We are writing to you today with a two-fold purpose…
First, we want to express our appreciation to you for your partnership with ABWE as we seek to communicate the Gospel throughout the world. From a surgeon at a mission hospital in Africa to a church planter in South America, ABWE missionaries are touching the lives of tens of thousands for the cause of Christ. You help make this possible with your prayers and the generous sharing of your resources. Your long-standing relationship with ABWE is an invaluable asset to the furtherance of the Kingdom.
Second, in consideration of that partnership, we want to make you aware that Dr. Michael Loftis concluded his faithful service as president of The Association of Baptists for World Evangelism as of June 7, 2011. The Board of ABWE Ministries, Inc., has expressed their appreciation to Dr. Loftis and his wife, Jo Beth, for their 13 years as missionaries in Eastern Europe and 10 years in leading our mission with unquestioned moral and financial integrity.
During those 10 years, Dr. Loftis brought great passion and giftedness to the cause of Christ worldwide. However, in view of the present needs of the mission and the board’s concern that a change of leadership was necessary, there was a unanimous decision that it would be best to seek a new president. These decisions have been some of the most difficult we have faced as a board. We want to assure you that these decisions were not rushed or due to any outside pressure. They were made after much prayer, deep discussion, careful analysis, and interviews with ABWE leadership. Our unanimous conclusion was affirmed by Dr. Loftis; all are in agreement that God has led us in this decision. The response of Dr. Loftis has been Christ-like, humble, and affirming.
The board is presently assembling a Strategic Transition Team to assess the needs of the administration, formulate a presidential profile, and initiate a search process for a new president. We anticipate that the process to find our next president could take 18 months or longer. The board has appointed Dr. Al Cockrell as Interim Executive Administrator of the mission.
Dr. Al Cockrell
Dr. Al Cockrell
Dr. Al Cockrell has served faithfully on the ABWE Board and comes to ABWE with 45 years of ministry experience. A church-planter in his youth, he has pastored in three churches over a span of 40 years.
Al has also served as a Senior Consultant with “Injoy Stewardship Services”, to help churches develop leadership and direction for their future.
Most recently, Al has served in a pastoral/consultant role with two churches, focused on assisting them to grow through a period of transition to younger leadership. This ministry has included identifying skill set needs of staff members, strategic planning, and leadership to best incorporate change that is necessary for a church to maximize its effectiveness.
Al was appointed to the ABWE Advisory Council in 1985. He has been serving since 1995 on the Executive ABWE Ministries, Inc., Board. In 2010 he was appointed as the leader of the Presidential Aviation Commission, elected Chairman of ABWE North America, Inc., and served as Board Consultant for Church Revitalization. On June 7, 2011, he stepped down as an ABWE Board member after being appointed to serve as the Interim Executive Administrator of ABWE.
ABWE would request your continued prayers for the Loftises, the worldwide ABWE family, and the board and administration as we seek God’s leading and guidance in the days ahead.
We have the deepest gratitude to you for your continual investment in the life and work of Christ through ABWE. If you have questions, concerns, or counsel for us, we are willing and ready to speak with you at your convenience.
Your servants in Christ,
Ron Berrus
Chairman, ABWE Ministries, Inc.
(717) 614-5118
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Al Cockrell
Executive Administrator of ABWE
(717) 909-2326
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Recent Stories
5/3/12
May 2012 G.R.A.C.E. Investigation Report
G.R.A.C.E. Investigation; 1-year update
4/16/12
Mary Lou Brownell passes away at 82
Brownell served in Bangladesh and the Home Office for many years.
3/27/12
Corabelle Stowell, wife of longest-serving Board member in ABWE history, passes away
Her husband, Dr. Joseph Stowell II, went home to be with the Lord in June 2007
