July 2010

Thanking God for an Exceptional Past - Trusting God for an Extraordinary Future

On June 8, 2010, the Lord allowed BIMI to celebrate 50 years of serving Him. After setting up a 60'x120' tent at the World Missions Center, we joined together at 6:30 P.M. for our 50th Anniversary Celebration Service. God gave us a wonderful time together as we rehearsed the things that God has done through BIMI during the past half-century.

Many of you were able to be with us for this special occasion and we thank you for coming. For those of you who were not able to be with us, I want to let you know about the 50th Anniversary Commemorative DVD that is available to you. This is a 24-minute presentation that was shown during our anniversary service. If you would like a copy of this DVD, please contact BIMI and we will send you a copy as soon as possible. If you would like to view some photos of our tent meeting, please go to www.bimi.org/Anniversary.php.

During the past 50 years, the world, along with BIMI, has seen many changes. Change is as certain as it is constant. At the conclusion of our anniversary service, BIMI experienced a change in leadership. During that meeting I was officially installed as the new President and General Director of Baptist International Missions, Inc. To say the least, I am very humbled by the opportunity that God has placed before me. I am also very excited to see what God is going to do through BIMI in the days ahead.

Please pray that God would give us wisdom as we continue to build on the solid foundation that was laid for BIMI in 1960. We must not be content with what has already been done, but we must look to the future and accomplish the work that God has given to us. Because of the modern world in which we live, the opportunities for spreading the Gospel are greater today than they have ever been. We must be looking for new and innovative ways to reach the many different nations of the world. However, we must be careful in accomplishing this task. Although we may sometimes need to "think outside the box," we must never "think outside the Bible." God has given us His Word which should be viewed as our ultimate "missions handbook." We must continue with the traditional approach to missions while at the same time attempt new and creative ways of reaching the world for Christ.

I often wonder how the Apostle Paul would have used the many modern conveniences that are at our fingertips every day. In many ways, the work of missions is "easier" today than it has ever been. Fifty years ago, it was extremely expensive and very difficult for most missionaries to come home for a furlough or family matter. One hundred years ago, a trip home was something that only occurred a few times during the life of a missionary. Today, we can be almost anywhere in the world in a matter of hours. However, in spite of the countless technological advances we have seen in recent days, it seems that fewer young people are interested in missions. Many Christians seem to be unwilling to go outside their comfort zone to fulfill God's calling for their lives. If you would, please pray with me that God would give us many more laborers in the days ahead. Perhaps God would privilege your local church with the responsibility of sending some of your members to the mission field. God has sent a tremendous amount of dedicated missionaries from churches like yours through BIMI since 1960. As the Lord tarries, I would love to see the number of BIMI missionaries on the field increase seven-fold during our next 50 years of ministry. The need is great and God is able. We must, as Christ commanded us, "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest" (Matthew 9:38).

God delights to answer our prayer for more laborers. As God calls missionaries, and as they are sent out by their local independent Baptist churches, BIMI stands ready to assist both the church and its missionaries. Baptist International Missions, Inc., has always been and will continue to be a servant to the local church. It is our privilege to assist the Body of Christ as it fulfills the Great Commission. In our role as servant, it is my desire that we be steadfast in our pursuit of excellence so that we glorify God in everything that we do. Partnering with churches like yours is a tremendous honor. Thank you for allowing us to serve you and the missionaries that you are sending to the field. As BIMI begins its second half-century of ministry, please join me in thanking God for an exceptional past and in trusting God for an extraordinary future.

David Snyder

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Richard & Patty Comer -  CENTRAL AMERICA
Brian & Jamie Cone -  THAILAND
Richard & Elizabeth Conrad -  JAPAN