@bgct.org.