As the pandemic began back in March, our thoughts were of getting through this crisis and returning to normal. Then the stay-at-home orders were placed and it became very real how serious this COVID-19 would be all over the world. We have continued to talk as though we will recover our old way of living once this is over. However, COVID-19 is reshaping the future for us.

We must realize that our lives must go on and ministry must continue to happen even in the face of our ever-changing world.

First, I must say how thankful we are for the support we have received through United Ministries, Monthly Ministry Partners and Mid-Year Appeal responses. It has been such a blessing to see the faithfulness of our churches and individuals in giving to keep our ministries going through this time. The one area that has dropped off by over 50 percent is our Penny Crusade, and we realize that is likely because our churches are not meeting and cannot have the normal fundraisers, “Pat and Penny” style competitions or weekly focused giving. As we look at the needs and commitments in International Missions, the serious gap in Penny Crusade creates a critical issue for the coming months and through the end of 2020.

Did you know that Penny Crusade provides over 80 percent of the budget for International Missions each year? Currently, we are more than $90,000 below budget for the first half of the year. It is vital that our churches, leaders and supporters consider new ways to participate in Penny Crusade or, more broadly, new ways to support International Missions.

As you consider your support, remember that our Penny Crusade material is available on our website, so you could include the videos and even the handouts in your virtual services to keep members informed. Also, Jeff Walsh sends the weekly Prayer Network e-mail that shares prayer requests from around the denomination. To sign up, notify us at imissions@acgc.us, or sign up here.

Again, this could be a great way of informing your congregation about the needs and opportunities to minister in the lives of believers in our international churches. Here is a donation page just for Penny Crusade that individuals can use to give and still be counted from their home church.

We cannot wait for things to get back to normal. If we do, our missionaries and ministry partners won’t receive the financial support they need. Please be in prayer about how you might engage to support International Missions for this year.