(RNS) Leaders of the American Baptist Churches USA say they must close a $1.5 million budget gap to avert the recall of missionaries.

At a recent World Mission Conference at Green Lake, Wis., leaders of the division discussed how, despite cuts already made, the mission offering must increase by 36 percent from $4.2 million to $5.7 million to keep all missionaries in their assignments and maintain existing ministries. The division has already approved reductions in home office staff, programs and national partner grants and operating costs.

The offering is promoted every September and October and directly supports more than 130 American Baptist missionaries.