Record Missionary Appointments

                                                                                                                                                                     Vol. XI, No. 3, February 1998

Southern Baptists set a new record in overseas missionary appointments in 1997 -- for the fifth year in a row. The 628 new missionaries sent overseas through the Southern Baptist International Mission Board in 1997 included 275 long-term workers -- the largest number in 10 years -- and 353 two-year workers -- a record in that category. The appointments brought the total number of IMB workers on the field to 4,249 at year's end. "There's a growing number of pastors, church leaders, professors and student directors for whom missions is the priority," said Lloyd Atkinson, IMB’s associate VP of mission personnel.

"As these leaders teach people what the Bible says about missions being central to God's heart, more people are being obedient to God and coming forward for missionary service." "The International Mission Board has a channel of service for every Southern Baptist who wants to be involved in missions. We want to help people answer the question, 'Lord, where do you want me?'” [BP]