IMB News Office
Scott Harris
RICHMOND — The International Mission Board is ready to move forward into a future of partnership with churches that empowers limitless missionary teams who are making disciples and multiplying churches among unreached peoples and places for the glory of God, International Mission Board President David Platt told the agency’s trustees May 11.
In addition to hearing this vision for the future, IMB trustees also approved the appointment of 29 new missionaries; recognized the longtime service of two faithful missions servants as they retire; and elected new officers during their May 9-11 meeting near Richmond.
Scott Harris, missions minister at Brentwood Baptist Church, Brentwood, since 2002, was elected trustee chairman.
Southern Baptist churches have rallied around the IMB in an unprecedented way to indicate their passion to get the gospel to people who have never heard it, Platt said, noting Lottie Moon Christmas Offering projections indicate an increase in the 2015 annual offering, which runs through the end of May. Offering totals are reported in early June after the conclusion of the campaign year.
Trustees also presented a resolution in appreciation of a one-time $4 million gift from the North American Mission Board to aid IMB missionaries transitioning off the missions field.
“God is good, and God is gracious, and in all we have walked through, God has been faithful to provide everything we need and, by His grace and in His wisdom, to bring us to a place that we set out to get to nine months ago: a place of short-term financial responsibility and long-term organizational stability,” Platt said. “The stage is now set for God to work in and through the IMB for years to come spreading His grace and His glory all over the world.”
The trustee meeting included a luncheon honoring Clyde and Elaine Meador, who retire May 13 after 41 years of service through IMB. Trustees also presented a resolution in appreciation for the Meadors’ service. Clyde Meador has worked closely with three IMB presidents as a top advisor and executive vice president, and even as the missions organization’s interim president from August 2010 to March 2011. He has served most recently as executive advisor to the president.
During the plenary session May 11, trustees also recognized Wanda Lee, who has announced her retirement by the end of this year after serving for 16 years as executive director of national Woman’s Missionary Union. Lee and her husband, Larry, are former IMB missionaries who were appointed in 1979 to the Windward Islands. The recognition included a gift of $15,000 from the IMB to The Wanda Lee Joy Fund, which helps provide a solid financial foundation for the operational expenses of national WMU.
