The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that since 1960, the world's population has doubled from three billion to six billion people. Sadly, the number of Baptist missionaries being sent from our churches has not kept pace with the world's rapid population increase. In fact, many countries do not allow American missionaries entrance to freely preach the Gospel and plant local churches. Those nations open to the Gospel may one day expel all American missionaries, and the only remaining preachers will be nationals.

  With more people to reach, and fewer American servants being sent, our mission strategy must expand to include nationals reached and trained through the ministries of established American missionaries.

  Although they face many challenges, national pastors have some unique advantages over missionaries sent from America: nationals do not represent a foreign country or strange culture, and they already know the language or can easily adapt to another dialect.

  National pastors (we call them Pioneers) are willing and eager to go, yet oftentimes financially hindered. Most of these men would start churches without our help--but would be forced to work twelve to fourteen hours a day in secular jobs while trying to build these churches. Without support from Christians around the world, Pioneers are not able to spend much time reaching their communities for Christ, and their ministries often fail to thrive.

  A Pioneer can be totally supported for only $1,200 to $6,000 per year (depending on his location.) This includes personal and ministerial expenses. Financial support is used to assist qualified Pioneers who have been trained and educated by Partners to start new churches worldwide.

  For several years, God has dealt with my heart about reaching the lost through the ministries of national pastors. I believe that these Pioneers, working together with their American brethren, can make an enormous difference globally.

  Will you consider the opportunity to financially support Pioneers in this eternal investment?

  Yours for Christ,

Clayton Reed, Director