‘Missionary kids’ offer simple solution to IMB budget challenge
RICHMOND, Va. (BP)--Need a simple answer to a complicated problem? Just ask a child!
The International Mission Board began reporting in January that it was having to make serious budget adjustments because growing support from Southern Baptist churches was not keeping pace with the record numbers of new missionaries coming forward for service. Missions-minded people in all areas of Southern Baptist life began looking for ways to address the funding challenge.
But to a class of 8- and 9-year-old "missionary kids" at the IMB's Missionary Learning Center near Richmond, Va., the solution seemed simple: What if all 16 million Southern Baptist church members gave a dollar each?
The 19 second- and third-graders liked the idea so much that they not only started the collection themselves, but they also challenged other youngsters in the school to help as well.