2019 February Missions Board Meeting Summary

The Board of Missions Meeting opened with about 15 minutes of prayer in small groups for Black Rock’s Global Partners by name.

The treasurer gave her report and the Board accepted it.

Missions Pastor’s Report

One global partner is considering changing association with his agency and wanted to have a discussion and reaction from Black Rock’s board of missions.

There was a report on the local campus ministries and included discussion as to whether there is any duplication of effort with Black Rock’s efforts and those of campas ministries the board supports. It was concluded that there was none of any note.

There was discussion as to how a new global partners social media initiative may be staffed.

The BOM discussed ways to make renewing a Faith Promise pledge easier. The Board of Missions approved addition of a note to the 2019 Faith Promise card explaining that those who make a pledge this year may receive an e-mail next year with options to renew their pledge for the same amount, increase their pledge by a given amount, or submit an “other.”

Director of Missions Report

One longstanding global partner is considering returning to the States so that one of the two may care for her parent. Discussion ensued as to how that will affect the work in the country in question.

The BOM approved the proposed Grant Application and Policy document and agreed to put the policy into practice.

The Board of Missions approved an annual grant of $9,000 ($150/mo. for five children) starting 2018-19 and continuing through 2020-21. Grant monies will be used to assist a global partner in Ghana in caring for children whom IJM rescues out of slavery.

After reviewing the grant application submitted by a global partner on behalf of the church in Algeria, the BOM had further questions. Pastor Larry will ask how the May 2018 $5,000 grant was spent and what other potential funding sources they have.

The BOM approved a grant to assist the Kazakhstan church with their building project. A check for $10,000 will be sent now and another $10,000 will be sent in June 2019 pending progress on the project.

The BOM approved a three-year annual grant of $10,000 through 2020-21 to support a global partner’s ministry in North Africa.

The dessert from a European global partner was well attended and nicely set up. They gave a good update.

The Royal Family Kid’s Camp fundraiser was a great evening that included good food and a creative program and presentation. It is unfortunate that there were not more “outsiders” in attendance.

A new global partner intern was introduced; she has expressed an interest in focusing on local ministries.

The Board of Missions approved a one-time grant of $2,500 to assist a global parnter in replacing their car ($2,000) and their washing machine ($500)

Copies of the STAMP brochure were distributed.

Meeting adjourned at 9:45 with prayer.

2019 January Missions Board Meeting Summary

The Board of Missions members started the meeting by praying for global partners by name.

Missions Pastor’s Report

Pastor Larry reported on the “Church Goes Viral” Missions - oriented class on Sundays. the STAMP trip upcoming to Nigeria and discussions with OMSC about Black Rock sponsoring a resident there next year.

Report from a Local Student Ministry

There are students from both Sacred Heart and Fairfield University attending Sanctuary and there is a small group established on each of the campuses (about 14 people at Fairfield University and 5-6 people at SHU). Pray for campus recognition of Sanctuary’s ministry and increased student participation in small groups.

Updates on 2019 Missions Conference

A conference graphic has been designed. Lee Pitts will speak at the men’s breakfast. Next conference committee meeting is Tuesday, January 22. Decided not to formally add “connect” to pray, go, give construct of all missions conferences. To be considered for next year.

Missions Handbook

To be taken up after Missions Conference

Grant Application

A major grant request was made; materials distributed for consideration by Board at next meeting.

Updates

Royal Family has a fundraiser scheduled Saturday, February 9.

Patty and Joseph from World Relief will meet with members of the Haiti team, Larry and Dawn on Saturday, January 19.

The BOM approved a one-time grant of $1,000 toward a local student leader fund-raising campaign.

One global partner reported that they had a $3,700 deficit in their support account. The BOM approved a one-time grant of $1,000 to help them meet their shortfall.

The Consortium will interview a global partner candidate on January 31. She is scheduled to meet with Black Rock’s BOM on February 12. Copies of her application were distributed.

BOM members are invited to Bridgeport Rescue Mission’s Night of Praise and Worship on January 25, 7:00, at Klein Auditorium. Churches from all over Fairfield County will come together to give thanks to God and pray for His revival in our community