Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering 2022

This offering is being promoted and collected in December 2022.

For all they’ve done for you:
Pray. Listen. Baptize. Marry. Direct. Lead. Bury. Comfort.
Counsel. Mourn. Welcome. Intercede. Guide. Celebrate. Enlighten.
Give to RMMO.

We all remember the pastor or missionary who made a difference in our lives. The ones who were with us in the big moments and small. With leadership, listening, wisdom, condolence or just the right prayer when needed most, their selfless service has a lasting effect. The Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering (RMMO) is a way to give back.

Say “thank you” to retired pastors and missionaries who have served American Baptist churches and ministries for 15 years or more through your gift to the 2022 Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering.

There are pastors who have supported you (see the letters from former pastors below) and those you love directly in seeking Jesus Christ, while all missionaries serve as our collective hands and hearts in projects throughout the country and around the world.

Letter from Jerry Springston dated November 30, 2022:

Dear Loved Ones,
Terri and I never cease praising the Lord for bringing us into your acquaintance. Our service as ministers-at-large at the First Baptist Church of Marion was an experience that we’ll always cherish.

Now, having been retired for seventeen years, your continued generous support of the American Baptist Churches’ Ministers and Missionaries “Thank You Offering” has made it possible for us to receive a much-appreciated monetary gift each year. Bless you! “Great is your faithfulness!”

Letter from Lyle Lee dated December 1, 2022:

To friends and members of First Baptist Church, Marion.

It is a joy to greet you in this joyous season of our Lord. In a time when our world seems upside down, you have a loving congregation in which to celebrate our Saviour’s love and salvation. Marion Church has always been for me and my family a great place to live and grow and serve.

I received last week the generous Thank You gift which each year you take part in. Thank you on my part and that of many others who share in it. We certainly appreciate it.

Knowing the needs of many of our ABC pastors throughout the year I too continue to give to this well managed offering each year. Please greet all the people there including those I haven’t met.
Yours in Christ’s Love,
Lyle W. Lee

Letter from Randy Bobzien dated December 7, 2022:

Regarding the RMMO special offering paid by check through the Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board (MMBB) and knowing that it comes from congregations such as First Baptist Church-Marion. It is truly an honor to receive a check from RMMO, who sends the checks out to retired ministers and missionaries from the giving of wonderful churches such as FBC-Marion. When I say churches I truly am talking about all the wonderful folks and friends who gave to the RMMO offering. It stirs up the positive emotions of our friends in Marion and how much we miss all of you.

As much as I appreciate the thought for Julie and I, it pleases me even more to know that there are funds available for retired pastors and missionaries for times of financial hardships. To know that if a spouse passes away suddenly or ends up in Intensive Care Unit for a period of time, MMBB with funding by RMMO have funds available to help in times of financial disaster and many other reasons that causes distress for a family.

We are so very blessed by loving and caring people from churches like First Baptist Church-Marion.

Sincerely, Julie and Randy Bobzien

Letter from Kay Nelson (Rev. Robert Nelson) dated December 9, 2022:

Dear friends at First Baptist Marion,
I recently received my RMMO gift, and I wanted to express my thanks to you for your generous contribution. The gift of the money is very nice and and very helpful, not just to me but to many, many faithful servants who are now retired. It’s very fulfilling to be remembered. So, thank you very much.

I will be spending the holidays with my family in Chicago: children, grandchildren, even great-grandchildren. So, spending time with them will be special.

I have been reminiscing a lot lately and remember good times with you: choir, bells, potlucks, church services… you always were a “fellowshipping” bunch!

I miss Robert so very much… I know he is in the presence of his Lord, but I miss his presence. I hope you are all doing well and have a very blessed holiday season.

Sincerely,
Kay Nelson

This short video provides an overview of RMMO.

Following God’s call does not come without certain sacrifices. Retired ministers, missionaries, and their widowed spouses are often faced with the stress and hardship of unexpected expenses. Medical problems, relocating, or the death of a spouse can also cause these leaders to find themselves far from the church family that once supported them.

The assistance provided by RMMO restores that lifeline and ongoing connection to the ABCUSA family.

The RMMO offering is being collected at First Baptist, Marion, IA, during the month of December 2022. 

Please support the RMMO by contributing whatever amount you can to say “Thank You” to those who serve. Even small gifts make a difference and contribute to our collective gratitude.

Checks should be mailed to First Baptist Church, 1260 29th St, Marion, IA 52302.

You can give online through our church’s e-giving platform by clicking on the Give button and selecting RMMO on the “To:” pulldown.

Give

Thank you for your donation to help retired ministers, missionaries and their widowed spouses.