As a teenager, I answered the call to ministry after preparing for a summer mission trip organized by my Association of Churches in Southeastern Wisconsin. The Lakeland Baptist Association, led by Dr. Mike Brown, the Director of Missions, took us to West Bend, Wisconsin, where we conducted door-to-door surveys seeking prospects. We stayed with Dr. Jim Walsh, a retired missionary to Kenya who planned to plant a church there.

That week profoundly impacted me in two ways. First, it ignited a deep hunger for ministry, leading me to dedicate my life to the Gospel. Second, it sparked a passion for international missions. Dr. Walsh shared incredible stories about his missionary work in Kenya, and I initially told my home church in Milwaukee that God was calling me to serve there.

Though circumstances never allowed me to go to Kenya or even leave the country, I strive to lead the churches I pastor in supporting both international and domestic missions. God used a North American missionary, Mike Brown, to disciple me and guide me to answer the call, and an international missionary, Jim Walsh, to inspire my passion for missions.

Over a decade ago, my wife and I established the Kevin and Barbara Purcell Missions Endowment Fund. This fund is invested through the Provision, formerly the North Carolina Baptist Foundation, and its proceeds support the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at the church where I pastor. Each December, the fund’s earnings are sent to our church, which forwards 100 percent of the amount to the offering. Every dollar goes overseas to support mission work across continents and in Mexico.

We are thrilled that the fund has grown steadily and now provides a meaningful contribution each year. We are grateful that God blesses this ministry. Please consider making a gift. You can send donations by mail to:

Kevin and Barbara Purcell Missions Endowment Fund
Account Number 007224
North Carolina Baptist Foundation
201 Convention Drive
Cary, NC 27511

I don’t get any of this money nor does any one in my family. All of it goes to missions, 100%. When we die, it will continue to support missions until Jesus comes.