Why the International Mission Board?

Editor’s Note: BCNE churches that give to the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering support more than 3600 missionaries around the world.  Two of those missionaries are Matt and Shelby Meyer, members of Rivertown Church in Brattleboro, VT, who have been serving in Poland and were recently appointed as career missionaries.

In my time preparing to go overseas as a missionary and during the past three years of living in Poland many people have asked me, “Why did you choose to serve with the International Mission Board?” My first response is to say that this is the path the Lord led us to, and we want to be obedient to the Father. However, when we dig deeper there are many reasons to serve with or support the IMB if you are looking to reach the nations.

1. The IMB is an organization that seeks the will and heart of God.

This point is vital, because without that foundation, all the resources and all the work will never be enough. The IMB has its foundation firmly built on the truth that we find in Scripture, and are the leaders are always striving to honor God with any decisions and/or strategy to reach the lost.

2. The IMB has been sending missionaries overseas for 175 years.

The IMB’s experience and wisdom in mission work is unparalleled. Their extensive history also means that there is a deep connection of support through local Southern Baptist churches that allow IMB missionaries to reach the nations in partnership with local believers.

3. The IMB provides support to its missionaries that is second to none.

My wife and I are able to receive training, resources and funding that allow us to stay focused on the mission work God has called us to do. We don’t have to return to the States on fundraising trips because there are already churches supporting us through the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. In addition, the IMB provides organizational support for language learning, medical issues, kids’ education and more for each and every missionary. This is an organization that truly cares about its people and will do whatever they can to best equip us for the work that God has called us to.

4. The IMB helps local churches get involved in missions.

I am deeply thankful to local churches, not only for the financial support, but for supporting us through prayer and sending volunteers to serve alongside us. In our first three years of overseas ministry, we have been blessed immensely by churches coming to Poland and being a part of what we are doing.

Another thing that was crucial in our decision to serve with the IMB was the fact that in college I was part of a local church that already had a strong partnership with the IMB. This allowed me to serve a summer overseas with IMB personnel and get a glimpse of how the Lord was using those missionaries in their context. It also gave me a foot in the door to see how the IMB operates as an organization and how they are striving to fulfill the Great Commission.

Do I think that everyone has to work for the IMB? Of course not. Do I think there are other organizations that are doing great things to advance the Kingdom of God? Absolutely! I just know that the Lord has called me and my wife to reach the lost in Poland, and I believe that the IMB gives us the best option to be obedient to the call that God has placed on our hearts. I encourage anyone who thinks overseas mission work may be in your future to reach out and begin the conversation with the IMB. I promise you won’t regret it.

Matt Meyer and his wife, Shelby, serve as IMB missionaries in Krakow, Poland. Their sending church is Rivertown Church in Brattleboro, VT.