KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (ABNS 4/11/25)—International Ministries (IM) is pleased to announce the new Chief Advancement Officer Hector Garcia and the creation of three new donor societies in addition to the Luther Rice Society.
IM Chief Advancement Officer Hector Garcia brings over 30 years of nonprofit management experience and strategic thinking to International Ministries, including roles as CEO, Executive Director, Executive VP, and Chief Operations Officer. Garcia aims to drive exponential growth for funding and development strategies at IM.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to respond to a higher calling and purpose with International Ministries. I believe that advancement goes beyond mere progress and development; it involves answering the call to serve, uniting people globally, and making a lasting impact on lives through faith-driven initiatives,” says Hector. “The transformative work carried out by the personnel at International Ministries would not be possible without the faithfulness and generosity of our supporters.”
The new donor societies honor our generous supporters across various giving levels. These societies celebrate the dedication of our supporters, whose leadership in giving helps sustain and expand IM’s work in God’s mission around the world, transforming lives and spreading the hope of Jesus Christ.
“We are so grateful for our partners in mission here at home,” says IM Director of Development Marc Kirchoff. “Our new donor societies are another way we can honor these faithful and generous stewards who provide the resources that allow our global servants to respond to God’s call to service.”
IM Donor Societies Celebrate Leadership in Giving, Generosity and Legacy
Luther Rice Society (existing) – The Luther Rice Society recognizes donors and supporting churches whose contributions total $5,000 or more annually. This society is named after Luther Rice, who helped organize the first national Baptist society in the United States (now known as International Ministries) to support the work of our first missionaries, Ann and Adoniram Judson. Luther Rice dedicated his life to promoting and increasing the financial support needed to sustain missionaries in their countries of service; this is the legacy donors carry on through their generosity.
George and Hannah Liele Society (new) – The George and Hannah Liele Society recognizes individual donors who make legacy gifts, ensuring continued support for global missions in future generations. Named after pioneering African American missionaries George and Hannah Liele, who were former slaves, this society celebrates their groundbreaking work as the first American missionaries to carry the Christian faith to Jamaica in the late 18th century. The Lieles’ remarkable legacy lies in their dedication to spreading the gospel across cultural boundaries, inspiring countless others to follow in their footsteps. By joining the Liele Society, donors contribute to making a lasting impact in God’s mission.
Ann and Adoniram Judson Society (new) – The Ann and Adoniram Judson Society recognizes donors and supporting churches who have achieved the highest levels of lifetime giving. Named after IM’s earliest missionaries, Ann and Adoniram Judson, who traveled to Myanmar (Burma) and dedicated a lifetime of service to God’s mission throughout Southeast Asia. Adoniram Judson once said, “Our future is as bright as the promises of God.” God promises never to leave us and that through Him, anything is possible. By joining the Ann and Adoniram Judson Society, donors are a living example of dedication to the bright future of God’s mission.
Charlotte White Rowe Society (new) – The Charlotte White Rowe Society recognizes individual donors who have given for twenty consecutive years or more at any level. Named after Charlotte White Rowe – the first American woman to be officially appointed as a missionary by any denomination or mission agency. While serving in India and Myanmar (Burma), Charlotte was entirely self-funded, challenged gender inequality, and opened the door for future generations of single and married women to be appointed as missionaries. Women missionaries today testify to the impact of Charlotte’s tenacity and servant leadership in global mission; this is the legacy donors carry on through continued giving to IM.
Honoring the Commitment of Our Generous Donors
IM recognizes the vital role of donor society members through personalized communications, including the annual report and a Guide to Global Servants. Members are invited to attend exclusive events hosted by IM’s Executive Director, where they can connect with IM leadership and global servants to hear firsthand updates on the impact of their contributions.
Since 1814, IM has responded to God’s call to spread the gospel and extend His love worldwide. Through IM donor societies, members support crucial ministries that engage in discipleship, fight global slavery, promote education, and champion health and peace for communities in need. The faithful generosity of IM’s supporters helps IM advance God’s mission with financial accountability and stewardship, allowing the body of Christ to serve globally.
Learn More About IM Donor Societies
For more information about joining a donor society, please contact an IM donor advisor. Learn more at internationalministries.org/development or call 610-768-2168.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.