The CMBA Family of Churches has been a regular supporter of ministries to international teachers living and serving throughout the Midlands and, in particular, in our neighboring Richland County Districts One and Two schools.
CMBA anticipates welcoming 60 international teachers just in Richland Two schools alone for the upcoming 2024-25 school year. These individuals arrive from international countries often with just their suitcases and little to no money to help with the relocation or to set up their new home. Gift cards are a valuable and practical way to welcome these teachers to our community!
CMBA is collecting $50 Walmart gift cards that will be given to bless these international teachers during a Welcome Banquet the association is hosting on Saturday, July 27, at the SC Baptist Convention building.
In order to provide a gift card to each teacher, the 2024 CMBA collection goal is for 140 $50 Walmart gift cards. Individuals, small groups, and churches are encouraged to participate in the collection. Some churches are accepting donations, which are tax-deductible, in order to purchase the number of $50 Walmart gift cards with the total amount collected. Others might consider offering this collection as a missions opportunity related to VBS or other churchwide events.
CMBA is accepting the $50 Walmart gift cards through the Temple Baptist Church office at 806 Universal Drive in Columbia during their regular office hours of Monday-Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The final day to bring the $50 Walmart gift card donations to Temple Baptist is Monday, July 22, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thank you for welcoming these international teachers with this simple but important gift!