Why I Support the Baptist Faith Missions Founders Day Fund
The Directors of Baptist Faith Missions spend a great amount of time and prayer toward meeting the needs of your missionaries. Our thoughts and actions are directed not in just meeting today’s missionary needs, but looking forward five, ten, and twenty years from now. We are committed to the present and future financial solvency of Baptist Faith Missions as well as its ability to fulfill our existing commitments to garner future growth.
Beginning in 2017, all funds received in the Founder’s Day Offering will be directed toward current and future missionary retirement support. An immediate strategic challenge we face is meeting promised obligations of our retired missionaries and their widows.
To that end, BFM Directors are recommending a pay-as-you go retirement program instead of funding retirement obligations due fifteen to thirty years from now. Currently, our missionaries are not vested in our traditional retirement program until having served at least fifteen years, with a sliding scale to full retirement being received after serving thirty years and reaching sixty-five years of age.
BFM Directors are not recommending changes for missionaries near or in retirement. Rather, BFM policies are changing by requiring all new missionaries establish a Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) in their first year as a missionary.
This change offers substantial opportunity for the new and existing younger missionary.
- First, the new missionary begins receiving tangible retirement funds under his control starting the first year of missionary service. It is important to remember taxes will be prepaid only on the investment amount, not on interest and compounding returns.
- Second, with investment and compounding over twenty-five or thirty years, the missionary should have a minimum retirement fund of several hundred thousand dollars that can be withdrawn tax-free with the balance upon death passed on to his dependents.
- Third, should Baptist Faith Missions become insolvent or dissolved for any reason, these retirement funds are linked to the individual missionary, not Baptist Faith Missions.
- Fourth, existing missionaries who choose this proposal will be given an additional salary bonus for each year of previous service to date to be placed in their Roth Individual Retirement Account. This salary bonus will be spread out over future service years based on the maximum amount each individual can contribute to a Roth IRA.
It has been said that a missionary never retires in heart and spirit, but the years may take a toll on the body and mind forcing a change in life. This is reflected in the life of John and Alta Hatcher who have served our Lord in Brazil over 60 years. They are directly and indirectly instrumental in tens of thousands coming to know the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, planting dozens of churches, and raising a family driven to serve the Lord. Their missionary heart and spirit continues in their children and grandchildren. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant! …” Matthew 24:21
Retirement for a missionary can be an emotional and spiritual struggle. While actively serving on the field, the missionary is often busy fulfilling speaking engagements, counseling, directing projects, advising local pastors, teaching classes, etc. Once retirement is necessary, the missionary and his wife are often shown benign neglect. Coming home from the mission field to their supporting church, the missionary and his wife are often surrounded by a younger generation who may consider them too old to be useful. This can make their transition much more difficult.
Missionaries are so focused on their everyday responsibilities their future physical and financial security becomes of lesser importance. Many are not able to claim Social Security benefits because of not having worked and paid into it in the traditional sense. They have put their future in the Lord’s hands. Baptist Faith Missions, by your contributions, has made a commitment to provide a defined benefit (pension) or a defined contribution (Roth IRA) retirement program to your missionary.
The following is a list of our missionaries who have retired or who have returned to the States for health or family issues or to transition to Stateside-based ministry. Pray for them. Reach out to them through every means you can (call, write, e-mail), and let them know you still appreciate them and their service. They would love to hear from you personally, or from your Sunday School class, or your church leadership.
- Mike and Pam Anderson (Kenya)
- Dana and Becky Adams (Philippines)
- Harold Bratcher (Brazil)
- Louie and Mary Carver (Korea / Philippines)
- Bobby Creiglow (Brazil)
- Harold and Ursula Draper (Brazil)
- John and Alta Hatcher (Brazil)
- Paul and Wanda Hatcher (Brazil)
- Deloris Lauerman (Walter, deceased / Peru, Honduras)
- Sheridan and Anita Stanton (Peru)
- Wanda Turner (Richard, deceased / Brazil)
- Bobby and Charlene Wacaser (Brazil)
Your missionaries and their families have served and sacrificed greatly on your behalf during their productive years. Please make a small financial sacrifice for your missionaries in their senior years by giving to the Founders Day Fund.
Contributions may be mailed to:
Baptist Faith Missions
George Sledd, Treasurer
P.O. Box 471280
Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
Contributions may also be made online by going to www.baptistfaithmissions.org and selecting the tab labeled ‘Donate / Support’ or by clicking here.
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The God of Changing Circumstances
Jud and Raquel Hatcher serve the Lord in São Paulo, Brazil. They are part of the “SeedFactory” church planting initiative, which is a movement to plant churches in all 26 Brazilian capitals. Since 2006, 43 churches have been started in 5 states.
March 9, 2017
Dear Friends,
The Lord never ceases to amaze us as He demonstrates His sovereign control over all things. Circumstances come and go, and the result always gives glory to God. If it is not glorifying Him, it is not over yet. Always trust Him. So, during the last few months, the verse that has been ringing in my ears is “…the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10b. We endure all things joyfully, so that He may receive the glory. He does strengthen us, everyday. How comforting it is to know there is nothing our Father cannot resolve. (Can I get an amen?)
Family
As mentioned in last month’s letter, we stopped homeschooling and enrolled our kids in a Brazilian public school for this school year. The educational calendar begins in February and goes through December, with a month break in July. Homeschooling just didn’t work out as we anticipated. We rejoice and are counting our blessings for these reasons: 1) the school is seven minutes away from home; 2) it is one of the best public schools in the country; 3) this change in plans did not incur extra monthly expenses (private schools in São Paulo are generally more expensive than in the States); 4) the kids like their teachers and friends – the are loving it; and, 5) We can interact with our neighborhood families more effectively. One thing is certain, we are so glad the Lord placed us in our current home, as we are within an exceptional school district.
Health wise, Raquel and I are doing well. The children had it rough this last month, everyone was sick with different issues. Laura and Melissa still have an infection and Benjamin continues to have mild stomach pains. All four of them are doing blood work and doctor’s follow-up visits.
Ministry
I was in the States for 9 days during February. I meet with Bros. Randy Jones, Dave Parks and Steve Wainright and was highly encouraged by changes being implemented within Baptist Faith Missions. While in Lexington I also met with several pastor friends – Russel Zik, Donovan Stewart, Tim Parsons and Todd Thomas. Then, drove down to Tennessee and onto Virginia where I participated in the Pastoral Leadership Advisory Board at Liberty University, led by Dr. Dave Adams. There were 41 pastors from across the country, with lectures from Pastors Jonathan Falwell, Ed Hindson, Dave Adams, Troy Temple and Elmer Towns. We also had small group discussions coordinated by Jason Suitt. I connected with pastor friends Russ Dean, Matt Willmington, Tim Grandstaff Sr., Daniel Broyles, Danny Campbell, and Joey Bray. A special thank you to Scott and Cindy Phillips for hosting me in their home. I enjoyed visiting Scott Phillips’ SS class and the folks at Thomas Road B.C. and Living Word B.C.
The Lord has opened incredible doors for sharing the Gospel and mentoring here in São Paulo. We are praying as the Lord is confirming in our hearts where to start the next new works, including something within our own neighborhood. In preparation for this, we need to purchase 100 chairs – each at roughly 40 dollars. As you read this (and, if the Lord lays on your heart), would you consider a financial contribution for chairs? I am thankful for your consideration on this matter.
Adjusting
We are grateful as the Lord has taught us so much over the last 6 months and has guided us over hurdles. As mentioned earlier, our children’s education has been a major adjustment to our original plans. We are also grateful for the local community of English-speaking Expatriates – an informal association of English speakers who meet each month and organize family activities. We all share similar experiences in adjusting to life in this massive metropolis. Raquel and I were glad to be the host home for February’s monthly brunch. We have met so many wonderful people and our kids love interacting with other children who also speak English. Friends are always an encouragement.
Prayer Requests
- Children’s health and education
- Opening new doors for church planting
- 100 chairs
- Personal finances
- Missions Conference at Thompson Road B.C. in Lexington, KY in April
Please, continue to pray for us. We are grateful for every prayer invested on our behalf.
Thankful always,
Jud Hatcher
Judson & Raquel Hatcher
(859) 608-4742
judsonhatcher@gmail.com
Website | Twitter | Facebook
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A Brief Tribute to Ed Overbey
a few brief remarks delivered at his memorial service by Dave Parks, Executive Secretary of Baptist Faith Missions
I have been asked to say just a few words on behalf of the Missionaries and Directors of Baptist Faith Missions – both past and present – and from the entire Baptist Faith Missions fellowship and family in Christ.
I want to limit my remarks to Brother Overbey’s impact upon us and influences among us as our friend, fellow-servant of the Lord, and as our leader.
Regardless of how you knew Brother Ed or in what capacity you might have related to him, one thing you can say about him, he was always the same Brother Ed, and always the same sterling and Christ-like character.
There is a Scripture that always comes to mind when I think of Brother Ed. Luke said this about Barnabas in Acts 11.24: “For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.”
Brother Ed was a good man because he always modeled his life after Christ. He was a good man, not because of any goodness native or inherent in himself, but because of the goodness of Christ who lived in him. Brother Ed was as Christ-like as any man we have ever known or would ever hope to meet.
He was a good man because he was full of the Holy Spirit, and he always expressed and exemplified the full panoply of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. He lived in the Spirit, and he walked in the Spirit.
And he was a good man because he was full of faith in Christ – he knew Christ and lived a full life of faithful and committed service to Christ. He was “full of faith” both in the sense of his faith and confidence in Christ, and also his faithfulness to Christ in every activity of his life and ministry.
Brother Overbey related to us and led us as a generous man. He was all his life generous in his commitment to Baptist Faith Missions – both with his financial contributions and the giving of his life’s service.
In fact, Brother Ed was one of the contributors to the very first offering given to Baptist Faith Missions for the support of Joseph Brandon’s ministry in the Acre, Brazil. When Hafford Overbey assumed the role of promoting support for Missionary Brandon, he led his own Sunday School class to begin the contributions. We have the first mimeographed letters Hafford Overbey began distributing [which soon after became “The Mission Sheets”]. The first offering was $16.25, and each offering was faithfully recorded and accounted for. Among those offerings are “Edward Overbey – $1.00” [his brother Donald Overbey also contributed $1.00]. Not much now, but in March 1942, $1.00 was a generous offering for an 18-year-old young man. He continued that commitment and support for the missionaries supported through BFM for the rest of his life.
Brother Ed was one of the contributors to the very first offering given to Baptist Faith Missions for the support of Joseph Brandon’s ministry in the Acre, Brazil, in 1942.
Brother Ed always related to us and led us as a gracious man. Brother Ed was, above everything else – a man of grace. He knew the grace of God and he lived out the grace of God.
He always treated everybody else with sincere, genuine, and un-hypocritical grace. We sometimes would have to talk about or deal with sensitive matters relating to other servants of our Lord, but we never discussed anybody else – or dealt with any kind of sensitive measures – but that he would always preface anything he said about anybody else with this introduction: “He is a good man…”
He always spoke the truth – but he always administered the truth with love, fairness, consideration, deep sensitivity, and grace.
He was courteous and deeply respectful to all of his brothers and sisters.
Brother Ed related to us and led us as a man of the Word of God. As our leader, Brother Ed was not only a MAN OF HIS OWN WORD [he was a man of impeccable and impeachable integrity and honesty] – but more importantly, he was a man of the Word…the Word of God.
He was the consummate teacher of the Word of God – the Bible…both in his public ministry and his personal conversations with all of us. He knew the Bible. He had studied the Bible extensively and deeply all his life. He was studious and knowledgeable of the Scriptures. He was a true scholar, but he was simple, direct, and clear in his expression of the Word of God.
And, he not only KNEW the Bible, but he lived his life and conducted all of his activities by the Word of God. He led us to do everything we did by the Word of God. Brother Ed could take the truths and the teachings of the Scriptures and explain and express them in the simplest of terms so we could act on it with conviction and clarity.
He was unmovable and unshakable in his convictions, but he also knew how to give liberty and consideration to other people’s beliefs when there was room for another interpretation or application of the essential truths of Scripture. He counseled us on more than one occasion, “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” [Romans 14.5].
Spurgeon said one time that a preacher and teacher of the Word ought to bleed “Bibline blood” – that is, your very blood should have Bibline and Biblical consistency. Brother Ed had Bibline blood coursing through his very veins.
Brother Ed related to us and led us as a servant. He was a true “servant-leader.” He was humble, quiet, soft-spoken, unassuming – he was approachable – and never tried to impose himself on anyone or force himself into any situation.
He served in numerous roles and capacities during his lifetime of ministry and service to Christ. But, he told me one time: “I never really applied for any position or ministry I have ever assumed. In everything I have ever done, someone came to me and asked me to serve.” And he served our Lord and others that way all his lifetime.
Jeremiah had a faithful assistant and scribe by the name of Baruch. It seems that Jeremiah may have had to rein him in on one occasion by saying to him, “And seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not…” [Jeremiah 45.5]
Brother Ed NEVER sought great things for himself – but the Lord on many occasions and in many roles sought him out – and Brother Ed always followed and served the Lord faithfully.
And, as the Hebrews writer said of all the other examples of faith he was commending in Hebrews 11.32: “And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of…” so much more we could say about the deep respect and appreciation we all have toward God for the privilege God has given us to learn from, be led by, and be impacted and influenced by the Christian character and example of Ed Overbey, faithful servant of God, leader, and friend.
We can only reiterate and say “Amen!” to the commendation and affirmation we are sure he has received from his Lord, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” [Matthew 25.21]
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Bro. Ed Overbey is Present with the Lord
OVERBEY, Edward Hugh, 92, husband of Jackie Ulrich Overbey, died Feb. 28, 2017 at Baptist Health Lexington. Born May 6, 1924 in Highland Park, MI, he was the son of the late Hafford and Grace Morris Overbey. Mr. Overbey was a U.S. Army and Air Force veteran and served in ministry his entire life. Mr. Overbey enlisted during WWII and flew 30 missions over Germany. He graduated from Wheaton College in 1952 and then earned his Bachelor of Divinity from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Chicago. He moved his family to Lexington in 1961, where he began his ministry in Kentucky as assistant pastor of Ashland Avenue Baptist Church and professor at Lexington Baptist College. Later he founded and pastored South Lexington Baptist Church until the 1990’s. He served as Director and Executive Secretary of Baptist Faith Missions and as Director of the Board for Blue Grass Baptist School from its early days. After retiring from the pastorate, he continued in ministry as an assistant pastor at Heritage Baptist Church where he would remain a member until his death. He is remembered as a man who not only preached the Word, but lived it out in his daily life. On Tuesday, as he entered Heaven’s gates, we’re sure he was greeted by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with the words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Survivors other than his wife of 64 years include three of his four children: Martha (Mark) Czecholinski, Goodlettsville, TN, Grace (Clark) Henderson, Hindman, KY, and David Overbey, Lexington, KY; six grandchildren, Ross Overbey, Brad Czecholinski, Laura (Cal) Burchett, Grant Henderson, Tess (Lee) Sharp, Jackie (Deke) Whitaker; four siblings, Dale Overbey, Mary Jane Gibbs, Jimmy Overbey, and Sue Jones. He was preceded in death by a son, Tom Overbey; and three siblings, Kenny Overbey, Don Overbey, and Ruth Darling. Visitation will be held 4-9 pm Fri., March 3, at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, Harrodsburg Road. Funeral services will be held 10:30 am Sat., Mar. 4, at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, Harrodsburg Rd. by Pastor Greg Waltermire. Burial will take place 11 am Mon., March 6 at Camp Nelson National Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Heritage Baptist Church, Baptist Faith Missions or a charity of choice.
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” -John 3:14-17
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BFM Spring Conference 2017
57th ANNUAL SPRING MISSIONS CONFERENCE
in the interests of BAPTIST FAITH MISSIONS
April 24, 25, 26 | 2017
Hosted by THOMPSON ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH
320 Thompson Road | Lexington KY 40508
Dave Parks & Todd Burus, Pastors
Dave Parks | 859.223.8374 | daveparks@twc.com
www.baptistfaithmissions.org
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
Monday Evening
5:00 – 6:00 Supper
7:00 Praise
7:20 Message: Pastor Michael Jones – Zion Baptist Church, Taylor MI
8:00 Praise
8:20 Message: Pastor Kevin Ridder – Bible Baptist Church, North Vernon IN
Tuesday Morning
9:30 Praise
9:45 Message: Pastor Stephen Clark – First Baptist Church, Hazel Park MI
10:25 Break
10:35 Message: Pastor Raul Bergerman – West Griffin Baptist Church, Griffin GA
11:00 General Seminar / Workshop – Prayer Groups & Sessions for our missionaries and churches | Ephesians 6:18
Led by Pastor David Pitman – Addyston Baptist Church, Addyston OH
12:00 Lunch
1:30 OPEN FORUM FOR Q & A / SUGGESTIONS AND ADVICE
5:00 – 6:00 Supper
Tuesday Evening
7:00 Praise
7:20 Message: Pastor Tracy Herald – Emmanuel Baptist Church, Warren MI
8:00 Praise
8:20 Message: Pastor Aaron Karr – Calvary Baptist Church, Hurricane WV
Wednesday Morning
10:00 Praise
10:20 Message: Nathan Radford – BFM Missionary to Kenya (Calvary Baptist Church, Hurricane WV)
11:10 Break
11:20 Message: Pastor Mark Pyles – Grace Baptist Church, Fairborn OH
12:00 Lunch
5:00-6:00 Supper
Wednesday Evening
7:00 Praise
7:30 Message: Pastor Russell Zik – Durbin Memorial Baptist Church, Lexington KY
CONFERENCE THEME: “…that the world may know…!”
John 17.20-23
Our Conference theme this year is: “…that the world may know…!” based on Jesus’ prayer in John 17.20-23.
Jesus Christ came to earth as the Father’s Missionary to the world. Here in John 17, when He commits Himself to the Cross, He prays that the Father will make good on the Father’s purpose for sending Him and for His purpose in coming.
That purpose is 4-fold: [1] that the peoples of the world will know that there is a God; [2] that the peoples of the world will know that He, the Father, is that God; [3] that the peoples of the world will know that He, God-the-Father, sent Christ into our world to be our Savior (John 4.42); [4] that the peoples of the world will know that He loves us and will save us through faith in Christ.
That has always been the purpose and thrust for Gospel missions into the world…from that time to right now.
We are emphasizing that our world is not only lost without God [as we have always been] – but our culture is becoming increasingly deficient in all God-consciousness and conscience and any knowledge at all of who God is in truth (Acts 17.22-31). “Going to church” or “knowing about God” is no longer on people’s conscience or agenda. They don’t have a personal sense that they need to or ought to have anything to do with God.
This is true world-wide. We send missionaries to the nations of the world so “that the world may know.” But, we must do this not only in the nations of the world that are on the other sides of our borders, but we must also pump up our efforts to reach out to the nations of peoples who live next door to our churches.
This same theme and message must motivate us and energize each of our churches as we seek to reach out to our respective communities. The world of our next-door neighbors also present us with the daily challenges and opportunities to show them and tell them who God is, and that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us so we may know Him and live in Him.
Come and join us for these Conference messages and activities as we commit ourselves to proclaim the Gospel “…that the world may know…!”
MOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS INFORMATION
http://www.qualityinnlexingtonky.com/
Google Map for Quality Inn
We have secured special event rates if you choose to stay at the Quality Inn. These are probably the best rates you will find for comparable comfortable accommodations in Lexington. And, this facility is close to our church site. Rates are $59.00 per night plus taxes & fees for 1 queen bed and $65.00 per night plus taxes & fees for 2 double beds. We are requesting that if you want to make reservations, that you follow these instructions: [1] It is very important that you make your reservation as early as possible; [2] ask for “Thompson Road Baptist Church Event” rates when you make your reservation; [3] make your reservation by calling the desk @ 859.233.0561.
Or, you seasoned travelers may be able to find more reasonable accommodations than these though your own online searches or memberships.
WE ENCOURAGE CHURCHES TO PAY YOUR PASTOR’S [AND HIS WIFE] TRAVEL EXPENSES TO ATTEND THIS CONFERENCE. It will give them the opportunity to enjoy what is always a much-needed physical and spiritual re-charging for your church’s ministry. We use these Conference occasions to highlight and update our missions partners concerning our missionaries’ ministries and also stir up all of us to greater interest, investment, and involvement in our mutual missions endeavors. He will come back to you with a greater burden, zeal, and enthusiasm for missions.
Will you take the lead to ask your church to do this for your pastor, our missionaries, and your church?
SPECIAL NEEDS ACCOMMODATIONS
The Lord has blessed our church to make some much-needed upgrades and improvements to our facility to accommodate our own members and guests who suffer from physical mobility impairments. We have installed an elevator-lift to transport persons from one level to the other, and also we have completely renovated or constructed new restrooms [both male and female] to make them wheelchair accessible. These improvements will make all of our activities much more comfortable and accessible.
TRAVEL DIRECTIONS
GPS ADDRESS: 320 THOMPSON ROAD, LEXINGTON KY 40508
FROM SOUTH ON I-75: Get off at Exit 104 (Athens-Boonesborough). Turn west toward town. You will be on Athens-Boonesborough Road / Richmond Road Extension. As you approach Lexington, the road will become Richmond Road around Jacobson Park. Continue straight into Lexington. Richmond Road will become Main Street. You will pass the Rupp Arena / Lexington Convention Center on your left. Turn left at the next traffic light. This is Jefferson Street. Turn right in the middle of the overpass bridge onto Manchester. About one mile down Manchester, turn right on Thompson Road and come to the top of the hill.
FROM NORTH ON I-75 OR EAST / WEST ON I-64: I-75 and I-64 merge for a few miles on the north/northeast side of Lexington. Come to Exit 115 on 64/75. This is Newtown Pike (State Route 922). Turn south toward Lexington. Follow Newtown Pike until you come to Main Street. Go straight across Main Street onto Oliver Lewis Way. Turn right at the next traffic light onto Manchester / Old Frankfort Pike. Follow Manchester about one mile. Turn right on Thompson Road and come to the top of the hill.
CHILDREN’S MISSIONS CONFERENCE SESSIONS
Every year we conduct sessions for the children [age 4 through grade 5] who attend our Conference services. My wife, Debbie, conducts these learning and activity sessions. Each year, we focus on a particular nation of the world, highlighting its culture and customs along with their need for the Gospel and opportunities to take the Gospel to those peoples. Our Children’s Center is always set up with crafts and activities which engage the children’s attention and interests in the missions lessons. This year’s Missionary focus will be on PERU.
CONFERENCE OFFERING: DESIGNATED FOR VETERAN MISSIONARIES’ PENSIONS
We will designate the offerings received during this Conference to go toward supplying the needs of our veteran missionaries who are receiving pensions from BFM for their years of missionary service. Those pensions are funded from an investment account we have set up for them. We are also designating our annual Founders Day Offerings to this same purpose. Please plan to bring and give as generous an offering as you can toward this worthy ministry.
If you cannot attend the Conference, but still want to give a gift, send it to our Treasurer: Pastor George Sledd | PO Box 471280 | Lake Monroe FL 32747-1280. Or, you can contribute online either by check/debit or by credit card. Go to our website: www.baptistfaithmissions.org and click on the DONATE/SUPPORT page. Enter your designation for SPRING CONFERENCE OFFERING.
[You can download a Word document version of this information here.]
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New Video from France!
A new video with information about John Mark & Judy Hatcher’s ministry in France is available on our YouTube channel.
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News & Reports – November 2016 [Online Edition]
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Thanksgiving Offering FAQ
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. “WHY DO WE HAVE A THANKSGIVING OFFERING?”
We have a Thanksgiving Offering because WE NEED IT for the coming year to supply the financial commitments we have made to our missionaries for the services and benefits we provide from the General Fund.
2. “WHY IS THE THANKSGIVING OFFERING SO IMPORTANT?”
The Thanksgiving Offering is ESSENTIAL because it is the only source of funds for supplying our missionaries’ needs during the coming year. All of the commitments we make to our missionaries are supplied from the General Fund – and the Thanksgiving Offering funds are the only available resources to provide many of those benefits.
3. “WHAT SERVICES AND BENEFITS DOES THE THANKSGIVING OFFERING PROVIDE?”
The Thanksgiving Offering enables us to provide the services and benefits we have committed to our missionaries “as the Lord provides.” These benefits include:
- reimbursements for missionaries’ Furlough (Home Assignment) airfare/transportation expenses to and from the field
- reimbursements for their hospitalization personal deductibles for the year (their personal deductible is $1000 and we reimburse them $600 of that amount)
- children’s school/education expenses (if funds are available)
- expenses for mailing BFM News & Reports (missionaries’ monthly letters, reports, updates — and detailed report of all offerings given through BFM that month)
- expenses for maintaining Stateside office for communication and daily services – there are a lot of activities that go on Stateside to keep our missionaries functioning on their fields of service
4. “HOW ELSE IS THE GENERAL FUND SUPPLIED?”
The standard supply for the General Fund is from monthly offerings which are given to the General Fund. These offerings are listed monthly in BFM News & Reports under “General Fund”. These monthly General Fund offerings are used to supply the “Essential Maintenance Transactions” [EMT] which we have committed to the missionaries for their standard essential monthly expenses. These include:
- their monthly salary
- their monthly standard housing allowance
- their monthly standard ministry allowance
- their monthly hospitalization premium
- expenses for printing BFM News & Reports – their monthly newsletters, reports, and updates
Note: these monthly “Essential Maintenance Transactions” are not supplied from Thanksgiving Offering funds – but from the monthly offerings given to the General Fund.
Note 2: For detailed explanations of how our missionaries’ ministries are funded, please access our two brochures “Baptist Faith Missions” and “Caring for those who care for the world” on our website (baptistfaithmissions.org), click on FaithWorks Blog and open the thumbnail brochure icons on the right margin.
5. “WHY IS THE THANKSGIVING OFFERING GIVEN AT THE THANKSGIVING SEASON?”
- The BFM Thanksgiving Offering began many years ago in conjunction with the annual Thanksgiving Missionary Conference in the Detroit-area and has continued that way to this day.
- Also, the Thanksgiving season is good reminder of the thanks we owe God for His Indescribable Gift in Jesus Christ – and our Thanksgiving Offering is a good way to express that thanks.
- And, the Thanksgiving season and Offering is a good occasion for us to give missionary offerings so others, also, may hear the blessed Good News of salvation through Christ…and, in this way, MULTIPLY STILL MORE THANKSGIVINGS TO GOD.
6. “HOW CAN I GIVE MY THANKSGIVING OFFERING?”
If your church receives a Thanksgiving Offering for the missionaries supported through BFM, then we encourage you to give your offering through your church. Most of the Thanksgiving Offerings which are given by churches are made up by the voluntary offerings of individual members who give to the Offering. Pastors, we encourage you to give your church the opportunity to contribute to our BFM Thanksgiving Offering.
7. “WHAT IF MY CHURCH DOES NOT RECEIVE A BFM THANKSGIVING OFFERING?”
If your church does not participate in the Thanksgiving Offering, you may send your personal gift to the Treasurer of BFM and designate it “Thanksgiving Offering.” (Baptist Faith Missions / Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer / P.O. Box 471280 / Lake Monroe FL 32747-1280)
You can also give online at baptistfaithmissions.org and click on ‘Donate/Support’ and designate for ‘Thanksgiving Offering.’
8. “CAN I GIVE MY THANKSGIVING OFFERING ONLY AT THANKSGIVING…OR DURING NOVEMBER?”
No. Most churches and individual Friends of BFM give on or around Thanksgiving Sunday (either the Sunday before or after Thanksgiving Day). However, offerings continue to come in to the Treasurer during the month of December, and sometimes on into the next year. You can give your Thanksgiving Offering any time. But, all offerings designated “Thanksgiving Offering” go toward the same collective Offering for that year.
9. “HOW IS THE “EVERY FRIEND A GIVING FRIEND” PERSONAL GIVING MINISTRY PERTINENT TO THE THANKSGIVING OFFERING?”
We introduced the “EVERY FRIEND A GIVING FRIEND” ministry and plan during the 2003 Thanksgiving Conference. “Every Friend a Giving Friend” encourages each of our missionaries’ friends to personally participate in regular giving to the General Fund. This plan is nothing new or unique; it is just another way to express and articulate what the Friends of BFM have been doing since the inception of the Mission.
It is also patterned after the instructions Paul gives us in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9: that is,
- to purpose in your heart to give an offering (9:7)
- to give as generous an offering as God enables you (8:1-3 & 9:6)
- to ask God – and trust Him – to supply you with the funds you will need to give the offering (9:8)
- to plan and begin preparing even a year ahead of time (as Paul instructed the Corinthians and the other churches to do) (8:10-11 & 9:2)
- to give your offerings to the Lord and to the Lord’s missionaries willingly and cheerfully (9:7)
- to express your love and obedience to the Lord (8:8 & 9:13)
- to give as your response to Jesus Christ’s grace and gift of Himself to you (8:9 & 9:15)
We encourage every Friend of BFM to be a Giving Friend and give a personal
Thanksgiving Offering to help supply our missionaries’ needs which are met through the General Fund.
“EVERY FRIEND A GIVING FRIEND” also challenges each Friend of BFM to personally participate in missions by giving monthly offerings over and above the regular tithes and offerings you give to your church to meet the needs of your local church’s ministries. We encourage each Giving Friend to make a personal commitment to either begin giving or increase your giving each month to the General Fund.
10. “WHY DO YOU SET GOALS FOR THE THANKSGIVING OFFERING?”
We set goals because the goal amount is keyed to the projected needs we expect to meet for the coming year of missionary ministry. And, when we increase the commitments, services, and benefits we need to give our missionaries so they can fulfill their ministries, our needs for the necessary funds increase also. And, please remember with us that we cannot approve and commit to increasing the modest support we give our missionaries unless we believe the Lord will supply those funds through your giving.
OUR 2016 THANKSGIVING OFFERING GOAL IS $55,000.00.
Would you please pray and ask the Lord of the Harvest what he would have you give to this year’s Thanksgiving Offering? And then ask Him also to supply you with that gift from his inexhaustible resources of Grace?
Thank You, GIVING FRIENDS!
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Giving Options:
You can give your Thanksgiving Offering either through your church’s offering, or by mailing your personal check to our Treasurer, or by giving online through our website www.baptistfaithmissions.org ‘Donate/Support’ tab and typing in Thanksgiving Offering in the memo field.
Click here to make a one-time donation.
Click here to set up a recurring donation.
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