I had the honor of coming here to Manila, Philippines through the International Mission Board (IMB) in 2002.   I came here as a short-term (3 year) missionary.  The IMB is a wonderful missionary organization and they took great care of me. 

Because of strategic reasons, the IMB was unable to give me another term here in Manila.  I completely understand their decision, but I nevertheless felt called to return to the ministry God has had me doing the past three years.  I have decided to return to Manila and continue ministry! 

I considered joining other missionary agencies, but decided that I could not do so without having to change my ministry strategy or possibly running into doctrinal conflicts.  Please refer to the Baptist Faith and Message if you are interested in learning more about my doctrinal beliefs.  I am now a missionary of First Baptist Pinson, my home church in Alabama.  They profide financial, prayer, and logistical support. 

I have many friends and family members who support me through their prayers and/or finances.  Please contact me if you feel lead to do either.  Just email me or visit my FAQs page if you want more specific information about my financial needs. 

Financial Support can be sent to:
Kevin Sanders Missionary Fund,
First Baptist Church Pinson
4036 Spring Street
Pinson, AL 35126
Phone: (205) 681-9611
100% of the money which goes to this fund will go directly to meet my financial needs. 



Below is a letter I sent out to my supporters a while back.  I have posted it here in case some of you have not had the opportunity to see it:

As all of you know, I came to the Philippines in July of 2002 through the International Mission Board.  These past three years with the IMB have been a blessed, glorious time in the Lord’s service.  I am eternally indebted to this agency for sending me here, supporting me, and allowing me to see what God is doing in Asia.

The International Mission Board is now primarily focusing its attention on “Unreached People Groups,” groups of people with fewer than 2% Christians and limited Christian witness.  Much of the Philippines no longer falls into this category.  The IMB has therefore decided not to give me another two year term here in Manila. 

After much prayer, I have decided to continue my ministry here in Manila beyond this three-year term. I will be taking a short (5-6 week) furlough in April/May, and after that I will be returning here to Manila. God simply has not released me from my ministry to and burden for the hundreds and thousands of Manila college students, of which over 96% are lost.  I am fully convinced that for now this is where I can be most effective for the Kingdom.  God willing, this will be accomplished through means which I have never before attempted.

I am writing to inform all of you that I plan to return to Manila an independently funded missionary.  This has not been an easy decision for me.  As a loyal Southern Baptist, “missions” and “IMB” are virtually synonymous in my mind.  God, however, has slowly and methodically opened my heart to this course of action. While I wholeheartedly support the IMB’s overall direction and vision, it does not “match” God’s calling on my life at this specific point in time. 

I have asked my prayer partners to consider supporting me financially, and I believe they will respond in force.  My home church in the States (First Baptist Church Pinson, Alabama) has agreed to endorse my ministry and accept donations from my supporters. 

I want all of you to understand that I do not have any animosity towards the IMB.  I still believe it is the world’s finest missionary organization, and I will continue to partner with them closely in Manila.  My fellow IMB colleagues have already begun helping me get things set up for next year’s ministry.  Strategic prioritization is the only reason I was denied another term.  The IMB’s decision was not based on moral, spiritual, or theological discrepancies. 

I plan to serve here for the next 2-3 years on the collegiate ministry team.  At the end of that time I will be 35-36 years old and will have to consider whether I could be more effective in some other type of ministry.  I am now treated by the students and my teammates as an older brother, but I know age will eventually be a hindering factor in my effectiveness.  This is all the more reason that I want to keep doing this ministry while I still can.

I will be serving the same Lord and preaching the same gospel that I always have.  I believe it is time, however, to prepare for this transition so that I can continue my ministry. 
 
If any of you feel led to support me financially just let me know.  More than anything I covet your prayer support as I plan my continued ministry in Manila.   


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