One of the great things in being part of First Baptist is our long heritage in global missions.  God has so richly blessed us with a multitude of opportunities to take the gospel to the far reaches of His world.  From teams walking the dusty paths of West Africa, to teams ministering to MKs in Southeast Asia, we have been privileged to carry the gospel to literally thousands.  Each year it seems the Father adds new and more challenging places to our list of destinations.  Recently, we have had teams engaging people in predominately Muslim nations and in remote areas where the people have never heard the name Jesus or even of His word.

Yet, with great opportunity comes great responsibility.  I am convinced that much of the strength of our missions ministry is to be found in our fellowship–a group of godly people who are passionate for God’s glory among the nations.  This has translated into over 500 FBC members participating in short term missions efforts in 2009 and in a strong financial backing that has allowed our members to pay an average of half the actual cost of the each trip.

However, while 2009 was a record year for missions participation, it was one of the lowest years in giving to our Missions by Faith budget.  Because of the significant drop in giving, we ended the year (for the first time ever) with a deficit.  In fact, a very large deficit of $62,000.00.  It grieves me to say this, but if we do not see a significant increase in giving in 2010, we will have to cancel some of our trips and tell our partners on the field that we cannot fulfill our commitments.

So what is the answer?  Of course, we will pray and trust the Father.  But as we pray, perhaps many of us need to consider getting directly involved in giving to our Missions by Faith budget.  If each attending FBC family gave $20 per week, we could erase the deficit and fund our 2010 mission efforts.  I am so excited to see how the Father provides for us to advance the gospel in 2010.