VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 7/28/11)—
Live the Word > Proclaim the Word > Be Transformed is the theme for the 2011 International Ministries (IM) annual World Mission Offering (WMO). Free promotional materials are being mailed to churches right now. The 2011 WMO website will be up by July 31, at www.worldmissionoffering.org.

As churches prepare their fall programming they are planning to recognize global mission as an important way to serve God by walking alongside people in need in cities and villages in more than 70 countries worldwide.  IM encourages churches to incorporate the WMO videos, flyers, posters, bulletin inserts and other materials into their programming on global mission, and to receive a World Mission offering that will support IM’s missionaries, partners and projects to help people come to Christ, grow in Christ and change their worlds with Christ.

Don’t let your church miss the story of how American Baptists first evangelized the non-Christian tribes of NE India 175 years ago in the video entitled, “From Headhunters to Evangelists.” They will be surprised and delighted at how their Baptist forefathers literally launched one of the largest mission movements in India; one that continues to grow and thrive even today.

The WMO theme scripture, Luke 10, 1-9, tells of Jesus’ sending of the 70 into mission. The story provides the foundation for IM’s two-part approach to evangelism, heal the sick and tell them the kingdom of God is with you.

Churches will be inspired by the video stories of Gorma, a former prostitute and drug dealer in NE India, and Nayana, an abused girl in Brazil, whose lives were transformed by God through the evangelistic ministries of IM partners and missionaries and the love and prayer of US and Puerto Rico churches.

Finally, a new 2010 WMO giving report is provided in video format and as a flyer.  Churches will see how their giving last year is supporting missionaries and providing support right now for global partners, including churches, schools and even Christian satellite TV, and many other worthy ministries.

Churches will also receive nine pages of worship hints, flyers, a sample congregational letter, and much more that support the 2011 theme, Live the Word > Proclaim the Word > Be Transformed, and the teachings of Jesus on global mission as presented in Luke 10.

The WMO is IM’s largest single source of resources to support ministries around the world.  Many churches use the WMO educational materials and receive a church-wide offering for world mission in September and October.  However gifts can be received from individuals and churches at any time during the year.

If your church has not received the WMO materials by August 15, or if additional videos and materials in English and Spanish are needed, please call Tammy at 1-800-4JUDSON.  Many of the materials and videos are available for download at www.worldmissionoffering.org.

American Baptist International Ministries (IM) is a Christian mission organization that works with more than 200 partner organizations globally—primarily churches, hospitals, schools/seminaries and other mission agencies. These efforts are accomplished by long-term missionaries and thousands of volunteers to help people come to Christ, grow in Christ and change their worlds with Christ. Support for IM’s missionaries and the work of partner organizations comes from gifts to the World Mission Offering, designated contributions and income from some endowments.

American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.