Throughout its 175-year history, Southern Baptists have maintained an uninterrupted witness among the nations, in spite of famine, war and civil unrest. This commitment has not come without sacrifice.
Approximately 60 missionaries and children have died due to violent circumstances while serving with the International Mission Board (IMB) (formerly the Foreign Mission Board) since the organization’s founding in 1845. The causes include accidents such as drowning, automobile and aircraft crashes, and ships lost at sea. They also include deaths as a result of war and criminal or terrorist acts. In some cases, the missionaries were targeted specifically because of their faith or missionary service.
Of those 60, more than 20 missionaries lost their lives “as a result of human hostility in a cross-cultural setting,” said Scott Peterson of IMB’s global research team.
THANK GOD for the men and women who, with their children, have traveled to the ends of the earth to share the gospel with those who have never heard.
THANK GOD for the uninterrupted witness of Southern Baptists among the nations for 175 years.
ASK GOD to continue to protect missionaries and their families serving in cross-cultural and often difficult areas around the globe.
(EDITOR’S NOTE – This year’s Week of Prayer for International Missions in the Southern Baptist Convention is Nov. 30-Dec. 6, focusing on Revelation 7:9. Gifts to the Lottie Moon offering are received through local Southern Baptist churches or online at IMB.org/lmco, where there are resources to promote the offering. This year’s goal is $175 million.)