Last week the trustees of the International Mission Board voted to temporarily suspend two missions programs.  The International Service Corps is a two-year program that sends missionaries for a two-year period.  These are not career missionaries but many times they will go back to the mission field as a result of this experience.  They also suspended The Masters Program, which gives those that are a little older or retired to go and serve overseas.

This also means that there is the possibility other missionary appointments will be limited as well.  This is a result of the financial crisis that we see all over the world.  This comes at a very inopportune time when we have so many opportunities, so many people interested in going to the mission field and the need for the gospel is more critical every day.

This move will affect people within our own church.  We pray that this will be temporary.  This will certainly have an impact on our missionaries on the field.  I believe that this has just amplified the importance of our trip to Thailand. These missionaries will need our support and encouragement.

It is certainly a challenge for us to take such a large group at such a difficult time, but I know that God is and will continue to bless our efforts.  I would ask you increase your prayer efforts on behalf of our team and the missionaries that are feeling the effects of this action.  God is not shocked by these circumstances.  We must put our trust in Him and make sure that we are found faithful in every area.