BGMC Breaks $200 Million in Giving
Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge, which is approaching its 75th anniversary, recently broke $200 million in total giving.
Brightmoor Christian Church in Novi, Michigan, a longtime Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge (BGMC) supporter, sent in a BGMC offering of $9,032.28 this summer, which was received by the Assemblies of God national office on July 6. That gift sent BGMC over the $200 million mark in giving since the program was launched 74 years ago.According to the BGMC website, BGMC began with an offering of $9.35 in 1949 by the then New York-New Jersey district, with a total of $1,290.39 given to BGMC for the year. Since that time, giving to BGMC, which funds missionaries to reach the children of the world and create a heart of compassion in kids, is in the millions of dollars annually.
“What an exciting milestone,” states David Alexieff, BGMC national director. “God has blessed and used BGMC in ways likely never imagined by leaders in the 1940s and, as a result, millions have heard the gospel message — often for the very first time.”
Brightmoor, which is led by pastor Norman Kjos Jr., averages about 2,000 in Sunday morning attendance and supports over 130 missionaries and ministries around the world.
Drew Hynson, children’ pastor for Brightmoor, says that the church’s ministry goal is to create a lifestyle of missions praying, going, and giving in each child and youth at Brightmoor.
“We consistently look for appropriate projects to help with this goal,” Hynson says. “The Brightmoor Missions Department also matches funds raised by our children and our youth ministries. We want every child and youth to know we believe in them and will partner with them to help advance the gospel.”
Hynson shares how during their spring VBS program they also do a boys vs. girls BGMC fundraising challenge, which the girls have historically always won, except for last year, when the boys won.
“One of our third-grade boys, Dylan, was determined to make sure the boys won back-to-back BGMC challenges,” Hynson recalls. “So, at school, he told all of his friends about the challenge (and) invited them to VBS.”
Hynson says that although the girls did win the contest, the bigger win in his estimation was a third grader telling his fellow classmates about BGMC and inviting them to church.
“Brightmoor Church has a long history of missions — 97 years,” Hynson says. “It now falls in our hands to ensure the next generation is passionate and mission-focused about seeking and saving those who are lost. Brightmoor Church, together with partners such as BGMC and STL (Speed the Light), will be relentless in seeing life transformation for the glory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus!”
“We and our AG missionaries are so thankful for children and churches, such as Brightmoor, giving faithfully to BGMC,” says Alexieff. “But it’s important to understand, from the largest church to the smallest congregation, their giving makes a real difference as I fully believe God blesses their gifts and multiplies them for His glory.”
Later this fall, Brightmoor Church will be presented with an engraved acrylic globe and gifts for the staff by Raymond Marshall, the Michigan Ministry Network (MMN) Student Ministries/NextGen director, and Yvonne Wiggins, the MMN BGMC director, on behalf of the BGMC national office in appreciation for their giving and in recognition of the milestone offering.