Have you ever met with some special friends that you have not seen in awhile?

In Baptist life we have two special friends supporting missions...

The first is our local Baptist association. Except for the church, it is the oldest organizational entity in Southern Baptist life. The other is the Cooperative Program.

For years Southern Baptists have used two avenues-the local Baptist association and the Cooperative Program as primary channels for supporting our mission efforts. Yes, there are other methods and opportunities, but none surpass our "special friends." It's a good time to get reacquainted.

Your Local Baptist Association
One friend we have is the local Baptist association. Through the local association, churches have opportunities to participate in "hands-on" mission activities and to join together financially to strengthen churches and meet special needs in their area. Churches in the local association can unite to provide resources and volunteers for participation in missions. 

Your Cooperative Program
A second special friend is the Cooperative Program. Through the Cooperative Program, the ministry of the local church is extended in ministries to the needy and the lost as well as providing support for state convention missions and ministries. It also provides for North American and international missionaries. 

The Cooperative Program is so much more than goals and promotion. The Cooperative Program enables your church to be faithful to the Great Commission task (Matthew 28:18-20) Jesus gave to us. The Cooperative Program remains the most exciting way for Baptists to "cooperatively support missions."

Working Together - New Opportunities
Giving through your church to support missions in and beyond your community.

Working Cooperatively to Make a Difference
There is something that you can do about these "special friends" and new opportunities."

• Renew your interest in the local Baptist association and the Cooperative Program by learning more about the ministries being supported through them.
• Pray for the ministries supported through the local association and the Cooperative Program.
• Give generously through your church. Without individual giving, there will be no funds to support missions.
• Encourage your church to give generously to the local association and through the Cooperative Program.
• Be directly involved in mission projects in your association and in mission areas around the world.

For more information contact the Cooperative Program Office or call us at (800) 723-7242 in state or (803) 765-0030.