The old joke is about the guy who asked, "Who is that Lottie Moon anyway? Every year we take a special offering for her." And of course often we talk about the "Lottie Moon Offering" as if everyone knew what it is all about. Well, most Southern Baptists do know, but then, all of you aren't Southern Baptists, are you? Suffice it to say that Lottie Moon was a missionary to China many years ago and the Baptist annual offering for foreign missions is named after her. This annual offering comes around at Christmas time and is a vital part of supporting us Baptist missionaries.
Many missionaries, maybe most, have to raise support to live on the mission field. Our method is different. Southern Baptist missionaries are supported by the offerings of thousands of churches who freely send their offerings to the International Mission Board, who administers the funds. It is a method that has served missions well for many years. There are approximately 5,000 IMB missionaries on the field at this time and the number is growing.
For those of you who are Baptists and give annually, some sacrificially, to the missions offering, thank you. Your giving makes our work possible. For the sake of the kingdom, pray earnestly about your gift this year. Many have given to disaster relief after Katrina, and that is good, but there is still work to be done all over the world to reach the lost.
