A primer on the CBF Offering for Global Missions:
Keeping CBF personnel on the mission field
T
he Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is transforming the world through Global Missions by engaging in God’s mission with and among the most marginalized and neglected. Currently, 130 CBF field personnel serve globally on five continents. Their expenses and ministry projects are funded, at least in part, by donations to the annual CBF Offering for Global Missions. While nearly 50 cents of every dollar given to the Fellowship (without a specific funding designation) supports Global Missions, the Offering composes much of the Global Missions budget that undergirds the life-changing work of field personnel around the world. The Offering is not over and above the CBF’s Global Missions budget, but instead supports existing field personnel. Financial support to CBF Global Missions can be given in at least three ways: through a gift to the Offering for Global Missions, through a gift to specific CBF field personnel or through support of a particular mission project. All CBF field personnel benefit from the Offering, including those who raise their support through strategic partnerships. This year’s Offering goal of $4.8 million supports: • Training and commissioning of field personnel • Technology and care for field personnel • Travel and emergency evacuation for field personnel • Administrative support to keep personnel on the field • Promotional and fundraising materials The work of CBF field personnel is organized both geographically and by ministry area. Church congregations and individuals are encouraged to engage in the issues and areas about which they are most passionate. These eight areas are: • Church Starts and Faith Sharing Ministries • Disaster Response Ministries • Economic Development Ministries • Education Ministries • Healthcare Ministries • Internationals Ministries • Justice and Peacemaking Ministries • Poverty and Transformation Ministries
To give to the CBF Offering for Global Missions or for more information on how to promote it in your congregation, visit the Fellowship’s website at www.thefellowship.info/ogm or contact Jeff Huett, CBF associate coordinator of communications and advancement, at jhuett@thefellowship.info or (770) 220-1683. www.thefellowship.info/givenow
The CBF Offering for Global Missions helps CBF field personnel like Gennady and Mina Podgaisky, whose work is divided among several of the ministry areas, make a difference in Kiev, Ukraine. Every day, thousands of children spend their time on the streets, eating meals from dumpsters and sniffing glue so they don’t have to think about how cold, lonely and hungry they are. More than a decade after starting their ministry, hope emanates among many abandoned and runaway children through life-changing ministries that include three foster homes, transformational teaching tools and powerful partnerships. And, the Offering supports Butch and Nell Green as they make an impact in the Internationals Ministries area by helping transition refugees to their new home in the United States. The Greens serve as cultural guides and provide emotional support. They are embracing a global neighborhood in Houston, Texas, and being the presence of Christ by welcoming and caring for people in need of hope. CBF field personnel serving among the most neglected depend on the CBF Offering for Global Missions. When you give, and when you encourage others in your congregation to give, it makes a difference.