The primary financial channel to carry out the “Acts 1:8 Challenge” and the “Great Commission” (Matthew 28:18-20) among Southern Baptists is called the Cooperative Mission Program. Churches affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention all across North America decided to cooperate together in supporting mission work in North America and the World.

     The local church determines what percentage of their undesignated gifts/offerings will be contributed through the Cooperative Mission Program. These funds are sent to the Alaska Baptist Convention, Anchorage. Thirty-three percent (33%) of the funds received are sent on to the Southern Baptist Executive Offices in Nashville, Tennessee. There it is divided among International Missions (50%), North American Missions (24%), 6 seminaries (22%), and other entities as stated in the SBC Budget.

     The Cooperative Mission Program Funds remaining in Alaska provides salary and travel support for 15 fully appointed and supported missionaries serving in Alaska. The salary and benefits for the Alaska Baptist Convention Executive Director and support staff are provided from these funds. Of the $1.2 million dollars that the North American Missions Board invests in Alaska Baptist work, 12% is provided by Alaska Baptist churches through the Cooperative Mission Program funds. That is why the Cooperative Mission Program is so important to Alaska Baptist work.

     While we are working to start churches and evangelize the nonbelievers in Alaska, we are helping to support over 5,000 missionaries serving in over 160 countries around the world and another 5,000+ missionaries serving in North America and U.S. Territories. The smallest church and mission has the opportunity to impact their community, our state and our world with the Gospel.

     As you read the “Messenger” and hear missionaries serving in Alaska speak, remember you and your church, through Cooperative Mission Program gifts, are a part of the work they are doing.

     The rest of the story comes from your church supporting your local Association, the special mission offerings and the local mission work in your church’s community. God has given us a plan through Acts 1:8 and Matthew 28:18-20, that allows us to be a part of His work. As individuals and churches we should be good stewards of God’s blessings.

     Every gift from every church and individual is important. Listed elsewhere in this Messenger are the top ten churches giving through the Cooperative Mission Program in 2007. The churches listed are leading the way for Alaska Baptists. I am grateful for their leadership and for every church and mission that makes the Cooperative Mission Program a priority in their mission strategy.

     The Association of Churches are important! During May a time has been suggested to recognize the Association. Churches working together to accomplish what they may not be able to do by themselves is a purpose for the Association. Express appreciation to your Associational Director of Missions during May!

     Several things are being done to say thank you to Judy Rice for her years of faithful service in Alaska. Perhaps you would like to send her a personnel letter of appreciation. Send or email your letter to the Alaska Baptist Convention office and we will see that it is included in a Book of Letters for Judy.