March 2025 | 3
Supporting and Serving Our IMB Missionaries Around the World Several weeks ago, I experienced one of the greatest hon- ors of my life and ministry.
programs such as Missionary Associates and Journey- man. IMB’s history continues, and its strategies to reach the world change as the world changes. What has not changed is the strong commitment of Southern Baptists to join the author of history in his redemptive movement to advance his gospel among all peoples. Did you know we are the only network of churches in the world where our missionaries do not have to raise a dime of their support? Through your giving to the Cooperative Program and Lot- tie Moon Christmas Offering, we not only send our mis - sionaries, but we also sustain them on the mission field. Your generosity to the Lottie Moon offering helps send them, and your giving to the Cooperative Program helps sustain them. On behalf of the nearly 80 missionaries serving overseas who call SCBO churches home, thank you for your faithful prayers and generosity. May we stay faithful, thankful, and humbled to help support and serve. Moving forward,
The Lord allowed me the joy of preaching in a chapel ser- vice at the International Mission Board (IMB) in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Paul Chitwood, IMB president, was gracious in extending the invitation for me to come and represent the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio (SCBO). Over the past several years as SCBO Executive Director, I have come to understand that many pastors and leaders are unfamiliar with the historical foundation of the IMB and its critical partnership with Southern Baptists in helping to send the gospel message across the street and around the world. According to the IMB website and annual statistical re- ports, the IMB has had one goal: bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost peoples of the world. At the first Southern Baptist Convention in 1845, the For - eign Mission Board (FMB) was founded as part of “one sacred effort, for the propagation of the gospel.” Southern Baptist churches believed that by working cooperatively, they could accomplish more for God’s kingdom. That be- lief still stands strong today. Empowered by an enlarged worldview and the support of the Cooperative Program, which was founded in 1925, Southern Baptists responded with 1,000 missionaries serving in 1955. In the 1960s, FMB initiated new opportu - nities for people to participate in foreign missions through
Dr. Jeremy Westbrook Executive Director-Treasurer, SCBO
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