Louisville—With Cooperative Program Sunday only weeks away, churches have the opportunity to remind members who makes it possible for missionaries to change lives with the gospel.

About 980 missionaries will be retiring or voluntarily leaving the International Mission Board this year because the organization has operated with a $210 million deficit over the past six years.

Kentucky Baptist Convention Executive Director Paul Chitwood said the news serves to stress the vital importance of the Cooperative Program in fulfilling the Great Commission abroad and at home.

“When churches give through the CP, they not only invest in the advance of the gospel in other countries, they invest in the advance of the gospel in their own communities and in neighboring counties and churches,” Chitwood said.

The Kentucky Baptist Convention has many resources to help churches promote the Cooperative Program. A number of videos and materials are available for download. Printed materials, such as children’s activities books, can be ordered and shipped directly.

Churches can also schedule a KBC representative to speak about the Cooperative Program. Find out more at www.kybaptist.org/cp.