Since 1845, nearly 25,000 Southern Baptist missionaries have shared the gospel, made disciples, planted churches and settled their families in 185 countries around the world. Sending Celebrations are a time to commission new missionaries who are furthering the vision of reaching all peoples with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Considering the necessary cancellation of the SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla., where the Sending Celebration was to take place, the International Mission Board (IMB) has moved the celebration to an online event on June 9 at 7 p.m. (EDT).
Fifty-nine new missionaries and two who were appointed in January will serve within each of IMB’s nine global affinities: the Americas; Central Asia; Deaf; East Asia; Europe; Northern Africa and the Middle East; South Asia; Southeast Asia; and Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Facebook Live event will be streamed on June 9 at 7 p.m. EDT on IMB’s Facebook and Vimeo pages. Individuals and churches will have the opportunity to hear stories of how God has called these missionaries into His service, and join others in praying over them as they prepare to make their homes overseas for the sake of the gospel.
A downloadable and printable prayer card is provided to help pray for these missionaries. The cards and the invitation to the virtual Sending Celebration can be shared with church families.