Record Global Missions Giving & Engagement at BCA
2018 is proving to be an exceptional year of global missions giving and engagement at BCA. At the time this writing, we have 2 STORM (Short Term OutReach Missions) teams abroad, one serving in Swaziland/eSwatini and the other in Cuba. In September we have a team going back to the island of Sumba in Indonesia, and in November I’ll be leading a team to Albania as we kick off our 5th Global Church Partnership (GCP). Our church has given sacrificially to missions in an incredible way again this year. I can’t thank you enough, BCA, for taking seriously Christ’s command to “go into all the world and make disciples” (Matt 28:19,20).
Last weekend was a great time at BCA with one of our favorite missionary teams, Terry and Marsha Peretti, sharing in all our services. Terry has been very instrumental in helping us launch our new Global Church Partnership in Albania. Over the next 5-10 years BCA will raise support and send teams to serve alongside our local missionaries, pastors, and churches in Albania. Over a year ago I reached out to Terry, letting him know that we were ready to begin our 5th GCP and had our eyes and heart set on Europe. We prayed about the options and what Terry had shared with us and determined that Albania was where God was leading us to serve for the next 5-10 years. Like with our other GCPs, we began looking for a missionary in Albania who was working with local pastors and churches, as these folks serve as the real boots on the ground. Our purpose with all of our GCPs is simply to come alongside our local missionaries and pastors and give them a hand up. It is our heart to send teams, provide resources, do pastoral training, conduct medical clinics, dig wells or build water installations, complete construction projects (from building churches, additions, parsonages, etc). preform children and youth and compassion outreach, and more, all while working alongside our local, indigenous teams on the ground.
Terry helped us kick off our resource-raising phase last weekend, and “introduced” us to the team we’ll be working with. We are so excited to work alongside missionary Kurt Plagenhoef and the pastors and local church in Durres, Albania. As Terry reminded us, Albania is arguably the poorest country in all of Europe. There are very few churches and only about 0.5% are Christian by Bible standards (according to Operation World). The need is great – but so is the opportunity! It is a huge privilege for BCA to participate in advancing God’s work in southern Europe. The Balkan Peninsula is ripe for harvest and God has prepared our hearts to serve the wonderful people of Albania. Of course, we can’t make this dream a reality without your help. Some of you will go on STORM trips to Albania over the coming years, but something we can all do is pray and give. I want to ask you all to join me in praying for and giving to our new GCP in Albania.
Our goal is to raise $25,000 for Albania by this November. Yes, that’s a lofty goal, but it’s an attainable one! So far a matching gift of $6,000 has been given and we hope to match that with another $6,000 before summer is out. And then throughout the fall we hope to double that yet again! Like I said, the need is great – but so is the opportunity! Would you pray for Albania and, if you are able, give to help us grow God’s church in Albania? You can give online anytime at bcachurch.com/give. Just select the “Global Missions Special Projects” box in the dropdown menu and select “Albania Global Church Partnerships.” You can also give in any of our weekend services by marking the missions box and noting “Albania” on the giving envelope. I can’t thank you enough for joining me in praying, giving and, for some of you, even going to Albania! Your constant and generous heart to give so much so all may hear and come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord blesses my heart and the very heart of God.
With appreciation and gratitude,
