IMB trustees meet in Birmingham, hear reports of increased service

The International Mission Board (IMB) sent 1,155 new missionaries into the field during 2001, a total IMB President Jerry Rankin said represents a “phenomenal 28 percent increase” over the previous high two years ago of 902 new missionaries.

Rankin reported the numbers during the IMB board of trustees meeting Jan. 21–23 at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Birmingham. He added the total for 2001 includes the largest number of career missionaries ever appointed in one year, bringing the total number of missionaries on the field to more than 5,000.

Rankin also offered encouraging news in reporting on the total of volunteers working in missions. “In spite of a clampdown on volunteer activities during the final quarter of 2001 following (terrorist attacks) Sept. 11, the number of volunteers last year still exceeded the 31,000 that went out the year before in overseas missions projects,” Rankin said.

Bill Cashion, human needs consultant for the IMB, said missionary volunteers almost doubled in 2001 from the total in 1997. Cashion reported there were 33,700 volunteers working in missions during 2001, compared to 17,423 in 1997. Cashion told trustees the total of volunteers working in missions either increased or remained the same in all regions.

The board meeting also included the selection of David Garrison as regional leader for South Asia, effective Jan. 23. Garrison previously served with the IMB as associate vice president for strategy coordination and mobilization in the office of overseas operations.

The IMB said South Asia represents the largest population in which the agency has the fewest missionaries.

Garrison, who was located at IMB headquarters in Richmond, Va., in his previous position, said he is aware of the challenge before him and is undertaking his new assignment with “great fear and trembling.”

“I’m at home and comfortable in Richmond,” said Garrison, who asked trustees for their prayers. “It’s exciting to be involved in something that scares me to death.”

Addressing trustees during the president’s report, Rankin said the challenge for the IMB in 2002 is to stay focused.

“It’s not a matter of constantly creating a new vision or strategic thrust and keeping people off balance by constant change,” Rankin said. “We must recognize that God is the author of our vision to lead Southern Baptists to be on mission with God to bring all the people of the world to a saving faith with Jesus Christ.”

Rankin said a tendency exists to be manipulated by denominational politics, public opinion or the latest fad in missions strategy. “However, we must never forget that what it is all about is the lostness of the world and a passion for God’s glory among the nations,” Rankin said.

In other business:

Milton Steck, chairman of the finance committee, announced the receipt of gifts to the IMB from three estates totaling $610,812.64. Steck also said IMB received a gift of stock to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering totaling approximately $1.8 million.

IMB staff member Sam James was recognized for 40 years of service.

David Steverson, vice president for finance, said the renovation of the Missionary Learning Center (MLC) will be completed in February. The IMB voted in January 2000 to authorize a $23 million expansion of MLC in Rockville, Va., to handle an escalation in the number of Southern Baptists coming forward for overseas missions service. Steverson recognized Ala­bama trustee Gene Dykes of First Baptist, Center Point, for his work with the project. Steverson said Dykes has been instrumental in planning for expansion of the center.