Matthew 28:18-20: Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Mark 12:31: The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these.

Matthew 25:37-39: Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in; or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Every body of Christ (the church) is called to see itself as a mission station—a place for the Gospel to be proclaimed in word and action so that the lives of God’s people can be transformed and renewed.

Every congregation is called to be faithful stewards—to carefully share the resources God has provided as a blessing in the community and the world.

How do we respond to these calls? Our response affirms the reality of God’s abundance and grace. We acknowledge and demonstrate these realities by adherence to God’s Word; particularly in the verses aforementioned.

In the Philadelphia Baptist Association 123 congregations come together to do missions convinced that we can accomplish more together than we can separately. These congregations partner with 1,200 missionaries in the United States and 120 missionaries in other parts of the world to impact 32 nations of the world. Whether it means resettling a refugee family from Rwanda or Serbia, rescuing an adolescent from prostitution in Thailand or a gang in Los Angeles, or providing ministry to the imprisoned or homeless here in Philadelphia, we are ALWAYS demonstrating our ability to be faithful witnesses together.

Being responsible trustees of what God has given us frees us to make decisions that reflect our faith in God.

Giving to missions through the Philadelphia Baptist Association and American Baptist Churches USA is an efficient, coordinated and responsible way to make certain your missions gifts are utilized most effectively.

Check in once a month to see what new information can help you connect with American Baptist Mission (www.internationalministries.org and www.nationalministries.org); manage your financial life more faithfully and generously. Also explore opportunities for short term mission trips both in the United States and abroad.

Missions and Stewardship matters in the PBA—let’s show God’s love to the world.

Reflect God in your caring, giving, laughing, living, loving, receiving, and sharing.

Do you really want to follow Jesus?