1. Current situation of the International Mission Board
August 27, 2015 David Platt shared
with IMB personnel after their quarterly Trustee meeting:
2014 - IMB budgeted $21 million
more than receipts
IMB
sold property to cover $18 million over budgeted receipts
so they spent $39 million more than
received.
Since 2010 they have spent $210
million more than received.
So they have met these shortfalls
with tapping into their reserves and selling global properties.
Then they are reducing the
missionary force and staff estimated between 600-800 this fall.
2009 - was the high mark for
missionary service with 5,600
Currently at 4,800 and 450 staff
The goal is to get to 4,200
2. Why are we at this place?
There are less financial resources available to local churches and churches are giving less through the Cooperative Program.
Dr. Bob Terry just reported in the
December 3, 2015 edition of The Alabama Baptist, in a story unrelated to the
IMB,
2008 - AL Baptists gave $44 million
to Cooperative Program
2014 - AL Baptists gave $40 million
to CP. That is 10.2% decrease.
This year the projection is it will
fall below $40 million.
2008 - Alabama Baptist church gave
$788 million to their churches (total receipts)
2014 - Gave $720 million
8.7% decrease
Fewer people are participating in
church
2008 - AL Baptists had 352,000 in
worship
2014 - AL Baptists had 291,000 in
worship
17.4% decrease
* So pray for David Platt and the IMB for wisdom.
* Pray for our church to be wise of walking the balance between the needs of our church and the world through missions.
* Give your very best Lottie Moon Christmas gift this year.
Supporting stories: August 27 press release
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