by Dr. James Ray - Executive Editor

In 1917 Anton and Viola Andersen boarded the ship City of Calcutta to plant their lives in Africa for the sake of the Gospel. Through their more than 40 years of ministry there, thousands came to Christ. In 1955 the Andersens' son, Fred, who was a student at Tennessee Temple, impressed upon Dr. Lee Roberson the great need for helpers in the Belgian Congo. In response Dr. Roberson, along with nine other pastors, met and organized the Southern Wing of the Congo Gospel Mission.

When the Congo was closed in 1960 because of revolution, Dr. Roberson made the motion that the Mission be enlarged to embrace the world. That motion led to the formation of Baptist International Missions on June 28, 1960.

Since 1960 BIMI has extended its ministries into 97 countries around the world. With more than 1,000 missionaries, the Mission continues to assist local churches with their efforts to fulfill the Great Commission.

As we celebrate the past and face the challenge of the future, BIMI continues to join hands with local churches to embrace the world.

This congratulation comes from a pastor's heart to blessed ambassadors for Christ. You are such, and you fulfill the highest calling one can imagine. Thank you, BIMI family, on your 50th Anniversary for all you give to all the churches you love.

When I walk on your campus at Headquarters, I feel at home and "almost Heaven" comes to mind. The chats in the hall, the friendship over a good meal, and the godly board meetings I recall speak of a mission agency like no other. You are special–each of you. You are there for our churches, and God is with you.

When I step on a mission field where you served or are serving, I am caught up in the power of New Testament Christianity and the Gospel message you so faithfully declare. You are there to serve, and you do it so well. Thank you for that. Congratulations are also in order to the staff at home–the servants behind the scene. You are God's loyal legion.

When I see you at a gathering such as your 50th Anniversary will be, I say, "Thank you, Lord, for them," and the Lord lets me thank you. We (every church you represent) mean it. Yours is a God-centered anniversary celebration. Keep on going. We love you.

God bless you.

In Christ,
Lew Davis

It is with great joy that I offer congratulations on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of Baptist International Missions, Inc. What an incredible milestone and cause for rejoicing this is!

Having been afforded the wonderful privilege of service there from 1989-2009 as board member, vice-chairman and chairman, I can speak firsthand of the impact BIMI has had on the cause of world evangelism. The New Testament philosophy and spirit of selflessness and determination have made this agency what it is: a blessing of God to the local church and a vital part of the modern mission movement. It will never be revealed this side of Heaven just how important the role of BIMI is to efforts to spread the Gospel around the world.

Without a doubt, God deserves all of the glory for this half-century of success. It should be noted that the Lord has blessed BIMI with great leadership during this time. Dr. James Ray, Dr. Don Sisk and others before them have led this organization with purpose and integrity. They have certainly been catalysts to BIMI's effectiveness over the years.

My church has enjoyed a precious relationship with BIMI, and it has been our honor to partner with them in planting churches around the world. We rejoice with them in this commemoration, and should Jesus tarry, look forward to fifty more years of service together in the work of the Lord.

Dr. Lou Baldwin - Pastor

Congratulations, BIMI, on fifty years of assisting local churches fulfill the Great Commission. Only in heaven will we know and understand the true impact of the work of BIMI. From humble beginnings to the present ministry of over one thousand missionaries in ninety-seven countries, with over three thousand churches planted, the vision has remained the same, "to aid local churches in their labor to send missionaries to the field of God's calling."

Praise the Lord for every faithful missionary of the past, present, and those who will yet go for the work you have allowed the Lord to do through your lives. Praise the Lord for the directors and dedicated administrative staff that have built and are building this great organization. Praise the Lord for the thousands of pastors, congregations, and believers who have given sacrificially over these fifty years.

May the influence of BIMI continue to grow as we look forward to ministry in the future as God allows. To God be the glory for the great things He has done.

Pastor Michael Edwards

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Acts 26:17-18 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Patrick H & Sheila Wolfe -  MILITARY - GERMANY
Roger & Liz Workman -  TINIAN
Marvin L & Jewell Wright -  UGANDA