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A monthly newsletter to keep you informed about ABCUSA
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Introducing: United Mission is the Vehicle
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 As American Baptists, we serve as the hands and feet of Christ. We're doing what we can to heal a hurting world. This means feeding the hungry; empowering pastors, lay leaders & youth to spread Christ's love; protecting the environment; promoting Christian unity and more.
United Mission is the vehicle that makes this happen. United Mission is the simple, efficient way American Baptists pool financial resources to maximize the amount of good we can do. These funds are used to connect resources with needs, resulting in meaningful change - and it's all for God's greater glory!
In mid-April, United Mission is the Vehicle materials were sent to churches across the United States and Puerto Rico. Please visit the website, UMIsTheVehicle.org, to learn more and to access downloadable resources for use in YOUR church!
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ABHMS Launches New Website, Features Free Brian McLaren Bible Study Video
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 American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) continues its nearly 200-year-old commitment to domestic mission across the United States and Puerto Rico with a redesigned website that brings the ministry to life for the 21st century and beyond. For easy navigation, the updated website- www.abhms.org-categorizes content by three ministry emphases-"Developing Leaders," "Equipping Disciples" and "Healing Communities," as envisioned by new Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Haggray. The redesigned website's debut coincides with the anniversary of the founding of The American Baptist Home Mission Society on this day-April 27-in 1832 at Mulberry Street Baptist Church, New York City. Learn more. |
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OGHS Gifts Reach Japan, Ecuador following Earthquakes
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Recent earthquakes have spurred response and awards of One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) relief funds, in Ecuador and in Japan. An initial grant of $7,000 in OGHS emergency relief funds is being sent to the Latin American Baptist Women's Union (UFBAL) after a massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific coast of Ecuador on Saturday, April 16.  American Baptist International Ministries (IM) is also working with the Japan Baptist Union (JBU) to respond quickly to the earthquakes and aftershocks that recently rocked Kumamoto, Japan. An initial $5,000 in OGHS emergency relief funds is being sent to IM partner the JBU to help with the relief efforts. One Great Hour of Sharing is administered by the World Relief Committee of the Board of General Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA. The Committee facilitates American Baptist emergency relief, disaster rehabilitation, refugee work, and development assistance by establishing policy guidelines and overseeing distribution of the annual One Great Hour of Sharing offering received by churches. Learn more at http://www.abc-oghs.org/ |
| Prayer Highlight - Rainbow Acres - Lives of Purpose for Adults with Special Needs |
Rainbow Acres has been closely associated with American Baptist Churches since its founding in 1974. Approximately 100 residents from across the country, adults with developmental disabilities called  Ranchers, live and work there.
Vocational Training is one avenue of providing holistic care to Ranchers. Ranchers fulfill daily vocational commitments, and through vocational training they gain a sense of purpose, responsibility, dignity and self-respect.
Ranchers may participate in a Vocational Crew on campus, or they may, through job coaching and transportation, hold employment at a business in one of the nearby communities in the Verde Valley of Arizona.
New housing is completed, making room for more Ranchers who could blossom under this loving care. Please pray that families in need will find Rainbow Acres.
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| American Baptist International Ministries Calls New Executive Director |
The Board of Directors of American Baptist International Ministries (IM) announced on April 5 that it has voted unanimously to call the Rev. Sharon T. Koh, senior associate pastor of Mission and Community Life for Evergreen Baptist Church of Los Angeles, California, to the position of Executive Director. She will lead the historic mission agency following the retirement of the Rev. Dr. Reid S. Trulson at the end of August. Learn more. |
Associate General Secretary Leo S. Thorne Announces Retirement
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The Rev. Dr. Leo S. Thorne has announced his retirement as Associate General Secretary for Mission Resource Development of American Baptist Churches USA, effective August 31, 2016.
"Leo Thorne has made an enormous contribution to American Baptist life," said Dr. Susan Gillies, interim general secretary for American Baptist Churches USA. "He has effectively interpreted our mission and upheld the vision for United Mission giving during financially difficult times. In addition to his leadership in management, I believe we are all most grateful for his pastoral presence with us. His counsel during this "interim" time in the Office of the General Secretary has been an immeasurable gift. I will sorely miss him but pray God's richest blessing on his continuing ministry in retirement."
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Register Today for the World Mission Conference
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Three Great Opportunities!
Hear the Call Retreat July 1 - 4Hear the Call is a  high-intensity weekend retreat for adults who are exploring a call to become global missionaries. Starting Friday evening, July 1st, at the Green Lake Conference Center in Wisconsin, you will interact with missionaries and staff who will help you evaluate if God is calling you into cross-cultural global mission service. Learn More.
World Mission Conference July 4 - 9Celebrate the 4th of July with hundreds of friends with a picnic, mission program and fireworks at the Green Lake Conference Center in Wisconsin! Learn More.
Rhythms of the Spirit July 9 - 13Stay on after the World Mission Conference and deepen your spiritual walk as you encounter God through singing, prayer, silence and fellowship with others. This conference, offered in a retreat style, is a unique opportunity to explore and practice the contemplative life together. For more information on leaders, schedule, and registration, visit: www.rhythmsofthespirit.com.
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