VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 3/24/11)—Nine American Baptist International Ministries (IM) missionaries serving in Latin America were selected to be highlighted in 2011 by the Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU). The announcement was made by John Walling, CCCU president, at the CCCU annual meeting in Buena Park, CA on March 19.

The missionaries selected for this 2011 initiative are:

Mylinda and Gary Baits, Santa Cruz, Costa Rica – Theological Education and Education

Ann and Bruce Borquist, Belo Horizonte, Brazil – Economic Development and Theological Education

Kim Kushner, San Salvador, El Salvador – Theological Education

Patti and Tim Long, Tijuana, Mexico – Education and Theological Education

Corenne and Philip Garrison-Smith, Campinas, Brazil – Economic Development and Education

“CCCU has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the worldwide ministry of IM and we serve the missionary community in many ways,” commented Walling. CCCU committed to donating $50,000 per year for three years for the support of missionaries and ministries around the world.

In 2010, IM and CCCU embarked on another aspect of their partnership with the launch of an exclusive new platinum rewards Visa card called, “The Card that Gives to Global Missions.” A portion of the proceeds from these cards are contributed to IM’s global missions efforts.

American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.