FENTON, MI – Pastor Jim Marcus, the Genesee Baptist Associational Director of Missions and I walked onto the campus of the “International Learning Center” (ILC) and stayed overnight where our missionaries prepare for overseas service. Many of them refer to it affectionately as “The Farm.” It is located in the rolling hills outside of Richmond, Virginia with a calming lake as you drive in and a backdrop of trees surrounding one edge of the campus like a dark emerald tiara.
Jim and I were overwhelmed by the limitless opportunities to serve God overseas. The International Mission Board (IMB), under the leadership of Dr. David Platt, is mobilizing lay people in ways never seen before in the history of the IMB. When Dr. Platt joined our session to share from his heart we felt the burden he carried and felt the hope he has placed in the lay people found within the churches.
Language learning
Cultural studies
Tribes
The Gospel
Church planting
Making disciples
Risk taking
Leaving family members behind
College students, professionals, retired baby-boomers and even high school students are provided paths of overseas service lasting from a few weeks to years. Below are a few of the opportunities available to you and your church: internationally, in North America, and in Michigan.
Imagine and dream big as you read. By cooperating with others, our churches can engage people groups and populations outside of our local congregations. Here are 3 interesting options with different time demands and costs you may pray about participating.
INTERNATIONAL – www.imb.org
$300 - $3,000 with 1-2 day travel times
Missions College, January 15-19, 2018 at approximately $300 includes training, housing, and meals at the International Learning Center in Rockville, VA. An intensive week of missions training for churches interested or already engaged in mission opportunities. Connect with missionaries and learn best practices in missions directly from those serving in East Asia, the Americas, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Write to info@imb.org indicating you would like more information.
Global Cities Initiative – www.imb.org/global-cities-initiative
Submit you’re an application to get involved in 1 of 4 world-class cities.
Mission Trips to China – contact me & I will put in you contact with “Wally,” our International Mission Board liaison to East Asian Peoples.
NORTH AMERICA – www.bscm.org/montreal or www.namb.net
$1,000 - $2,000 with 1 day travel time
Help new and young church plants in Montreal, Quebec, Canada who are experiencing a season of harvest by contacting Chad Vandiver, 940-268-6792 or cvandiver@namb.net - a missionary strategist who connects volunteers with churches for 5-10 day mission trips.
MICHIGAN – www.bscm.org/sendmemi
$100 - $500 with ½ day to 1 day travel times
By searching our own website page, www.bscm.org/sendmemi - you can discover the pastors, locations, and email addresses of those churches within our state who would welcome your partnership. Your people will grow in the challenge while their congregation grows in size.
If you have further questions or desire more details on how you, your church, or your association write or call me at tlynn@namb.net or (734) 770-0608.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tony Lynn is the State Director of Missions for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Before coming on staff at the BSCM, Tony served as lead pastor for more than six years at Crosspoint Church in Monroe, Michigan. He and his wife, Jamie, also served with the International Mission Board in Africa and in Europe.