Good afternoon!
I wanted to provide everyone with some information regarding some changes to our missions budget. When the Missions Commission met earlier this year for the first time in a number of years and we began to consider how we would allocate the available funds, a couple of items jumped out at us.
- The budget was a bit more unbalanced between international missions and local missions that we would have liked.
- There simply was not enough funds to support every mission and missionary at a significant level.
As we discussed the challenges that were before us, a great unity emerged with the Commission to seek to support local missions and ministries at a greater level. We also wanted to reserve some room in the budget for when a “son or daughter” of the Bridge would desire to go into vocational missions.
To accomplish those goals, however, it was apparent that we were going to have to make some difficult decisions, and there are two of those decisions that I want to mention in this Check-In. As we talked about possible solutions and asked God for discernment, it became clear that it was time to transition some of our international missionaries off of our support list. We did not make this decision lightly.
To that end, we have decided to “wind down” our support for the Krupps (serving in Italy) and the Smokers (serving in Japan). Our support for them will decrease in steps over the next couple of years.
Andrews Bridge has supported both of these missionary families for many years, so much so that many of their children who were young when the church started supporting them are now on their own. We have notified each of the sending agencies of this change.
Although we are ending our time of corporate support for these missionaries, if you would like to continue to personally support them, by all means do so. The ending of our church support for them is in no way any reflection of the value of their ministry and the work that they are doing.
Support for the Krupps can be sent to:
Modern Day
Attn: Krupp Family Support
P.O. Box 535578
Grand Prairie, TX 75053-5578
Support for the Smokers can be sent to:
GLINTS
PO Box 962
Wheaton IL 60187
Write “Smoker Global Ministry” on the memo line.
If you would like a copy of the complete missions budget for 2023, please ask. I’ll be happy to print one out for you. Mission budgeting is always a challenge. I receive several requests for support weekly, and many if not most of them are for very worthwhile ministries and missions. I would ask that you continue to pray for the ministries and missionaries that we partner with as a church and pray for our leadership as we seek God’s guidance as to how He wants us to steward your gifts.
Here’s what’s happening…
- Coffee and fellowship starting at 9:30 am each Sunday in July and August. We are in need of someone to take the Labor Day Sunday slot.
- ABCF Night at the Lancaster Barnstormers is this Saturday night. First pitch is at 6:30.
- Men’s Breakfast is set for Saturday, August 8/26 at 8 am at Hometown Kitchen.
- Many college students will be heading back to campus over the next two weeks. We’ll be remembering them in prayer on Sunday.
- Next Sunday, 8/20 is “Back to School” Sunday. We’ll be bringing the upcoming school year before the Lord.
This Sunday Greg Phillips will be bringing the message. He will be speaking on Luke 18:35-43 and the account of Jesus healing the blind beggar.
Looking forward to Sunday,
Scott