How has the shrinking dollar impacted missions?
Over the past year the U.S. dollar has lost as much as 15 percent of its value in the world marketplace. That means Southern Baptists must give $1.15 to the Lottie Moon offering in 2008 in order to match the buying power of every dollar given in 2007. Though 15 cents may not sound like much, in the scope of the International Mission Boards $300 million budget, those extra pennies add up to $45 million. Why does this matter? Because God continues to call record numbers of Southern Baptist missionaries to reach the lost. This year we anticipate sending out more than 900 new missionary personnel. They are faithfully responding to Gods call to carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Will we be faithful to send and support them?
