JEFFERSON CITY – Easter is fast approaching, and that means it istime for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering to support the efforts of the North American Mission Board (NAMB). Missouri Baptists have set a goal for the 2014 offering of $2 million. That is up from the $1.75 million goal last year, since Missourians blew by the goal and gave $2,002,727.17. The nationwide goal is $70 million for ministry across the country, including in Missouri.
This year’s week of prayer for NAMB ministries is March 2-9. One of the North American missionaries featured in this year’s materials is Andrew Mann, a church planter originally from Poplar Bluff who has planted a church in the Bronx, New York City (See story, page 12).
When people give to the offering, 100 percent of their gift will be transformed into missionary salaries and ministry supplies. Those missionaries and supplies will help others hear the message of Christ and respond in faith to His offer of salvation. Behind each penny given, there is a Southern Baptist who believes in what they do and is affirming the need to equip them to share the gospel with those who need a Savior. Sixty-five percent of the offering goes toward evangelism and church planting; 20 percent goes toward NAMB’s “Farm System” of raising up the next generation of missionaries (such as student missionaries, campus missionaries, church planting interns and apprentices); and the final 15 percent goes toward NAMB healthcare benefits.
The planning guide is sent to each Southern Baptist church office in early January. The planning guide offers information, planning tips and a DVD. If your church has not received a copy, call the Missouri Baptist Convention’s Sharon Paris at 1-800-736-6227 or go to www.anniearmstrong.com. Though Easter is the traditional time for Annie Armstrong Offerings, funds are collected throughout the year.