McDonald to retire early

Mitch McDonald, missions facilitator with the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention, announced recently that he will take early retirement at the end of the year.

“Arizona Southern Baptists owe a debt of gratitude to Mitch for 20 years of faithful service to our churches,” said David Johnson, AZSBC executive director.

In recognition of his long-term service to Arizona Southern Baptists, the AZSBC Executive Team voted to extend McDonald’s pay and benefits through the end of March 2017. That date will mark his 20-year anniversary with the state convention.

Through the years, McDonald has served as a student evangelism intern, associate evangelism director with responsibilities in student and international missions, evangelism director/facilitator and missions facilitator.

“He has served selflessly and tirelessly in everything from preaching to leading missions teams to countless events over these years,” Johnson said. “From youth evangelism conferences, the birth of Zona Camp, conducting witness training, to leading out in Disaster Relief and helping churches prepare for mission trips, Mitch has made it his priority to mobilize Arizona Southern Baptists to share the message of Jesus Christ and live on mission.

“We thank God for all he has done over these years and the sacrifice Mona and his family have made to share him with churches across our state.”

After his retirement, McDonald will continue to serve as director of Arizona Southern Baptist Disaster Relief as a part-time employee, Johnson said.

“Words can’t express my appreciation for the platform that Arizona Southern Baptists have afforded me to do ministry,” McDonald said. “I will forever be grateful for the opportunities they have given me. They have been loving and gracious to me through 20 years of ministry.”