How One Church Earned a New Bus Through the BMN Challenge

The BUS MINISTRY NETWORK recently hosted a meeting in Chicago for pastors

and bus directors. The churches represented in that meeting were offered the opportunity to earn an additional bus by challenging their bus workers in one of three different ways. Several of the churches chose one of the following challenges to complete, and they are working hard to reach their goals.

• BIG DAY – Exceed last year’s Big Day attendance and earn up to $8,000 in matching funds from the BUS MINISTRY NETWORK toward the purchase of a new bus.

  - 5% attendance increase = 60% matching funds

  - 10% attendance increase = 70% matching funds

  - 15% attendance increase = 80% matching funds

2. PROGRAM AVERAGE – Exceed last year’s program average and earn up to $10,000 in matching funds from the BUS MINISTRY NETWORK toward the purchase of a new bus.

   - 5% attendance increase = 60% matching funds

   - 10% attendance increase = 70% matching funds

   - 15% attendance increase = 80% matching funds

3. FIRST-TIME & RETURNING VISITORS – Bring new and returning visitors and earn up to $13,050 in matching funds from the BUS MINISTRY NETWORK toward the purchase of a new bus.

   - Earn $100 toward the purchase of a new bus for every first-time visitor (first time to attend your church).

   - Earn $50 toward the purchase of a new bus for every returning visitor.

   - All fu

   nds earned within up to 52 weeks (up to $13,050) will be contributed by the BUS MINISTRY NETWORK up to 90% in matching funds for the purchase of a new bus.

*In every case, the “total” cost of the bus could include whatever it takes to get the bus road worthy for your church, such as paint, wrap, tires, brakes, etc.

We are pleased to announce that the first church has already earned a new bus through the First-Time & Returning Visitors challenge. Iglesia Bautista Fundamental of East Chicago, Indiana, pastored by Pastor Misael Menjívar, recently had a 4-week Fall Program on their buses. Bus Director Kevin Menjívar reports that their 12 bus routes were averaging 22 riders per route before the program, and their average increased to 34 riders per route during the first two weeks of the program. After the BUS MINISTRY NETWORK presented the opportunity to earn a new bus, these bus captains, workers, and drivers worked even harder, and the Lord blessed with an average of 44 riders per route the last two weeks of the program! Praise the Lord for the 139 first-time visitors that rode a bus to Iglesia Bautista Fundamental during their Fall Program! During these same 4 weeks, 105 precious souls received Christ for salvation, and 61 followed the Lord in baptism!

Iglesia Bautista Fundamental has already received the funds from the BUS MINISTRY NETWORK and has used them to purchase not only one bus, but they were also able to add some of their own funds and will be purchasing a second bus as well! The first new bus was already on the road picking up boys and girls for church this past Sunday, and there were 5 first-time visitors brought to church because of it!