An open letter from W. Thomas Hammond, Jr.

Posted

Sometimes life is unpredictable. As much as we may plan and try to organize our lives, there are circumstances that arise out of our control. Oftentimes we have to adjust and make changes as we encounter each new situation.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is one of those situations that has arisen and brought with it uncertain times. This challenge has forced many of us to make some extremely difficult decisions. Organizations are reevaluating business practices. Churches are determining how best to continue ministry to their congregations and communities. All of us must adjust to the social distancing guidelines and what that means for our work, families, and day-to-day activities.

The Georgia Baptist Mission Board is not immune to these decision points. There is no firm timeline of when the pandemic will end, and, in an effort to ensure that our ministry remains viable for the future, we have made some proactive, yet difficult, decisions.

With this foresight, we have prayerfully moved to implement an emergency plan of cost-cutting measures. This plan will reduce mission board expenses by 43%. We will continue to monitor the situation and reevaluate as needed.

While the decisions that businesses, churches, and even the mission board are currently making are not easy, we do not lose hope. Our faith is the hope in things unseen. While we are enduring fear, anxiety, and uncertainty, we know that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Being fully aware that God has already been working in every aspect of the coronavirus situation, we believe He can do more than we can ask and imagine. So, we continue to entrust Him with the healing of the brokenness brought by this pandemic.

By God’s grace we will get through this together and be better equipped to reach the state for Christ.

COVID-19