Recently, I came across this open letter to Southern Baptist and our Missionaries from Chuck Lawless,

Dean and Vice-President of Graduate Studies and Ministry Centers at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, NC, where he also serves as Professor of Evangelism and Missions. In addition, he is Global Theological Education Consultant for the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. 

But please note,

   as the mom of a missionary, I am obviously concerned about how the current financial atmosphere within the IMB will be affecting ‘my missionary’. I know that the wise counsel of seasoned missionaries who worked with my son when he first arrived on the field were often a God-send (not just to them but to this praying mother). How it’s going to affect the work in the fields in the absence of those who elect to take early retirement only God knows. But I know that I know, that God has good plans for those missionaries still on the field and those who are retiring. Romans 8:28 & Jeremiah 29:11

From Chuck’s post:

   To my Southern Baptist friends on this side of the oceans: We’re a denomination with a renewed passion for church planting and church revitalization. I see more excitement among young leaders than I’ve ever seen. At the same time, our numbers don’t yet reflect a renewed commitment to evangelism. Many of our churches are, in fact, inwardly focused. We talk the Great Commission more than we do the Great Commission. That’s where our retiring missionaries can help us, for they’ve lived with a laser beam focus on reaching the lost and planting churches. We need them in our congregations. We need them in our leadership. We need them as our pastors and staff members. We need them telling the global story in our worship centers, our classes, and our homes.

   I’m grateful Southern Baptists have rallied to offer these retirees housing, automobiles, employment, etc., in conjunction with the IMB’s transition team. We must continue to take these steps over the next several months as retirees return. On the other hand, if we meet all these needs without capturing a missionary’s brokenness over lostness, we will not have adequately honored our retiring brothers and sisters. More importantly, we will not be adequately following Jesus.

  I’m praying that God will, in the mystery of His ways we don’t always understand, recharge our people – beginning with me – in these days of transition. I’m praying that we’ll reach the nations among us and around the world.

Please click on the following link for Chuck’s post in its entirety:
http://chucklawless.com/2015/10/an-open-letter-to-southern-baptists-and-our-missionaries/
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