Press Release

GBIM ANNOUNCES NAME CHANGE

WINONA LAKE, IN – NOVEMBER 15, 2011 – Grace Brethren International Missions proudly announced today that the organization, founded in 1900, is now Encompass World Partners. While the name change is effective immediately, other elements of the new brand will be transitioned in phases over the next year.

The new name represents an important part of a global effort to position the organization to better carry out its mission. However, Encompass World Partner’s legal name, “The Grace Trust,” continues to honor the organization’s Grace Brethren roots.

“To fulfill our mission of mobilizing people and resources worldwide, Encompass World Partners is building upon the foundations and experience of the past 111 years with a fresh identity—one that strategically broadens our reach into foreign lands and appeals to the next generation of global workers for Christ,” said Dave Guiles, Executive Director.

The evangelical mission will continue to be closely affiliated with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, while pursuing partnerships with likeminded evangelical organizations and churches. Currently many of its staff are recruited from Christian universities like Moody Bible Institute, Liberty University, Biola University and Grace College.

“Although our name is changing,” comments Rev. Guiles, “we’re staying true to the core principles upon which we were founded, and we believe a new name will allow us to more effectively bring spiritual hope and compassionate care to those in need around the world.”

Encompass World Partners currently employs more than 120 workers from North America. An additional 80 workers from other locations form part of their global team. With ministries extending into 34 countries on five continents, the mission continues to pursue its mandate to share the message of Jesus Christ among the least-reached peoples of our world.

Encompass World Partners is currently headquartered in Winona Lake, Indiana, with plans to open an office in Atlanta in 2012.

About Encompass World Partners:

The mission of Encompass World Partners is to mobilize, equip, deploy and nurture multinational teams of disciple-makers who live and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ through engaging in sacrificial service, intentional evangelism and whole-life discipleship, resulting in the creation of healthy spiritual communities (churches).

The organization is affiliated with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches (USA) and a worldwide family of over 3000 congregations. Many of those churches trace their roots back to the faithful work of former and current generations of missionaries serving with Encompass World Partners. For more information visit http://www.EncompassWorldPartners.org.