Why I Support The Outreach Foundation

by Jefferson Ritchie 

“Remember the ‘who,’ ‘what,’ ‘when,’ ‘where,’ and ‘how,’” my sister and brother who are English professors tell me when I share an article I have written with them. Those five categories spring to mind when I think about why I support The Outreach Foundation and its Annual Appeal.

WHO: The Outreach Foundation has a staff that has a profound understanding of God’s mission that is simply this: “The church does not have a mission Rather, God has a mission and invites the church to join him in it.” Our staff has long-term connections with global partners who call us “friends,” not simply “partners.” Our staff is small but comes from seven countries.

WHAT: The Outreach Foundation connects churches in the US with what God is doing in churches around the world to communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and deed. This personalized connection with the frontlines of mission is what makes The Outreach Foundation stand out as a vital mission organization.

WHEN: Our mission began in 1979 and celebrates 40 years this September.

WHERE: Our focus is those countries where there is a legacy of Presbyterian mission going back to 1837. Currently, we have mission relationships with the Church in over thirty-seven countries on five continents.

HOW: In a joyful, humble manner, The Outreach Foundation’s staff, trustees, and advocates make friends with Christians from around the world who are engaged in God’s mission; we build relationships with Christians in the US who want to participate in God’s mission; and we introduce these disciples to each other for mission in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

WHY: How do the who, what, when, where, and how of The Outreach Foundation answer the ultimate question, “Why give to The Outreach Foundation?” In a word, it is the impact that The Outreach Foundation has had over the past four decades. As we have connected God’s people for God’s mission, lives have been transformed through the preaching of the gospel, the training of leaders, the planting and building of churches, the development of health and education in impoverished communities, and the timely distribution of relief in times of natural and human disaster. I am a testimony to one of our favorite sayings at Outreach: “Follow Jesus into the world, and the first life you change may be your own.”

Dear friends these are a summary of the who, what, when, where, how, and why of The Outreach Foundation. I hope you will consider continuing the life-changing work of The Outreach Foundation by joining me in support of the Annual Fund. Your gift makes our work possible. Thank you!

Jefferson Ritchie

Mission Advocate