A Trip to Missions HQ: Visiting IMB and NAMB Headquarters

By Nancy Bennett -

Eight from Indiana had the trip of a lifetime, as we visited both our NAMB headquarters in Alpharetta, Georgia, and our IMB headquarters in Richmond, Virginia, May 20-12, 2023.

We stayed at the ILC (International Learning Center) outside Richmond, and we were blessed to meet both retiring missionaries and those going through field orientation before placement on the field. Dr. Strother, Scooter Kellum, four Indiana pastors, and two ladies representing WMU enjoyed learning from Dr. Kevin Ezell and Dr. Paul Chitwood, as we toured the facilities. It made us proud to be part of the largest international missionary force in the world.

Our highlight was attending the IMB Missionary Emeritus chapel service, with 1,244 years of experience in that room, representing over 40 counties around the world. One story will always be remembered: a Myanmar monk asked why there was no Bible in their language, if God was so great. Now they have a Bible translation in their language, and the monks have requested numerous copies for them to study! Of the 7,000 living languages worldwide, 700 have whole Bibles.

Rest assured, our IMB sending pipeline is alive and well with 4,600 missionaries on the field and others being readied to join/replace them. Praise God for the faithfulness of Southern Baptists in giving and going!