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Missions Support
River Bend does so many things well, but one area in which we excel is our commitment to mission support thorough prayer and giving. Every year we support the Annie Armstrong offering for North American missionaries, the Mary Hill Davis offering which supports missions and missionaries in Texas and the Lottie Moon offering at Christmas which supports missionaries abroad. In addition to these, River Bend also supports mission work locally and internationally,
I want to take a moment and share some information from the International Missions Board I received the other week. I think you will be encouraged to learn about their results knowing we had a small part in helping.
This is from Edward Herrelko, PhD, Vice President, International Mission Board, U.S. Engagement:
I wanted to send a note of thanks and share an update you can celebrate with your church.
Because churches like yours prayed, gave, sent, and stayed engaged, the gospel reached people this year who may otherwise never have heard the name of Jesus. Together, Southern Baptists helped sustain more than 3,500 missionaries and their 2,700 children across 150+ countries. And through that faithful presence, we saw amazing fruit:
2,066,251 people heard the Gospel.
196,497 people became new believers in Jesus Christ.
29,937 new believers were baptized.7,697 new churches were planted.
29,018 leaders were trained in church planting.
225,578 people were discipled.
Your partnership also helped meet real physical needs in Jesus’ name. Through IMB’s Send Relief, 2,277,589 lives were impacted across 80 countries through 472 projects — creating opportunities for compassion, trust, and gospel witness.
Churches like yours were also part of this story through going and sending: 13,679 volunteers served on 2,136 volunteer trips in 120 countries, representing 2,039 Southern Baptist churches.
Your church’s prayers, giving, and sending are helping put the gospel in front of people who may otherwise never hear it. That’s true on a mountain ridge where a village had its first chance to hear about Jesus. It’s true in global cities where missionaries are engaging people in unexpected places. And it’s true in communities where compassionate care opens the door to spiritual conversations.
Thank you for continuing to lead your people toward the nations. Thank you for helping your church see the Great Commission…is happening, and you are part of it.
I was so encouraged to read this report and thankful they sent it. You may never travel outside of Texas, or the United States, but through our missions giving and prayer support you are making an impact in far-away places.
Jesus said, “GO!” and I’m so glad we are.
Love God, Love Others - Pastor John
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